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We’ve had an eventful week in English football, and the Premier League put on a brilliant show last weekend. 40 goals in 10 matches and more than a fair share of shocking results – it comes as no surprise that everybody seems to love the Premier League!
The top three are in a league of their own at the moment, with Liverpool and Chelsea posing legitimate threats to Manchester City’s Premier League crown. Chelsea, in particular, have a big squad with multiple players in every position. They put seven past Norwich last week without Romelu Lukaku on the pitch and are genuine contenders for the Premier League title.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are only a couple of injuries away from another struggle. Competing on four fronts gives you several games to play but if Liverpool keep everybody fit, they’ll be right up there this season.
There are a number of excellent games to look forward to in the Premier League this weekend, with Manchester United’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur a particularly intriguing fixture. Can Ole Gunnar Solskjaer redeem himself and his squad this weekend? With Manchester United, your guess is as good as mine.
Leicester City vs Arsenal
Arsenal have shown marked improvement this month but they now have a few injuries to deal with. They’re a hard team to beat at the moment, and they know how to dig in when they’re not playing well. I thought Arsenal were outstanding against Aston Villa – it’s the best I’ve seen them play this season.
Leicester City were very fortunate to win against Brentford last weekend. Brendan Rodgers has built a good team, however, and their performance against Manchester United is a testament to their ability. Arsenal seem to have learnt a thing or two about earning results in difficult games, and a point here would be a good outcome for the Gunners.
Prediction: Leicester City 1-1 Arsenal
Watford vs Southampton
Watford, wow! I did not see that coming. They were brilliant against Everton and I wouldn’t put it past them to carry on and win another game this weekend. With Everton, you know that they’re an attacking side and will inevitably be vulnerable on the counter. Southampton play a different kind of game and these matches could pose a few problems for Watford.
Southampton did well in their 2-2 draw against Burnley, and they’re perfectly capable of a decent outing. This game gives Watford a chance to put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone, however, and I’d back Claudio Ranieri’s men to seize the opportunity.
Prediction: Watford 2-1 Southampton
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton are a decent team and can pull off an upset on their day. I think this is going to be a harder game for Liverpool than the one they played against Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp is spoilt for choice with his front three this season, and his forward line always seems outstanding irrespective of his team selection.
While both Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are great options to have, I’d personally go with Firmino alongside Salah and Mane this weekend. Brighton play an expansive game and they do leave spaces down the channel for their opponents to exploit. I honestly can’t see Liverpool losing this game at the moment, and I’m going to go with another victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United vs Chelsea
I worry for Newcastle. Nothing’s changed for them – they don’t have a manager, they’re in a relegation battle, and I don’t know what’s going on. They got absolutely ripped by Crystal Palace last week and they were lucky that Benteke didn’t have his shooting boots on.
It’s all right to come in with all this money, but you need to have a plan. They’ve sacked Steve Bruce and they’re going into tough Premier League games without a manager. I can’t believe what I’m seeing at the moment.
Chelsea have rested most of their players this week. They made loads of changes in the Carabao Cup, and I don’t think they can be stopped this weekend. Newcastle United are an absolute disaster at the moment, and I don’t see anything but a Chelsea win here.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Newcastle United
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
Manchester City will be reeling after crashing out of the Carabao Cup this week. It won’t be the same watching the competition without them. This will be a hard game for Pep Guardiola, but I still think Manchester City have enough quality and depth to win this match.
I’ve loved watching Crystal Palace this season. They certainly have a go at their opponents and while this isn’t a bread-and-butter game for them, I think they’ll still cause the home side a few problems. Manchester City have plenty of class all over the pitch, however, and should be able to secure a victory.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Crystal Palace
Burnley vs Brentford
This is a big game for Brentford, and it’s only the beginning of an important four weeks. The next three games define their season – if they lose these matches, they’re in a relegation battle. It’s not beating Arsenal and taking points off Liverpool that’ll matter in the end, it’s winning these games against Burnley, Norwich and Newcastle.
Burnley also have a lot to play for this weekend. We always assume Burnley will be all right in the Premier League but if they don’t win this, I’d start worrying. They went to Southampton and put in a good performance last weekend, but they need to back that up with a victory here. I think the power that Burnley have in their squad might just be enough to win this game.
Prediction: Burnley 2-1 Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
Manchester United have a way of finding results in games like these. But if they do lose to Spurs and keep Solskjaer in this job, they aren’t going anywhere, are they? They can’t keep drifting along like this – it’s already November!
It isn’t really Ronaldo’s fault either, he isn’t getting the service. He’s non-existent at the moment, and he isn’t touching the ball. If you want to keep him in the team, drop him back and play someone like Cavani or Greenwood up front. Give Ronaldo the ball and get runners around him. I’d get Cavani in the team and give Ronaldo a free role.
This is a must-win game for Manchester United. They just seem to find results in difficult situations, and I think that’s what will happen here. Manchester United are going to win this game, and it’ll paper over the cracks yet again. They did manage a victory against Atalanta in the Champions League, and I think they’ll pull off something similar this weekend.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Manchester United
Norwich City vs Leeds United
This is a game Norwich have to win. They were battered by Chelsea last week but they should’ve managed a win against Brighton. They aren’t a million miles away from a result, and I think they could pick up their first league victory of the season here.
Leeds are a funny team. They went to Southampton and didn’t have a shot on target, and they needed a last-minute penalty against Wolves to scrap their way to a draw. Raphinha’s injury also comes as a massive blow to them. It’s a good time to play against Leeds, and Norwich could pull off a surprise this weekend.
Prediction: Norwich City 1-0 Leeds United
Aston Villa vs West Ham United
Aston Villa have been very hit-and-miss this month. They were really disappointing against Arsenal, and they ended up bringing off all the players they bought in the second half. They’re your best players – keep them on, no matter what happens!
West Ham, on the other hand, will be looking at a top-four finish this season. They were poor against Brentford last week, but they bounced straight back against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. They’re moving along nicely in the top four after 10 games, and I’m going to go with a West Ham victory this weekend.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Everton
Everton conceded four goals in the last 15 minutes against Watford and were in complete disarray. They have a lot of work to do ahead of this game, and I don’t see them mounting an immediate recovery from what was an absolutely shocking result.
Wolves have been a good team so far, but they’ve been unlucky. They’re in a bit of a false position at the moment, and they’ve played well but haven’t been able to put their chances away. They were undone by a stoppage-time penalty last weekend, and I’d back them to go the distance against Everton.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Everton
