So it’s time for Dan’s EPL Predictions, and yet again I’m hoping he gets the Arsenal score wrong. If I remember correctly he also predicted he would lose to the Spuds at home, so maybe its better this way!
So here are his choices for this weekend.
Spurs 2-0 Arsenal
I don’t want to be negative but I’m not getting carried away with recent results. Winning at the Emirates has never been an issue, it’s away from home I’m worried. To win at Wembley on Saturday we must do something we have not done for years, that’s play well in the big games on our travels. My doubts are based on Emery getting his tactics correct. There’s a feeling Spurs might be there for the taking, but will our manager go for the throat by starting the likes of Ozil and Mhki or will he revert back to his negative back 5, handing our rivals the initiative? If Tottenham did lose, suddenly they are doubts to finish in the top 4, a win would be that massive.
Afc Bournemouth 1-3 Man City
It was very unlike an Eddie Howe display at the Emirates, almost accepting defeat based on their injury record. If that’s their confidence levels against us, imagine what they will be like against the champions? Normally the Cherries believe, if nothing else, their attacking style can make an impact. Despite still winning, perhaps City could do with a week off from the mental grind of always having to win, that rest isn’t coming soon.
Brighton 0-1 Huddersfield
Huddersfield were due a win, their problem is quality not work rate. Unlike a Fulham, they are not going down with a whimper. It’s a nightmare fixture for Chris Hughton, a rare time where their fans will expect them to be on the front foot. The pressure is off Huddersfield so they will get the odd result.
Burnley 1-0 Palace
Roy Hodgson is now the oldest man to ever manage in the Premiership. After his experience with England, to have the desire /appetite to still want to be on the training field each day tells you of his love for the game. He’s one of the few to rebuild his reputation after being in charge of his country. Burnley are back to having Turf Moor as a fortress so home form will be the difference.
Man United 3-0 Southampton
I am so tired of hearing how Man Utd have got through an injury crisis this week, against Liverpool they ended with Rashford, Lukaku and Sanchez up front, hardly too shabby. Like us they will be viewing the game at the Emirates as crucial to the top 4, so will want to keep the gap to be a point. Saints to sit back, these days United can handle that.
Wolves 3-0 Cardiff
In midweek Wolves yet again handled the pressure of expectation, something they face again Saturday. In the last 2 games, Cardiff have lost their defensive discipline. I admire their efforts on the pitch, but the Welsh side deserve relegation concerning their conduct over the Sala transfer. They have allowed their case to be investigated by FIFA in the hope irregularities are found so they get out of paying the 15 million. If the man was alive, do you think this be happening? Classless
West Ham 1-1 Newcastle
Toon fans might be getting excited after the last two games, where Rafa showed ambition by playing three up front. Those matches were at home so it’s interesting how positive he will be away.
Sunday
Watford 1-3 Leicester
Brendan Rodgers has a proven record of working with young players and playing attractive football. On that logic he’s a good appointment for Leicester. But any man who walks away from the chance of a treble, having claimed to be a Celtic fan, smacks of arrogance. Bear in mind the Foxes were prepared to wait till the summer, so winning silverware couldn’t have meant that much to him. It’s a blow to the image of Scottish football that a man would trade in a chance of silverware for 3 months at a mid-table side when he could have held off until the summer. Having just conceded 5 goals, Watford might be victims of their counter attacking style which will improve under Rodgers.
Fulham 0-2 Chelsea
Fulham’s players have played recently like they accept they are relegated and so now have their board by sacking Ranieri. Scott Parker has a reputation as a good young coach, but he has a better chance of giving him the job in the summer. How’s he meant to motivate players who believe they are already down? Sarri said the saga at Wembley was miscommunication yet still dropped his keeper. It overshadows what happened in his last two games; his players have delivered in big matches. Maybe Sarri was written off too soon?
Everton 0-3 Liverpool
The manner of how Liverpool best Watford could be crucial in the title race.
You sense their players needed an attacking display to remind themselves of what they can do, the only thing missing is a goal from Salah. Everton would love to be the ones to put a dent in the Reds Championship bid but sometimes you can be too desperate for a win. I look at Silva and question can he lead his players, keep their temperament in check, etc? More likely they will crumble after conceding.
Dan Smith