Premier League week 11: Predictions, Betting tips & Analysis by @Komptrolla
We weren't quite far away last weekend again but Chelsea didn't win and Stoke messed up at home to Watford, it's another weekend and we must give you our take on the weekend games, where are you bookmakers and punters? Here we go!
Saturday
Chelsea vs LiverpoolI:45pm
Stamford Bridge
Gone were those days when Stamford Bridge was a fortress, when nobody hopes of a point when visiting Chelsea, that is nowhere obtainable and everyone really wishes the play Chelsea week in week out. Jurgen Klopp has won his first game after series of stalemates and up comes a trip to Chelsea to face an embattled Mourinho and his uninspiring wards. Ramires has signed a new contract which seems odd giving how much of role he's had to play recently, Costa is a big doubt and Pedro is sure to miss out; on the other end, Benteke could feature but how much of impact will he make?
Verdict: Both teams to score
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
4:00pm
Selhurst Park
Alan Pardew strangely rested his best legs for the Capital One Cup trip to Etihad, the result of that gamble was the hammering the got. Would there have been a difference if he fielded a stronger squad? Well, maybe old jolly Pardew doesn't want an extra competition for his thin squad. Another disappointing showing for Van Gaal's United at home to Middlesbrough, there has to be a change in the fortunes of the visitors, two points off the pace and a certain misfiring Rooney must respond to critics, this is his chance.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Manchester City vs Norwich
4:00pm
Etihad Stadium
After seeing off Crystal Palace in some harsh manner, it's Norwich next for the league leaders, no Aguero still and no Silva. Bony must step up now, he missed several sitters against the Eagles in the cup game, he must do something special to restore the faith. Norwich won't lie flat and be rolled over, but how much of character does Alex Neil's men have?
Verdict: City to win
Newcastle vs Stoke
4:00pm
St. James's Park
Two inconsistent teams, both lost last weekend, Newcastle lost as usual to their fiercest rival Sunderland while Stoke were undone by a resolute Watford. Steve McLauren should be relieved of his job after this game, the cup game success over Chelsea will definitely spur Stoke while Newcastle must dig deep for inspiration.
Verdict: Stoke to pick a point at least
Swansea vs Arsenal
4:00pm
Liberty Stadium
Arsenal will travel to Wales without Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, the duo were stretched off in the embarrassing cup defeat in midweek. Swansea started the campaign brightly but soon fizzled out, recent history favours the Welsh side but recent form tilts towards the joint log leaders.
Verdict: Arsenal to win
Watford vs Westham
4:00pm
Vicarage road
Watford lost to Arsenal, beat Stoke and now face giant killers Westham. The Hammers have been brilliant away from home, Watford rarely concede at home, it's a tricky one. Dmitri Payet is the pick of this, there is Lanzinni and there is Zarate, Quique Flores will hope Odion Ighalo returns to scoring form as they host Bilic and his moving train.
Verdict: West Ham to pick a point at least.
Westbrom vs Leicester City
4:00pm
Hawthorns
This is the trickiest of all, Leicester have proven indestructible this season while Tony Pulis and his wards know how to win dirty. Can the Baggies stop Jamie Vardy from scoring? A win will move Westbrom into the top half while same will further enhance Leicester City's euro dream. It can go anywhere.
Verdict: Draw
Sunday
Everton vs Sunderland2:30pm
Goodison Park
The Toffees will be able to call on Gareth Barry after the former Manchester City midfielder served his ban in the midweek League Cup penalty shootout win over Norwich. Sunderland won for the first time this season last weekend when the dismantled Newcastle in the Wearside derby, that should be inspiring enough but Sunderland isn't a team with character... Not even old war horse Sam Alardyce
Verdict: Everton to win
Southampton vs Bournemouth
5:00pm
St. Mary's Stadium
Bournemouth have been pummeled harshly of late, heavy defeats to Man City and Tottenham were followed by a slim loss to Liverpool in the midweek cup game. Injury hasn't been fair to Eddie Howie but that's why there's a need for a big squad. Southampton have dropped unnecessary points but the win over Chelsea away from home is a game of reference whenever you want to write them off.
Verdict: Saints to win
Monday
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
9:00pm
White Hart Lane
Harry Kane hit a hatrick for the third time in his flying career against Bournemouth last weekend though two of the goals were quite fortuitous. Aston Villa remain without a manager at the time of the publication and will really struggle to get something from this fixture. The fire power of the home side will test Villa throughout and it is left to be seen how well they will deal with it.
Verdict: Spurs to win
Strictly the writer's opinion
