Fulham Vs Arsenal
Fulham and Arsenal had contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the season. The Cottagers got off to a great start and won away at Sunderland courtesy of a single headed goal from Kasami. Arsenal on the other hand endured a torrid time at home to Aston Villa and lost. Those supporters who stayed until the final whistle let their displeasure be known at Arsenal’s failure to make any significant moves in the transfer market. Arsenal faced a tough away trip to Turkey mid-week but the trip to Craven Cottage will prove far more challenging.
Prediction 1-1
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Everton Vs West Brom
Everton got their campaign up and running with a highly entertaining 2-2 draw at Norwich. New Everton manager Roberto Martinez has this week been facing questions about the future of key players Fellaini and Baines and will enjoy getting back to football. West Brom were beaten by a last gasp Lambert penalty and will have to make amends without forward Anelka who has been granted absence on compassionate grounds. Rumours persist that the Frenchman may quit football altogether. Home win expected at Goodison.
Prediction 2-1
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Hull City Vs Norwich
Despite going down to a defeat Steve Bruce and Hull will take a number of positives from their second half display at Stamford Bridge. Many feared a cricket score could be on the cards early on but Hull battled hard and improved as the match wore on. Norwich were thankful to Steven Whittaker for contributing a goal and an assist on the opening weekend. New signing V Wolfswinkel got on the scoresheet and will hope to keep Hull’s back line busy on Saturday.
Prediction 1-2
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Newcastle Vs West Ham
Newcastle United host West Ham looking to move off the foot of the Barclays Premier League. A heavy defeat at Manchester City sees Alan Pardew’s side kick off Gameweek 2 from the bottom of the Premier League. West Ham make the trip North boosted by a home win and a clean sheet over Premier League newcomers Cardiff. Former Newcastle player Kevin Nolan and Joe Cole were on target last weekend and Stuart Downing may be more heavily involved following his arrival from Liverpool.
Prediction 1-1
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Southampton Vs Sunderland
Rickie Lambert rounded off a memorable week by bagging Southampton’s winner from the penalty spot in Gameweek 1. That result gives The Saints a great platform to build on and the visit of Sunderland is an opportunity to make it 6 points from 2 matches. The Black Cats got off to an awful start and many pundits are tipping them to flirt with relegation this term. Paolo Di Canio seems to have a confrontational style of management which may not be popular with modern day players. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
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Stoke Vs Crystal Palace
Stoke were on the back foot for the majority of their Gameweek 1 fixture at Anfield but were gifted a late opportunity to grab a share of the spoils. Jon Walters fluffed his lines and Stoke left Merseyside empty handed. The Potters will be relying on the ever vocal fans at The Britannia to lift morale and propel the team to victory over Crystal Palace. The Eagles were beaten by a single goal from the penalty spot against Spurs. Palace will certainly find out that Stoke are one of the most difficult teams to face in the top flight.
Prediction 1-0
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Aston Villa Vs Liverpool
Aston Villa have had a very encouraging start to the season. Forward Christian Benteke has bagged 3 goals in 2 appearances and the team appear to be playing with a great deal of intensity which saw them beat Arsenal and almost earn a point at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool got off to a winning start at Anfield without the suspended Luis Suarez who appears poised to stay at Liverpool after apologising for his behaviour this Summer. I expect this to be a stern test for Liverpool and predict an exciting stalemate.
Prediction 2-2
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Cardiff Vs Manchester City
Cardiff City were comfortably beaten at Upton Park on the opening day and the fixture list has been even less kind in Gameweek 2. Malky Mackay will have his work cut out if Cardiff are to avoid back-to-back defeats. Manchester City visit South Wales after an excellent 4-0 win over Newcastle and will be brimming with confidence. Astute business and a return to form for Lescott and Dzeko means City have all the ingredients to be a success this season. Can’t see anything but an away victory in this match.
Prediction 0-3
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Tottenham Vs Swansea
Due to Europa League commitments Tottenham play their first match of the Premier League season at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. AVB guided his troops to a win over Crystal Palace in Gameweek 1 and will hope to do likewise here. Soldado seems to have hit the ground running and Spurs will be grateful for his contribution infront of goal. Swansea also played Europa League football this week and won comfortably. Unfortunately for Michael Laudrup, The Swans opened their League campaign against reigning Champions Manchester United and lost heavily. Soldado to score again in a Spurs victory.
Prediction 2-0
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Manchester United Vs Chelsea
Manchester United manager David Moyes enjoyed his first match in charge as his side cantered to a 4-1 victory away at Swansea. The Theatre of Dreams will get their chance to welcome Moyes to Old Trafford for his first League match when old foes Chelsea visit on Monday Night Football. RVP and Danny Welbeck were on target last weekend and look poised to test Chelsea defensively. Jose Mourinho has won both matches in the Premier League thus far but the trip to Manchester will be a far tougher test of his side. Torres looks favourite to start upfront having been rested midweek. The ongoing Wayne Rooney transfer saga is an interesting side plot which will add extra spice to this fantastic fixture.
Prediction 2-1
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