This season is already very interesting and we still don’t have a clear favorite on the horizon. Some of the teams are playing below expectations, other are simply fantastic and over achieving. Let’s see what the Premier League bring us this weekend.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool
It is widely believed if Jose Mourinho loses today, he’ll be sacked. Although the club backed him, a defeat against bitter rival could cost him a job. Chelsea is already out of the League Cup following the defeat at Stoke in midweek. The things are not looking well for “The Special One”. Liverpool, on the other hand, is still looking for a win in the BPL under a new manager and Klopp would be more than happy to get all the three points at Stamford Bridge and put more misery on Mourinho and Chelsea. It should be a great game to watch.
Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United
United is another giant that is out of the League Cup after Wednesday loss at home against Championship side Middleborough. They will be looking to heal the wound with a win today. Crystal Palace is playing hot/cold this season; they have five wins and five losses.
They still haven’t recorded a draw. United is not in the best form as well, so this game is very unpredictable.
Manchester City vs. Norwich
After a poor city derby against Man United, the Citizens flourished in a Cup action against Crystal Palace. They scored five goals and something similar today wouldn’t surprise me. Norwich is struggling lately, they failed to win in the last five games and I think that run will continue today. Last time they’ve played at City, they suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat.
Newcastle vs. Stoke
This is another tough game to predict. Newcastle was brilliant in the last home game when they destroyed Norwich 6-2 with four goals from Wijnaldum. After that, they disappointed in the Derby at Sunderland with a 0-3 defeat. Stoke connected three wins prior to the home loss from Watford last week.
Swansea vs. Arsenal
The Gunners are one more club that exits out of the League Cup this season after a heavy 0-3 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. Not only that, they lost both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott due to injuries. They will be sidelined for at least three weeks. Arsenal is hoping to bounce back in Wales today, but the Swans are a tough opponent for Arsene Wenger’s side, they beat them both times last season. I expect a great fight in this game.
Watford vs. West Ham
Watford showed the best form out of three teams that came from the Championship this year, currently in the middle of the table and with steady form. West Ham, on another hand, is the biggest surprise of the season thus far. Slaven Bilic’s team is at the high 3rd place, only two points behind the leaders and the Croatian manager can brag that he defeated Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea already this year. Yet, this game brings something different and the Hornets are tough at home, so it’ll not be easy for the Hammers.
West Brom vs. Leicester
Leicester is another pleasant surprise this season; they are at the 5th position and with a league’s top scorer in the squad. Jamie Vardy is terrorizing the defenses this year, he already scored 10 goals. Claudio Ranieri’s team is playing well and if they continue in this fashion, the European football could be near. West Brom won the last two games in the league with the same result, 1:0. With some great players in these teams, I think we’re going to see a lot of goals in this one.
Everton vs. Sunderland
The teams will enter this game in a different mood. Everton is struggling recently after a bright start of the season and they’re desperate for a win. Sunderland’s start was poor, but they won the last derby game against Newcastle and that win should give them the wings to continue with good results. It will be a tricky game for Everton.
Southampton vs. Bournemouth
Bournemouth continues to slip after a good start. A few important first team players finished the season due to injuries, including their top scorer Callum Wilson. It’s not going to be any easier for the newbies in the rest of the season. It’s early, but I can see them fighting for a relegation already. Southampton should win this game easily.
Tottenham vs. Aston Villa
The last game will be played on Monday night and the Spurs are the favorites against Villa. Villa is in disastrous form with six straight defeats in Premier League. They’re out of the League Cup as well and something clearly needs to be changed in the club’s structure. Tottenham haven’t lost the last nine games in the league, Harry Kane started to score goals like last season and everything is looking good for the Spurs at the moment.
