Premier League Matchweek 8: Preview, Betting tips and Predictions
The unwanted international break is here again, we can’t complain, we have this weekend to enjoy before international players head to their respective countries for various engagements.
Last weekend was amazing for those that followed our predictions as we had a 9/10 with the final game of the round at Old Trafford robbing us of 100% record.
Speaking of the game at Old Trafford, Manchester United huffed and puffed as their visitors offered nothing sensational on the night, the stalemate meant United sank further down the ladder, far away from leaders Liverpool and with their eye-sore performance against AZ Alkmaar in Europe on Thursday, it’s a do or die affair for them at St James’s Park on Sunday.
Newcastle United are troubled themselves but no one cares, who appoints Steve Bruce in this age and time? Only those that wish to flirt with the drop zone and that will be their lot, but on the outlook of things as we speak, United aren’t any better, poor play here and there and uncertain future for the manager, one would wonder if leaving David Moyes at the helm would have done more damage than they currently endure.
Arsenal ran riot in Europe after the languid display at Old Trafford, if the team doesn’t have Pierre Emerick Aubameyang you’d wonder where they’d be, but he was signed to make a difference so it’s fine.
Unai Emery introduced the Gabonese striker after scoring the fourth goal against Standard Liege on Thursday, leaving many asking if he ever knew what he was doing, maybe he doesn’t understand he needs rest or he wants fatigue to rob him of his prized asset but he can look at Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka and feel sounds of playful butterflies in his belly.
Arsenal are home to Bournemouth on Sunday, a team they haven’t failed to beat at the Emirates in premier league history, they should have a good ride if they don’t capitulate as always.
Bournemouth are on a fine roll, 11 points from possible 21, just one point behind Arsenal, their last outing was an entertaining 2-2 draw against Westham that could have gone either way but in the end a fair result; there are talks around the transfer of Callum Wilson to Manchester United which could be unsettling but Eddie Howe would know just how to manage that.
At the lunchtime kickoff on Saturday, Tottenham will look to banish the memories of losing 7-2 to Bayern Munich in Europe with their trip to troubled Brighton.
The Seagulls gave their all last weekend but were undone by a clinical second-half display by Chelsea but Spurs are coming into this off a night of horror in front of their fans and this can only mean a game of response but defeat for Brighton also means a big problem as they currently lie 16th on the table and just one point outside the red zone, good news for Spurs, Brighton only has a solitary point against Tottenham in the premier league in the last five meetings.
Liverpool nearly capitulated in Europe on Wednesday, losing a 3 goal lead before Mohammed Salah fired them in front late on to win 4-3 in a pulsating duel against Salzburg, which could mean high hopes for Leicester as they visit Anfield but do they really stand a chance?
The Foxes ran riot against Newcastle last weekend scoring five without replies and will take that form into this match of huge importance to the Kops who are reaching for the records of the most wins in the league, with three more wins they will achieve that but in their way this time is Brendan Rodgers and Leicester, familiar foes in familiar territories, we’ll have fun this weekend.
There is this uneasy air at Goodison Park and it looks like one that will end in tears for the embattled Portuguese manager Marco Silva, his trip with the Toffees to Burnley on Saturday will be a defining moment, with the quality available to him, no one will pity him if he’s shown the exit door after another poor result at Turf Moor.
Burnley went to Villa Park and got a deserved point, the Clarets are fast re-enacting the 2017/18 form that earned them a berth in Europe, and they look primed to hurt Everton again on Saturday.
Recent results from these two don’t very much look good for Everton as it’s been pretty even between them and Everton, they have it all to do to save their manager from the sack.
Manchester City labored to a 1-0 win in Europe in midweek but that shouldn’t gladden Wolves, although Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can be unpredictable but the form of City will be too much for them on Sunday.
There are concerns for Kevin De Bruyne after he reportedly pulled up injured but if he’s available to face Wolves, with his form when he’s playing at home, the visitors will have lots to do to keep him at bay.
Wolves finally won in the league last weekend, they beat the team everyone except Arsenal is beating, Watford now has a reputation for turning up for a defeat, something that will no doubt worry Quique Flores Sanchez, good news for him is he doesn’t play City every weekend but who can he beat?
Watford are up against Sheffield this weekend, on paper they would think it’s easy but the Blades have been one of the most organized sides in the league this season.
Sheffield lost narrowly to Liverpool last weekend, that tells you of how good they are on their days and their feats away at Chelsea and Everton speak volume too, Watford will have to be at their very best to stand a real chance against the Blades on Saturday.
Chelsea are away at Southampton, fresh from their 2-1 victory over Lille and will look to build on last week’s victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge, they have an identity, you look at them and see what they’re trying to do, given time and a transfer window or two, this Chelsea team will be a world-beater.
Southampton will have to be at their decisive best to stand a chance to stop the Blues this weekend, and with everyone heading for the break, no one wants to go in with gloom hanging around.
Premier League prediction is next, and as always, you have to remember to gamble responsibly.
Fixture
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Verdict
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Player to watch
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Brighton vs Spurs
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Spurs to win
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Harry Kane
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Burnley vs Everton
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Burnley to win or draw
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Chris Wood
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Liverpool vs Leicester
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Liverpool to win
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Mo Salah
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Norwich vs Villa
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Both teams to score
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Teemu Pukki
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Watford vs Sheffield
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Over 7.5 corners
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Gerrard Delofeu
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Westham vs Palace
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Westham to win or draw
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Seb Haller
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Arsenal vs Bournemouth
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Arsenal to win
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P. E. Aubameyang
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Man City vs Wolves
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City to win
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Sergio Aguero
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Southampton vs Chelsea
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Chelsea to win
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Tammy Abraham
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Newcastle vs Man United
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Straight win Man United
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Marcus Rashford
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