Manchester United Vs Crystal Palace
Premier League action returns as Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The Red Devils lost their last game against rivals Liverpool and sit 5 points off the pace heading into Gameweek 4. United have added Fellaini to their ranks and he will be hoping to be involved on Saturday. The Eagles finally got off the mark with an impressive 3-1 win over Sunderland last Gameweek. Unfortunately I do not expect Palace to add to the 3 points they earned in their last outing. RVP to score.
Prediction 3-0
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Aston Villa Vs Newcastle
Aston Villa were inactive in Gameweek 3 due to their match against Chelsea being moved forward. Paul Lambert’s men have started the season very brightly and if they maintain current form should have no relegation worries as they did last term. Benteke has been on target 3 times this season and will fancy his chances of adding to his tally. Newcastle have kept two clean sheets since their opening day thrashing at the hands of Manchester City. The Magpies have been lacking in firepower and will hope Ben Arfa can find the net more regularly.
Prediction 2-1
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Fulham Vs West Brom
Fulham are without a win since their opening day success over Sunderland. The Cottagers need to improve results and the visit of bottom club West Brom gives Martin Jol an opportunity to move up the table. The Baggies were comfortably beaten by Swansea infront of their own fans at The Hawthorns and are yet to score a goal this term. The loss of Lukaku has left a big gap upfront in Steve Clarke’s team. Difficult to see this being the most exciting fixture in Gameweek 4. Bore draw expected.
Prediction 0-0
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Hull Ciy Vs Cardiff City
Two newly promoted sides face each other as Hull entertain Cardiff on Saturday afternoon. Hull have won their only home fixture so far and will hope that they can make it two wins from two. The Tigers have had to face Chelsea and City away from home and are yet to pick up points on the road. Cardiff caused a huge upset by beating Manchester City and did well to claim a point against Everton. The Bluebirds appear to have adjusted well to life in the top flight. I expect an entertaining score draw.
Prediction 2-2
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Stoke City Vs Manchester City
New Stoke manager Mark Hughes has enjoyed an excellent start to his tenure following an opening day defeat at Liverpool. The Potters are currently two points ahead of Manchester United and would no doubt like the season to end now. Manchester City have also had a good start to the season with their only slip up at Cardiff. Away trips don’t get much tougher than a trip to The Britannia. City will likely have fallen behind United by the time this match kicks off and City will want to keep pace.
Prediction 1-2
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Sunderland Vs Arsenal
Sunderland have a single point to show for their opening 3 fixtures this term. Paolo Di Canio has his work cut out to keep The Black Cats clear of the relegation zone this season. Arsenal may hand a debut to new record signing Mesut Ozil who has signed from Real Madrid. Despite a heavy defeat on the opening day The Gunners have responded well to storm into the Champions League Group Stage and win both League fixtures. Olivier Giroud has answered some of his critics with an encouraging start to the season. Expect the Frenchman to score on Saturday.
Prediction 0-2
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Tottenham Vs Norwich
Despite all the pre-match hype Tottenham were again on the losing side of the North London derby. In all fairness, Spurs looked disjointed and will need time to gel as a unit before fulfilling their potential after making a number of Summer acquisitions. Norwich have started the season brightly and sit in the top half of the table heading into Gameweek 4. Chris Hughton may be earmarked for the Republic of Ireland job which became vacant this week. Soldado to score in a home win at White Hart Lane.
Prediction 2-1
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Everton Vs Chelsea
Everton host Chelsea in the Saturday evening fixture. The Toffees have drawn all three of their matches so far and have managed to keep clean sheets in their last two. Roberto Martinez will have to get used to life without Fellaini in his squad after the Belgian moved to Manchester United on transfer deadline day. Chelsea will be able to give Samuel Eto’o his debut against Everton if Mourinho deems him fit enough. Lukaku will be unavailable as he will be barred from playing against his parent club Chelsea. Draw expected at Goodison.
Prediction 0-0
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Southampton Vs West Ham
Southampton will welcome Rickie Lambert back from International duty and will hope he can score for his club as he did against Moldova during the International Break. The Saints lost their last League game against Norwich and will be keen to bounce back with a positive result immediately. West Ham received news this week that Andy Carroll will remain sidelined for the forseeable future. The Hammers have coped well without their main forward and will continue to require support from their attacking midfielders in order to find the net.
Prediction 1-0
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Swansea Vs Liverpool
Monday Night Football sees Liverpool make the trip to Swansea. Swansea have won a single game from their opening three fixtures but have played against United and Spurs already. Early pace-setters Liverpool visit The Liberty Stadium keen to retain their place at the summit of the Premier League. Sturridge has been particularly impressive and Suarez will be back in the team soon to make Liverpool’s forward line look even more potent. Michu and Bony will give Liverpool a tough time keeping a fourth consecutive clean sheet. Score draw expected.
Prediction 2-2
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