Premier League Matchday 2: Preview, Predictions, Betting tips by @Komptrolla
Last time around wasn't too far away, let's hope this goes spot on. Here's our predictions for week two of the Barclays Premier League, featuring the good, the better and the ugliest best!
Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Villa Park
7:45pm
When was the last time Aston Villa beat United on home soil? Ferguson was probably still a youth and O'neil wasn't even villa coach yet, a healing United must find joy on the road if they want to be champions.
Romero keeps his place in goal ahead of want away David de Gea and the midfield is expected to stay the same, the new recruits are going to shine tonight, Villa will do a lot of defending and will only take solace in their away points at Bournemouth last time out.
Verdict: Straight win Manchester United
Southampton vs Everton
St Mary's stadium
12:45pm
Who else was disappointed at Everton's sloppy display at Goodison park last weekend?
A loss at St Mary's stadium is the only logical imagination, Arouna Kone may have bailed them out against a resilient Watford side, not sure he'll do much in this fixture. Southampton will turn up and make their form count.
Verdict: Southampton to win
Sunderland vs Norwich
Stadium of Light
3:00pm
One of those fixtures you would prefer to pass on, Sunderland aren't worth a wink.
Norwich City won't come easy for them, Dick Advocaat should return to the bench but not sure it will make any difference.
Norwich will look to bounce back with this game after bowing to Crystal Palace on the opening day, where this swings may be on the X side...
Verdict: Stalemate
Swansea City vs Newcastle
Liberty Stadium
3:00pm
Swansea had a memorable opening day as they did last year, forcing the champions to a 2:2 draw at Stamford Bridge wasn't a mean feat.
Newcastle rallied at home and only dropped two points late on when Shane Long drew Saints level late on, interesting to see how things play out in this fixture...
Verdict: Draw
Tottenham vs Stoke
White Hart Lane
3:00pm
Stoke were hard done by one moment of brilliance from Philip Coutinho, they will have Xerdan Shakiri to call on in this fixture.
Spurs labored away at Old Trafford in futility but must brace up against an unpredictable Stoke City, Mark Hughes must find a way to stop Ericksen, Pochetino must stop Shakiri... Stalemate
Verdict: double chance Stoke
Watford vs Westbrom
Vicarage Road
3:00pm
Watford must get over their opening day result and concentrate on the baggies who were hammered by some angry citizens, the motivation is different, Watford wants to stay up, Westbrom wants to push up the table, Watford have started well, Westbrom have fault started, who needs this result more?
Verdict: slim Westbrom win
Westham vs Leicester City
Upton Park
3:00pm
Battle of the happy ones, Westham Cech'd Arsenals's title talks while Leicester sounded Sunderland some discordant notes.
The two go head to head at Upton park on Saturday in high spirits, Leicester must be wary of Bilic's men, they know how to soak up pressure and hurt you on set pieces, Leicester's attack intents won't help them in this fixture.
Verdict: Westham to win
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Selhurst Park
1:30pm
Crystal Palace are on a roll, Pardew must be getting something right, they probably are the new cool, Cabaye's swoop was surely a coup and an injury free campaign may see them just outside the Europa places, Arsenal on the other hand had a nightmarish start, hopes punctured in fron of their fans, a quick opportunity to bounce back, this fixture always come with nervy outcomes on either ground...
Verdict: Arsenal to win
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Etihad Stadium
4:00pm
Contrasting fortunes characterized the opening fixtures of both sides, City had a romp, Chelsea slipped, but that doesn't suffix for a fixture like this.
The champions need to bounce back real quick while the citizens must build and gain momentum, Lampard forced a draw for the home side last time out, Chelsea's off field issues won't help as they need maximum concentration to retain their title...
Verdict: Both teams to score... City to edge
Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Anfield Stadium
7:45pm
Beating Stoke away means something beyond 3points, revenge and ambition statement.
Philip Coutinho will do it again, Bournemouth's road to the championship will be smoother than smooth eruption... Benteke and the new recruits must justify their price tags, Liverpool will come brutal for the new boys
Verdict: Liverpool to win
Written by @Komptrolla
All predictions are the opinion of the writer.