English Premier League Matchweek 3: Predictions, Betting tips & Analysis
Welcome to our EPL prediction table, here we analyze upcoming games and deliver our take on possible outcomes, a good place for bookmakers to dine.
We had a 60% accuracy rate last weekend, an improvement on the penultimate week. Here we go this weekend
Saturday
Manchester United vs Newcastle
12:45pm
Old Trafford
Newcastle never expect anything at old Trafford until the ill fated reigns of David Moyes changed things, one Cabaye strike settled it in 2013, but before then, we'll need history books to find when last that happened.
On paper, it should be a stroll for the home side with new signings settling in and ground fans cheering on but Steve McLauren's side will compete
Manchester United are yet to concede and have only scored twice, the Magpies have scored twice too and fired blank at Swansea.
Verdict: Manchester United to win
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
3:00pm
Selhurst Park
The Eagles were slightly unlucky at home to Arsenal as they conceded victory from their own boots, Aston Villa on their own fronts didn't do badly at home against Manchester United.
This fixture will be settled in the middle, one would expect a fast paced encounter with the wingers flourishing, how well will Villa contain Bolasie, Mutch and Zaha? Cabaye won't come very easy at the middle too.
Verdict: Palace to edge this
Leicester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
3:00pm
King Power Stadium
Is Leicester trying to challenge for the title? Is Mahrez really up against Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa?
The foxes have really proven too stubborn since March and they seem not to be tired yet, Spurs are a bit indecisive and it's costing them, they were on top at Old Trafford but took their feet off the pedal when they conceded.
Two goals up against Stoke and they switched off again, Leicester will punish them if this happens again.
Verdict: Draw
Norwich vs Stoke
3:00pm
Carrow Road
Norwich beat Sunderland away last weekend and will look to build on their early survival plans at home to stoke, the visitors spoiled the party late on at White Hart Lane with Diouf's late header.
This fixture could go anywhere as Stoke's new boys settle in, but whichever way it goes...
Verdict: Stoke won't lose
Sunderland vs Swansea
3:00pm
Stadium of Light
Whatever it is that Gary Monk is telling his lads is really working, the home victory over Newcastle was never in doubts.
Sunderland on the other hand have been enjoying their poor results and seem to be contented with it, all things being equal they should be relegation candidate number one.
Verdict: away win for Swansea
Westham vs AFC Bournemouth
3:00pm
Upton Park
After beating Arsenal intelligently at the Emirates on the opening day, Leicester City returned Bilic's men to planet earth one week later. Bournemouth lost their opening two games and must regroup on time.
Which Westham team will show up is unknown but whichever one should see Bournemouth off anyway
Verdict: Westham wins
Sunday
1:30pm
Westbrom vs Chelsea
The Hawthorns
You can get unluckier than Westbrom, the next opponent to face Chelsea after the Etihad debacle, a boring draw with Watford isn't a good springboard for the baggies.
With Pedro Gonzalez in line for his debut it's going to be a long afternoon for the home side.
Stalemate on both legs two seasons ago is the best Westbrom can call on, they should have won at Stamford Bridge on one of those occasions.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Everton vs Manchester City
4:00pm
Goodison Park
Ross Barkley has been the one leading Everton through difficulties all along, how much can he do when the team on fire comes to town?
A team that could blow Chelsea away in fine fashion can beat anyone at any ground, Lukaku must continue his scoring form from last game but the problem with the Belgium striker last season was consistency, same as Sterling who hasn't sparkle yet, Nicolas Otamendi is in line for a debut, a tasty fixture for the neutrals
Verdict: Citizens got this
Watford vs Southampton
4:00pm
Vitality Stadium
Watford have started strong, two points in two is a survival form and to think one of those was away at Everton.
The Saints were awful at home against same opponents last weekend and left much to be desired, their injured coach must heal up and save his team, Watford must show strength again when the Saints visit while the visitors must put last weekend behind like it never happened.
Verdict: Narrow Saints win
Monday
Arsenal vs Liverpool
8:00pm
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal's opening game at the Emirates was disastrous, Westham ruined the party, Liverpool lurks, with so much character like Rodgers love to say, where is this swinging?
Liverpool don't find much joy against Arsenal, 4:1 it was last time out but Liverpool are in better shape, 6 out of possible 6, Arsenal must dig deep and make their home ground count, both teams' title credentials will be questioned by dropped points in this fixture.
Verdict: Arsenal to win
Written by @Komptrolla
Strictly the writer's opinion
