#6 West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United, Saturday, 5:30 PM GMT
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Like every other Manchester United game, this game will be of extremes- either promising end to end fast-paced football, or the same drab possession football which United fans have come to despise. Right behind United in the league table, West Brom have played positive football and have risen to 7th in the table.
Their 4 wins in the last 6 games has certainly lifted the team morale and the Baggies have also been strong at home, having not lost the last 3 home games, adding another cherry to the stats.
On the other hand, Manchester United seem to have finally got their formula right. After being unable to close down a win in multiple games, they have done well in the last two games, winning both games with a slender 1-goal margin.
Mkhitaryan and Bailly’s injuries would be a cause orf concern, but their strong bench could prove to be a tough challenge for their hosts. The defence seems solid, and with Pogba finding his groove and Zlatan scoring almost a goal a game in recent matches, things look positive.
Score Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Manchester United
#7 AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton FC, Sunday, 1:30 PM GMT
Bournemouth has been having a solid few weeks. With their form improving each game, they have maintained good results at the Vitality Stadium, winning 5 of the past 7 games at home. Winning 3 of the past 5 games overall has helped them climb the points table and they currently sit 10th on the Premier League table. Eddie Howie will welcome striker Callum Wilson back into the fold after suffering a concussion.
Southampton, on the other hand, have really seemed at odds, unlike their usual self. They have had a very poor away record, not having won any of the last 5 away games. Claude Puel would really have to get his players together and ensure a fully committed team effort if they want the three points. Charlie Austin’s 4-month injury only adds to their woes.
Score Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 3-0 Southampton FC
#8 Manchester City vs Arsenal, Sunday, 4:00 PM GMT
Boy oh boy, isn’t Pep in a pickle? Despite winning his midweek game against Watford, the loss against both Chelsea and Leicester City were enough to shake up their strong side.
Now, with both Aguero and Fernandinho out due to suspension and Gundogan out for several months due to a serious knee ligament injury, the former Barcelona manager’s team are slowly slipping down the pecking order.
A match at Etihad is always a bonus, and defeating Arsenal would give the team the much-needed jumpstart, with a game against Liverpool in the horizon.
Arsenal are edging closer to their “Bermuda Triangle” period of the season, where they begin dropping points. They lost to Everton away in the week, and another away game does take a toll on the players. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal manages to cope up with Manchester City’s pace and Guardiola’s tactics. Alexis Sanchez will yet again be the talisman of the team, and the result depends on how well City will be able to close him down.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Arsenal
#9 Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley, Sunday, 4:00 PM GMT
Burnley have had a superb first-half of the season and are 13th in the league, but their away record has been woeful – losing 6 and drawing 1 game. Continuous away games does not do them any good either, apart from tiring their players out.
They have lost 4 of their last 5 games, and a victory against a team like Tottenham away might almost seem improbable.
Tottenham had been quite poor in the game against Manchester United last week, but had an easier and comfortable outing against Hull City at White Hart Lane. Tottenham are yet to lose a game at home and have earned the second most points at home – 20. It is yet to be seen if Dembele is fit to start for the team, though.
Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 Burnley
#10 Everton vs Liverpool, Monday, 8:00 PM GMT
The first Merseyside Derby of the season is finally here! One of the most heated rivalries in English football, the two teams are separated by 9 points with Liverpool in 2nd position and their neighbours at 8th on the table.
Liverpool have dominated the derby in the recent years, winning 4 times and drawing 7 times in the past 11 derby games between the clubs. The fitness of Sturridge, Emre Can, and Matip is still unsure and the defence is still uncertain and does not imbue confidence.
That being said, Liverpool has a killer attack which can compensate for their defensive frailities. Everton would certainly be missing their captain Jagielka after he was sent off in the last game. Gareth Barry is expected to return, a mild respite for the Toffees. Everton’s point of attack would revolve around Lukaku, who has had a brilliant season so far.
Minus the hype of a derby, it would have been Liverpool’s game, any day. But the derby is an altogether different kettle of fish. This particular matchup has seen its own share of red cards, and unless Everton replicate a performance similar to the one they displayed against Arsenal, they won’t stand a chance against a rampaging Liverpool attack.
Score Prediction: Everton FC 2-3 Liverpool FC
