English Premier League Matchweek 4: Predictions, Betting tips & Analysis by @Komptrolla
Aaron Ramsey's disallowed goal robbed us of a record 70% success rate with our last predictions but we equalled our round two record of 60%, we can only get better... Here we go for round 4.
Newcastle vs Arsenal
St James's Park
12:45pm
It's been said often that Arsenal hardly win lunchtime kick offs but how many points have Newcastle picked at early games too? Not many, both had a goalless outing last round but while one celebrated the point, the other rued lost opportunities, Mitrovic won't come easy for a depleted Arsenal defense, who partners Gabriel is up to Arsenal's medical team but it should be a case of déjà vu.
Verdict: Arsenal to win.
Bournemouth vs Leicester City
Vitality Stadium
3:00pm
Leicester City is proving indestructible and the trend is set to continue at the vitality stadium when they visit Bournemouth, the latter stunned Westham last weekend and would look to build on that but how well will they contain the drive of Mahrez and the quick feet of Jamie Vardy? Inler is in town to replace Cambiasso for the foxes and that seems to do enough, this should be easy for Ranieri.
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Villa Park
3:00pm
Television viewers can afford to switch round as games happen simultaneously but this is one game they won't stop at, boring nature of Sunderland's play and Villa's new defensive approach will put anyone's money on a draw but whichever way it swings on Saturday, Villa will not lose.
Verdict: Villa to pick a point at least.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Stamford Bridge
3:00pm
Alan Pardew will lead the Eagles to the lion's den on Saturday for what looks like a journey of no return, Pedro will continue making a statement Barcelona won't like to read with another outstanding performance, Ivanovic's struggles will continue with Palace parading some fleet footed wingers, Both teams to score in this.
Verdict: Chelsea to win
Liverpool vs Westham
Anfield Stadium
3:00pm
Who does this? Beat Arsenal away and then go on losing to every Leicester, Bournemouth and Liverpool that come around... Well that's Westham United. Liverpool weren't completely lucky at the Emirates, they could have won if Arsenal didn't have Cech, but could have lost if the ref had been right about Ramsey's goal, they will get back to winning ways comfortably here.
Verdict: Liverpool to win.
Manchester City vs Watford
Etihad Stadium
3:00pm
Whoever witnessed City against Hull and Burnley last season would know the Citizens need caution here but wait... It's a current City team with 3 in 3 wins and zero goal conceded, hello Watford, it will be about damage control and not daring to dream, is there a rape charge on football score line?
Verdict: Straight win City.
Stoke City vs Westbrom
Brittania
3:00pm
Westbrom looked the part when they hosted Chelsea, could have picked a point after John Terry's red but no thanks to Thibaut Courtois, Stoke were forced to a draw at Carrow road for all their energy, this will be tightly contested, it can swing anywhere if Westbrom give enough in contest.
Verdict: Stoke to pick a point at least
Tottenham vs Everton
White Hart Lane
5:30pm
The last of the fixtures for Saturday sees Everton negotiating Spurs for EPL points, the hosts have struggled so far, Everton have more joy and that is likely to play out again on Saturday, Lukaku is in the mood as long as Barkley runs in his veins, Spurs really can't single out any individual match winner yet, their new Son from Leverkusen may debut, hope his parents know the story of England too well.
Verdict: Everton will pick a point at least here.
Sunday fixtures
Southampton vs Norwich City
St Mary's Stadium
1:30pm
Southampton have failed at every test this term, Norwich are doing just fine, this is an opportunity for Ronald Koeman and his men to jumpstart their ailing season, it's out of order to say the saints are in crisis, but what more could be responsible for their struggles? Maybe their coach's injury is rubbing off on the team, they must do it now or lose the fear factor they earned over two seasons
Verdict: Saints to edge this.
Swansea vs Manchester United
Liberty Stadium
4:00pm
This is the fixture everyone will talk about till the international break is over because United will not win, Wayne Rooney scored three times at Brugge and suddenly the sky is clear at Old Trafford, Swansea in recent years just know how to stop Manchester United, Van Gaal will see a need for a new forward after this game.
Verdict: Swansea to pick a point at least.
Strictly the writer's opinion.
Written by @Komptrolla
