#3 Everton – Swansea: Better organised side to prevail Goodison Park
Emulating a like for like formation didn’t work out for Ronald Koeman’s Everton last time around. However, the Dutchman has never been one to shy away from changing things around.
The Dutchman is slowly adding steel to the Everton squad. They might have been bamboozled at Stamford Bridge last time around but they have a chance to make amends this weekend.
Swansea have lost their way and a steady decline has set in since Gary Monk’s departure. Worrying times for the club and the American manager, Bob Bradley, who will hope to steady the ship and Goodison Park will be a good place to start to avoid the dreaded drop.
Match Prediction: Everton 2 – 0 Swansea
#4 Southampton – Liverpool: Tempo key to Reds run
Plaudits have been pouring in at Anfield to the way of Jurgen Klopp, who has rejuvenated the Liverpool team and there is a certain romanticism in the air. However, this weekend, they will be away from familiar surroundings.
Liverpool visits St. Marys hoping to extend their stay at the top. Southampton fell victim to a hard-working Hull City before the international break and Claude Puel’s side will look to bounce back. The Saints have been in constant evolution and have been one of the most enterprising sides.
Having churned out the likes of Bale and Walcott, they have become a feeder Premier League club. Anfield has been the preferred destination in recent years and a return for these players always makes it an emotional occasion.
Nevertheless, the tempo of the game will be interesting to watch as Liverpool’s Brazilian pair of Coutinho and Firminho makes the long journey back from South America. One can expect, Liverpool to play more on the counter so as to conserve their attacking duo.
Match Prediction: Southampton 1 - 2 Liverpool
