Aston Villa Vs Newcastle
Aston Villa kicked off the campaign with an impressive away victory at Stoke despite star forward Christian Benteke being sidelined through injury. Paul Lambert will be delighted with the start his side have made and look to push on when Newcastle visit Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime. The Magpies faced the Champions on the opening day and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. Alan Pardew’s side had a number of chances but were unable to find the net at 1-0 down and were punished while chasing the game in the latter stages. Score draw at Villa Park.
Prediction 1-1
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Chelsea Vs Leicester
Chelsea moved straight to the top of the Barclays Premier League with an impressive 3-1 win at Burnley on Monday Night Football. The Blues were behind only briefly before turning on the style to blow Burnley away with some sublime football. Fabregas was at the heart of Chelsea’s play and fellow debutant Diego Costa found the net. Leicester came from behind to clinch a point when Everton visited The King Power Stadium. The Foxes have been handed a tough start to the campaign and are due to face Arsenal in Gameweek 3. Chelsea to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League with a comfortable home win at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction 3-0
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Crystal Palace Vs West Ham
Crystal Palace put up a valiant fight at Arsenal despite losing manager Tony Pulis just hours before their opening Premier League fixture. Only a late strike from Aaron Ramsey prevented The Eagles from picking up an unlikely point from their trip to North London. Selhurst Park will see it’s first action of the Barclays Premier League this Season when West Ham make the short journey across Town. The Hammers seemed to be in the driving seat when Spurs saw Kyle Naughton dismissed early on but failed to convert the resulting penalty. The Hammers need to kick start their campaign before the Boo-Boys can gain any momentum in their attempts to force Sam Allardyce out of the Club. Home win expected.
Prediction 1-0
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Southampton Vs West Brom
Southampton faced a very difficult trip to Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League Season and almost came away with a draw. The Saints conceded late but almost grabbed a last ditch equaliser only for Mignolet to force Schneiderlin’s effort onto the woodwork. Southampton have reason to be optimistic about the season ahead despite losing several key players this Summer. West Brom managed an entertaining score draw at The Hawthorns when Sunderland visited on Saturday afternoon. Berahino was on target twice and The Baggies need their star forward to keep finding the net if they are to avoid a Relegation scrap at the end of the campaign. All square at St Marys.
Prediction 1-1
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Swansea Vs Burnley
Swansea didn’t read the script and ruined Louis Van Gaal’s first Premier League game in front of the home fans at Old Trafford. The Swans played the perfect counter attacking game and came away with 3 crucial points which will give Garry Monk’s side bags of confidence heading into Gameweek 2. Burnley make the trip to South Wales following a Baptism of Fire into the Premier League. Chelsea visited Turf Moor and showed Burnley what they will be facing to remain in the Premier Division with some excellent football. I expect Swansea to maintain a perfect start to the Season with a victory at The Liberty Stadium.
Prediction 2-1
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Everton Vs Arsenal
Goodison Park will welcome Premier League Football back with a mouth watering clash between two sides hoping to secure a Top 4 finish this Season. The Toffees have boosted their ranks with the permanent signing of Lukaku and home form was key for Everton last season taking them close to a Champions League berth. Arsenal visit Merseyside looking to maintain a perfect start to the Season despite leaving it late to see off Crystal Palace at The Emirates. Arsene Wenger’s side could be genuine title contenders if they add a few more quality signings to their squad before the Transfer Window closes at the end of August. The Gunners will be without Mikel Arteta and Kieran Gibbs for the visit to Goodison Park. Another score draw for Everton.
Prediction 2-2
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Hull Vs Stoke
Super Sunday kicks off with Hull hosting Stoke at The KC Stadium. The Tigers got off to a great start by picking up an important win at QPR on Saturday. Steve Bruce would love to see his side make it two wins on the trot on Sunday. The fixture list has been kind to Hull in the opening weeks and they have a good chance to notch up points and build momentum. Stoke were beaten at home by Aston Villa in Gameweek 1. The Potters’ home form was key last Season while they often struggled on the road. Mark Hughes needs his side to pick up points before he takes his side to Manchester City where pickings are usually slim for visiting teams. Hull victory expected.
Prediction 2-0
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Spurs Vs QPR
Tottenham Hotspur got their Premier League Campaign off to a great start considering they were harshly reduced to 10 men early on at West Ham. Spurs rode their luck and remained disciplined and were able to find a late winner when West Ham were also a man short. Pochettino will enjoy home comforts for the first time in the Premier League when QPR make the short journey to North London. Rangers suffered an opening day defeat at the hands of Hull and Harry Redknapp will want to see an immediate reaction from his side. Rangers need Loic Remy to find the same shooting boots he wore at Newcastle last season if they are to avoid suffering Relegation again. Home win expected at White Hart Lane.
Prediction 1-0
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Sunderland Vs Manchester United
Sunderland picked up a point when they visited West Brom on the opening Premier League weekend. After miraculously avoiding Relegation last season The Black Cats will want to ensure that no such heroics are required in May 2015. Manchester United visit the North East hoping to put Louis Van Gaal’s home debut defeat behind them. The Red Devils were not at the races and seem to be well short of the quality required to challenge at the top end of the Premier League. The Transfer Window remains open and United fans will be keen to see United add some quality signings to their squad before the end of August. New signing Herrera seems set to miss this match after picking up a knock while Rojo has not been issued a work permit yet. United’s defence looks unsettled and I can see Sunderland getting something from this match. Score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Manchester City Vs Liverpool
Monday Night Football showcases the pick of Gameweek 2 fixtures from the Premier League between Manchester City and Liverpool. City were ruthless in despatching Newcastle 2-0 at St James’ Park on the Premier League’s opening Gameweek. After taking the lead and absorbing Newcastle pressure the Champions closed the game out with a second goal. Liverpool rode their luck but came away from their match against Southampton with all 3 points courtesy of a late Daniel Sturridge goal. Liverpool defeated City in the reverse fixture at Anfield last term which seemed to wrap up the title before The Reds capitulated in the final weeks. City should welcome back players who were not selected for the trip to Newcastle with Sergio Aguero poised to start. Home win at The Etihad Stadium.
Prediction 2-1
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