English Premier League Matchweek 8: Predictions, Betting tips & Analysis by @Komptrolla

We're back at the prediction table. Tricky weekend we have ahead of us but we must do our job. Here we go for week eight of the EPL predictions and betting tips

Saturday

Crystal Palace vs Westbrom
Selhurst Park
12:45pm

Crystal Palace fire more away from home than in front of their fans while Westbrom have won at Stoke this season, tricky tie it is. Westbrom were unlucky to slump to Romelu Lukaku's brace last Monday and must start picking points to avert doom. Alan Pardew is safe but must not relent. This will not go down easy

Verdict: Draw

Bournemouth vs Watford
Vitality Stadium
3:00pm

This should be a relegation six pointer but Watford aren't living down to expectations. Though a 1:0 reverse at home to the Eagles last weekend didn't do their confidence much good but they don't want to be in Bournemouth's shoes; injuries to their record signings and slim losses aren't good for the hosts. This will take a lot of strength

Verdict: Watford to pick a point at least

Aston Villa vs Stoke
Villa Park
3:00pm

Aston Villa labored in vain at Anfield last weekend while Stoke limped past Bournemouth at the Britannia, that explains their form respectively, Aston a Villa dropped to the red zone while Stoke hover above them with two points advantage. It's a must win for Tim Sherwood or else the whistles that relieved Paul Lambert of his job would come haunting him.

Verdict: Villa to win

Manchester City vs Newcastle
Etihad Stadium
3:00pm

Newcastle rattled Chelsea and were only unlucky to lose a two goal lead to earn just a point against the champions. Manchester City were every shade of unlucky too at White Hart Lane as three clearly offside goals stood to whitewash them in the sunshine of north London. Newcastle will pay for that sadly

Verdict: Straight win City

Norwich vs Leicester City
Carrow Road
3:00pm

Leicester tasted defeat for the first time this term at home to Arsenal while Norwich City were forced to a stalemate by Westham at Upton Park, be as it may, they both have it all to play for, Leicester must bounce back while Norwich must avoid the lower streets of the table.

Verdict: Norwich will pick a point at least.

Sunderland vs Westham
Stadium of light
3:00pm

Sunderland have failed to impress this term as predicted by all and sundry, they gave their all away to Manchester United but they stood no chance. Westham managed to snatch a point from the den of defeat against Norwich at Upton Park but from experience, they play better away. Beware Black Cats

Verdict: Westham will pick a point at least

Chelsea vs Southampton
Stamford Bridge Stadium
5:30pm

After snatching a point from Newcastle late on last weekend, Chelsea went to Porto to slump to UCL defeat, Southampton seems to have woken up but this fixture comes too soon for the Saints. A point apiece last season summed up two close contests and on Saturday, Ronald Koeman has some wounded lions to contain.

Verdict: Chelsea to win

Sunday

Everton vs Liverpool
Goodison Park
1:30pm

The first of the hot contests of super Sunday pitches the Mersysiders up against each other. Both teams triumphed 3:2 last round but this is a different ball game. It's a derby and it's usually fiercely contested, Sturridge is back to scoring form so is Lukaku. This will be delicious.

Verdict: Everton won't lose

Arsenal vs Manchester United
Emirates Stadium
4:00pm

Arsenal have fumbled and wobbled at home this term, the loss to Olympiakos was the height. United have won four in four over the past two weeks and will look to continue. Juan Mata is driving Manchester United and Arsenal will be without Laurent Koscielny. United were outplayed massively in this fixture last season but still managed to grind out a 2:1 win.

Verdict: Draw

Swansea vs Tottenham
Liberty stadium
4:00pm

Swansea are on a decline, Tottenham are on the rise. Wales will host London on Sunday though with little attention as all eyes will be at the Emirates. Whatever happened to the confidence of Swansea after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford. We have a tricky tie on our hands as we don't know what Tottenham will do with or without the referee.

Verdict: Tottenham to pick a point at least

Strictly the writer's opinion