English Premier League Matchweek 7: Predictions, Betting tips & Analysis
We get better by the games in this column and can only wonder how long more we have to go before international bookmakers call on us for expert opinions. Westham proved too stubborn again at the Etihad and Norwich refused to die at Anfield last weekend, here's the next installment of our EPL predictions.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
White Hart Lane
12:45pm
12:45pm
Manchester City endured a torrid last one week, a loss to Juventus in Europe and a confidence killing home loss to Westham, they still top the league but their vulnerability was exposed much to the relief of the chasing pack. Tottenham have been hot and cold this term, they're yet to convince, Harry Kane doesn't quite look the part yet and it's really hard to see the pelican flying without him but new recruit Son is doing it... Injury isn't helping the log leaders.
Verdict: Draw
Leicester City vs Arsenal
King Power Stadium
3:00pm
3:00pm
Leicester City are the only Invincible EPL team at the moment, their best ever start to a league season, they host an inconsistent Arsenal, Ulloa cancelled out Alexis Sanchez' strike in this fixture last season, the foxes are on rampage with high confidence and will be quite hostile to the gunners who will have Santi Carzola back in the squad after sitting out his one match ban in the midweek cup win over Spurs.
Verdict: Arsenal to win
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Anfield
3:00pm
Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers have been a disappointing pair this term, injury to Christian Benteke isn't helping matters as the scousers labored to a penalty shootout win over Carlisle in the league cup, Aston Villa have always been a difficult visitor for Liverpool and with Philippe Coutinho struggling to keep Liverpool together you can only expect dejav.
Verdict: Aston Villa to pick a point at least
Manchester United vs Sunderland
Old Trafford3:00pm
Sunderland have stepped up, picking a point from each game recently but they travel to Old Trafford to battle out Manchester United, a team high on confidence with their teenage striker scoring for fun, what Sunderland will do to avoid a mauling isn't clear at the moment but with or without Wayne Rooney, expect United to have this under control.
Verdict: Manchester United to win
Southampton vs Swansea
St. Mary's Stadium3:00pm
One of those fixtures you can't really tell where it would swing. Saints lost at home to Manchester United last weekend, not for the lack of efforts but largely down to the incredible efforts of David DeGea. Swansea have been broken of late, their early season form has worn out but they can still spring surprises. Saints need to be careful here.
Verdict: Saints won't lose.
Stoke City vs Bournemouth
Britannia Stadium3:00pm
Stoke bottled it last time out, 2:0 up at halftime against high flying Leicester and they went to sleep, 2:2 it ended. Bournemouth are on a decline also, they must brace up if they want to stay up. Xerdan Shakiri and Bojan are beginning to click, the sleek movement of the La Masia products at the Britannia must come to the fore now.
Verdict: Stoke to win.
Westham vs Norwich City
Upton Park3:00pm
Westham have only won once at home but they've beaten all and sundry on the road, big casualties everywhere. Norwich went to Anfield and snatched a point, they can too at Upton. Believe is high at Carrow road, you can't blame them. Slaven Bilic and his wards must be wary of the threats from the visitors.
Verdict: Westham to win
Newcastle vs Chelsea
St. James's Park5:30pm
This is one fixture Jose Mourinho dread so much. He is yet to win at Newcastle and his form isn't anything to write home about. Victory over Arsenal last weekend was followed up by sound annihilation of Walsall in midweek cup game but again... The opponent now is Newcastle. The Magpies are yet to win this season, they've had difficult fixtures and discipline problems, they must put that behind them and entertain the champions.
Verdict: Newcastle to pick a point at least.
Sunday Fixtures
Watford vs Crystal Palace
Vicarage Road4:00pm
Watford beat Swansea, what a result. Odion Ighalo can't stop scoring, the Nigerian forward is on form and the visiting Eagles must stop him if they want to fly. Crystal Palace have struggled heavily since they shocked Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, midweek cup success could be the springboard but they must be wary of the attacking prowess of the stinging Watford bees.
Verdict: Watford to pick a point at least.
Monday night football
Westbrom vs Everton
The Hawthorns8:00pm
Westbrom failed in the league cup in midweek, their league form isn't any better. They face Everton who seem to have found the right balance in their team. This is a tricky affair as both teams have individual brilliance to call on. Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku can take laws into their own hands for Everton while Solomon Rondon and Berahino can hurt any defense.
Verdict: Draw
