West Ham suffered a 3-0 defeat in their previous match against Swansea. They now have an opportunity to put more points on the board with the visit of Fulham on Saturday. Kevin Nolan has scored the Hammers only goal this season and he will want additional support from the forward players in the team. Fulham left Old Trafford with their heads held high following a 3-2 defeat. David de Gea made a string of fine saves to keep the West Londoners at bay despite their advances. Fulham have scored 7 goals in their last 2 games and West Ham will need to be tight at the back if they are to get any points from this match.
Prediction 1-1
Swansea Vs Sunderland
Swansea City are one of only 3 clubs to have a 100% record at this stage of the campaign. They have scored a remarkable 8 goals and kept 2 clean sheets in the space of 2 games and sit second in the table. The visit of Sunderland could give the Swans an opportunity to make it 3 wins from 3 matches. Sunderland were given an unexpected ‘bye-week’ due to adverse weather conditions on Saturday. A waterlogged pitch at The Stadium of Light led to the Sunderland Vs Reading match being postponed. I struggle to see where Sunderland will get their goals from this season. Despite having an additional week to prepare for this match, I expect Swansea will win this game.
Prediction 2-0
Tottenham Vs Norwich
New Spurs manager Andre Villas Boas is already finding himself under a little bit of pressure after just 2 games at the helm. A defeat at Newcastle and a disappointing draw at home to West Brom has left Tottenham with only 1 point from 2 games. Spurs really need a win in this game to kick-start their season. Norwich have also gained only 1 point from their first 2 fixtures. They were hammered 5-0 on the opening day before securing a draw at Carrow Road last weekend. AVB will have to move quickly in the transfer market to replace the departed Luka Modric. With £30m burning a whole in his pocket, Villas Boas could sign a number of players before the deadline.
Prediction 2-1
West Brom Vs Everton
Thanks to a stunning 3-0 win over Liverpool and a hard earned point at White Hart Lane, West Brom currently find themselves in a Champions League position – 4th! Even the most ambitious West Brom fan will need to pinch themselves to believe it. If only the season could end here for Steve Clarke. David Moyes will be thinking the same thing up on Merseyside. The Toffees who are notoriously slow starters have stormed out of the blocks and have a perfect record from two matches. The Everton faithful will be enjoying the fact that they are already 5 points clear of arch-rivals Liverpool.
Prediction 1-1
Wigan Vs Stoke City
Wigan recorded an impressive win at Southampton last week. The Latics have flirted with relegation in previous seasons and will hope to avoid the same anxiety this season. Stoke have been involved in two of the less entertaining games we have seen this season. Although not renowned for their flair and attacking style, they regularly get the results they need. Wigan will once again be relying on Kone to provide attacking threat since the departure of Victor Moses.
Prediction 0-0
Manchester City Vs QPR
Manchester City welcome QPR back to The Etihad after their previous visit in May which no football fan will ever forget. 2-1 down with 90 minutes played, City produced one of the best comebacks of all time to pickpocket the league from Sir Alex Ferguson on goal difference. City will be without the injured Sergio Aguero for this game and will rely on Tevez and Balotelli in his place. QPR were embarrassed 5-0 on the opening day but secured a 1-1 draw at Norwich last weekend. Unfortunately for Mark Hughes, I cannot see QPR scoring twice in this fixture.
Prediction 3-0
Liverpool Vs Arsenal
Super Sunday returns to Anfield for the second week in a row with the pick of this weekend’s fixtures. Liverpool earned a creditable draw against City and could have won the match had it not been for two defensive blunders which they were punished for. Andy Carroll continues to find himself sidelined and may yet depart before the transfer window closes. Arsenal have yet to find the net in two matches and the lack of firepower will be causing alarm bells to ring in North London. Podolski, Giroud and Gervinho need to get their shooting boots on if they are to emerge from the shadows of Robin Van Persie.
Prediction 1-0
Newcastle Vs Aston Villa
Newcastle currently have 3 points from two games and were second best at Stamford Bridge last Saturday. Home form will be essential if the Geordies are to repeat the heroics of last season. The visit of Aston Villa should be an opportunity for Newcastle to pocket another 3 points. The vocal home crowd will demand 100% commitment and desire from the Newcastle players. Aston Villa avoided the drop by a whisker last season and the early signs are not good for them. Bottom of the table after 2 games and with a tough trip to St James’ Park looming, Aston Villa fans won’t fancy their chances of getting their first points of the campaign.
Prediction 2-0
Southampton Vs Man United
The Saints are finding life difficult in the top flight. They have yet to collect a single point despite their impressive performance at The Etihad on the opening weekend. Unfortunately, the fixtures get no easier for Southampton and they will welcome Manchester United to St Mary’s on Sunday afternoon. Manchester United have had a mixed start to the campaign and will want to make the long journey home with 3 points secured. Wayne Rooney will be unavailable for selection following a nasty gash to his right leg against Fulham.
Prediction 1-2
