Another weekend of Premier League football is about to descend upon us and Dan is back with his predictions.
Southampton 1-2 Man United
It may have made a good story for the media but Rashford not scoring his penalty last weekend had nothing to do with Pogba’s failed attempt at Wolves. This is a young squad who’s confidence might be fragile. It is crucial they bounce back. Alexis Sanchez could have left English Football by Monday. Is he Man United’s worst signing?
Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United
Whether it would have happened without their transfer ban is another thing, but Chelsea have youngsters taking their chances. Mount, in particular, could he be the midfielder England have been crying out for? At least the Blues are now entertaining to watch despite concerns over their ability to be clinical. Abraham needs to score not just at Norwich for me to believe he belongs at this level.
I like that Chris Wilder isn’t letting his players hide behind being a newly promoted side and has kept his standards high.
Burnley 1-3 Liverpool
Liverpool have not quite looked themselves defensively and I reckon Burnley with their direct style can create chances. The Reds strikers to save the day again. Speaking of strikers, Westwood surely deserves a call-up?
Crystal Palace 0-1 Aston Villa
Palace won at Old Trafford but I always think they struggle when the expectation is high and prefer to be the underdog. Fans will be showing up wanting to see them take the initiative against a newly promoted side but Villa have players who can produce good moments of quality.
Leicester 2-1 Bournemouth
This could be the most entertaining game of the weekend with two managers who play the right way. Madison is another player who I hope Southgate gives a chance to in the international break. I just hope because it’s not a problem position and we don’t put too much pressure on him.
Man City 6-0 Brighton
Home Banker. There will be many games like this over the season where we are left questioning the competitiveness of the League. This could be the year Sterling clears up with the individual awards.
Newcastle 1-0 Watford
Boy did Steve Bruce need that win last weekend. Without that, we could have been talking about the manager possibly being sacked during the international break. Now it’s Garcia looking over his shoulder. Don’t get me wrong they have enough quality to turn this around, but their owners have a proven track record of not gambling with relegation, if they think there’s a chance their side has lost their way they will refresh things.
West Ham 1-1 Norwich
I am delighted Jack Wilshire got his first Hammers goal in midweek and hope this could be the start of something for him but I think West Ham don’t like being favourites. We have seen how quickly the London Stadium becomes frustrated, so if Norwich can stay in the game, with the likes of Puki they can cause a shock.
Sunday
Everton 2-1 Wolves
I predicted last weekend that the Europa Leauge might impact Wolves against Burnley. A trip to Goodison, after playing on a Thursday night might be asking too much.
Arsenal 2-1 Spurs
I never worry about the Derby at the Emirates. For all the usual Spurs dominated combined elevens it’s been a long time since they backed up their reputation in this fixture. I think Emery is at a crossroads. Last weekend he focused too much on Liverpool’s strengths and not ours. Playing defensively is very non-Arsenal and fans won’t accept him doing that this Sunday. He has to play his best attacking talent or the fans will start getting even more frustrated, especially if we don’t win.
Dan Smith