Congratulations to all 32 countries that scaled through the World Cup qualification process; notably, countries that made it to Russia during the just concluded international break. Attention will now be shifted towards league games once again. And as usual, am here to run you through my thoughts and predictions for the weekend round of matches.
So who am I tipping to win this weekend? Read on to find out…
BOURNEMOUTH V HUDDERSFIELD
I watched Bournemouth at Newcastle last time out, and I thought they were magnificent in the way they stayed compact and organized all through. Were a bit lucky to come out of that game with all three points, but, they certainly didn’t deserve to lose that game. Have to praise Huddersfield for defeating Tony Pulis’ West Brom on MD 11. But, I think Bournemouth will nick this one by a goal.
MY PREDICTION: Bournemouth 1-0 Huddersfield
BURNLEY V SWANSEA
Sean Dyche has done a remarkable job so far with this Burnley side, and I think they will defeat Swansea in this clash. Burnley are not just seventh on the log for nothing, they have been fantastic. They are not a side that score too much, but, they certainly know how to convert those 0-0s to 1-0s.
MY PREDICTION: Burnley 1-0 Swansea
ARSENAL V SPURS
This is one fixture Arsenal and Arsené Wenger can’t afford to lose. That’s not just because they are archrivals, but Arsenal’s standing on the log isn’t palatable and they have to improve that with a win in this one. But with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris expected to be fit for the derby at lunchtime on Saturday, Arsenal will have to put in a remarkable performance if they want all three points here. Spurs have defeated Real Madrid and Liverpool this season, so Arsené Wenger knows what they are up for this weekend. All that said, I think Spurs will get a point from this clash. So, am going for a one-all draw.
MY PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-1 Spurs
CRYSTAL PALACE V EVERTON
Everton were astonishing last time out – in the manner they overturned a two-goal deficit against Watford to win the game 3-2. And I think they would build on that phenomenal display when they visit struggling Palace and earn something from this clash on Saturday.
MY PREDICTION: Crystal Palace 1-1 Everton
LEICESTER V MAN CITY
City are a team everyone is scared of facing at the moment. They have been dismantling anything that comes their way, and they would visit Leicester with the aim of getting all three points. You have to be perfect to hurt this City, and I don’t see Leicester doing that this weekend.
MY PREDICTION: Leicester 0-2 Man City
LIVERPOOL V SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton have been disappointing so far, and I really don’t see them getting anything from this clash at Anfield. I think Liverpool will have too much for them on Saturday. Though, you can’t be too sure of the Reds’ defensive unit keeping a clean slate. But, the attack will ensure a win on the day.
MY PREDICTION: Liverpool 3-1 Southampton
WEST BROM V CHELSEA
The last time West Brom won a league game was in mid August – goes to show how deplorable their case is at the moment. Meanwhile, Chelsea were victorious over Manchester United last time out. With Kante back in the mix, I see a confident Chelsea side getting a win at The Hawthorns.
MY PREDICTION: West Brom 0-2 Chelsea
MANUTD V NEWCASTLE
Both sides will be looking to bounce back from their MD 11 defeats – when they lock horns on Saturday. Games between Manchester United and Newcastle have been exciting, and this won’t be any different. But with the Red Devils holding an impressive record at home this season, a win is what I expect from them in this clash.
MY PREDICTION: Manutd 2-0 Newcastle
WATFORD V WEST HAM
Watford struggle at home in contrast to their impressive away performances so far in this campaign. West Ham have been awful on their part this season, but they seem to perform better away from home. So I think this will end in stalemate or a slim Watford win.
MY PREDICTION: Watford 1-1 West Ham
BRIGHTON V STOKE CITY
In the last three matches, Brighton have picked two wins and a draw. With both wins coming away from home. Stoke will have to be at the top of their game to stop this Chris Hughton’s side. I am going with a slim Brighton win here.
MY PREDICTION: Brighton 1-0 Stoke City
