PL Predictions GW 6
Mmm. A curious weekend ahead. Man City and United look to bounce back from midweek heartbreak and bone breaks… Jose has his favourite worst enemy over for lunch on Saturday – and humble pie could be on the menu… The winless bottom three Stoke, Newcastle and Sunderland face pivotal matches that define their season… And Norwich go to Anfield looking down on Liverpool.
I’ve once again scanned the coupon and nailed my colours to the mast. Also highlighting my man most likely to delight their FL managers this weekend.
To business…
Another lunchtime engagement for Chelsea. Jose will be hoping that this one is easier to swallow than last week. Arsene Wenger will have other plans…
Saturday fixtures:
12.45 Chelsea v Arsenal
Chelsea’s midweek CL win will have improved the mood (a bit). But this is a must win if they harbour any ambitions of rescuing their PL season. Arsenal haven’t scored in their last four attempts v Chelsea but will feel this is their best chance for a while.
Score Prediction: A draw will do for Arsenal. 1-1
MVP Prediction: Alexis Sanchez can make hay up against poor Branislav.
15.00 Aston Villa v West Brom
Villa are looking like a team of strangers - still without a win and shipping goals. Anything less than a point here and they could go into a tailspin (with trips to Chelsea and Liverpool coming up). West Brom look well organised, but need Berahino back onside.
Score Prediction: Another clean sheet for West Brom. But Villa too. 0-0
MVP Prediction: Jonny Evans looks a canny purchase for Baggies.
15.00 Bournemouth v Sunderland
This is a match that Bournemouth really should be winning if they are going to stay in the division. BUT… this is a match that Sunderland really should be winning if they are going to stay in the division. Six pointer.
Score Prediction: Long trip back for Sunderland. 3-2
MVP Prediction: Callum Wilson will be looking forward to this match.
15.00 Newcastle v Watford
Newcastle are five without a win and four without a goal. With Chelsea and Man City up next, this has the look of a make or break for McClaren. Watford will be buoyed by their Swansea win, but are also short of goals – just one in their last four matches. But one might do here.
Score Prediction: Toon need the win but will take a draw. 1-1
MVP Prediction: Both keepers lead the way. I’ll plump for Heurelho Gomes
15.00 Stoke v Leicester
Stoke weren’t expecting to be winless and in the bottom three after five matches, after adding significant talent in the summer. And Leicester – who probably weren’t expecting to be Top Two – are the last team they want to be facing right now.
Score Prediction: No stopping Leicester at the mo. 1-2
MVP Prediction: Mahrez continues to be a revelation, but I fancy Jamie Vardy will cause Stoke more problems.
15.00 Swansea v Everton
Everton were outstanding against Chelsea and anything like their first half-hour performance here will suit Martinez down to the ground. Swansea need a reaction from their defeat at Watford but would probably take a point if offered.
Score Prediction: Likewise Everton. 2-2
MVP Prediction: Ross Barkley will relish the tussle with Jonjo Shelvey.
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17.30 Man City v West Ham
Following two good wins (with clean sheets) The Hammers are starting to look an efficient unit. And they might like the timing of this encounter with City, who will be smarting from another CL disappointment (West Ham beat City after City’s CSKA defeat last season).
Score Prediction: City’s biggest test so far. 1-0
MVP Prediction: Without Kompany, time for Eliaquim Mangala to shine.
Sunday Fixtures
13.30 Tottenham v Crystal Palace
Tottenham’s season hasn’t really got moving yet. And despite three glamour ties coming up - Arsenal (COC), Man City (PL and Monaco (EC) – their eyes need to be on the ball here. Palace will feel mugged by City last week. But their confidence won’t have suffered.
Score Prediction: Palace’s counter attackers will love this. 1-3
MVP Prediction: Wilfried Zaha has never looked better.
16.00 Liverpool v Norwich
Just 1pt from three… six conceded in the last two… a meagre three goals all season… Liverpool’s stats make grim reading. Thursday’s jaunt to Bordeaux won’t help either. Norwich won’t have been to Anfield sat above them in the league many times before. And will look forward to this one.
Score Prediction: Norwich’s best ever chance of a result. 1-2
MVP Prediction: Wes is my man for home matches, but Nathan Redmond on the road.
16.00 Southampton v Man United
Southampton have rediscovered their defensive steel – the bedrock of their success last season – conceding just one in their last four. United’s ability to penetrate has been called into question for a couple of seasons now and will again here. Midweek injury victim Luke Shaw will receive a warmer welcome than fellow old boy Morgan Schneiderlin.
Score Prediction: Saints good enough to hold the Red Devils. 1-1
MVP Prediction: Sadio Mane might have something to prove.
That will do it for another week. Hope the footballing gods are kind.
Until next time.
Matt Nesbitt’s unspectacular but joyful playing career has given way to a much more successful but miserable one writing about football and providing betting advice. Email: Matt Nesbitt
