Norwich Vs Aston Villa
Norwich were overpowered by Spurs last weekend and were thankful to goalkeeper Ruddy for keeping the scoreline reasonable. The Canaries are unbeaten at Carrow Road and will look to maintain that streak when Aston Villa visit. In contrast, Villa’s only points of the campaign have come away from home at The Emirates. Christian Benteke has begun the season in great form and Aston Villa have done well to hang onto such a prolific marksman. Score draw expected.
Prediction 1-1
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Liverpool Vs Southampton
Liverpool played out a hugely entertaining 2-2 draw with Swansea on Monday Night Football. That point saw Liverpool surrender their perfect start to the season but regain top spot in the Premier League. Daniel Sturridge has now scored in all 4 League games this season and will hope to extend that record infront of goal. Southampton sit mid-table after losing just one of their opening 4 fixtures. The Saints were extremely unfortunate that they came up against an inspired Jaaskelainen who prevented them from finding the net. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-0
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Newcastle Vs Hull City
Newcastle United have won their last 2 League matches including a determined victory at Aston Villa in Gameweek 4. Hatem Ben Arfa has been the key man for The Magpies and his continued form is crucial if Newcastle are to maintain their momentum. Hull have struggled to find their feet away from home but have faced difficult trips to Chelsea and Manchester City thus far. A home win at St James’ Park could move Newcastle into a Top 4 position depending on results elsewhere. I expect another hard fought victory for Newcastle.
Prediction 2-1
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West Brom Vs Sunderland
West Bromwich Albion host the only team below them in the Barclays Premier League when Sunderland visit The Hawthorns on Saturday. West Brom have endured a poor start to the Season and have lost both matches at home. A real lack of striking options has seen West Brom score just 1 goal in 4 League games. Sunderland are propping up the League from 20th place and need a vast improvement in their displays if they want to drag themselves off the bottom. Bore draw expected.
Prediction 0-0
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West Ham Vs Everton
West Ham United gained a credible point at St Mary’s following a string of saves from goalkeeper Jaaskelainen. The Hammers have started the season encouragingly and have lost only one of their opening four fixtures. This despite the fact that their record signing Andy Carroll has yet to kick a ball this season. Everton have begun life under Roberto Martinez without defeat in their opening four matches. The Toffees were able to record an excellent victory over Chelsea last week and will hope to make it two wins from two against London clubs on Saturday. Score draw at Upton Park.
Prediction 1-1
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Chelsea Vs Fulham
Pressure is already mounting on Jose Mourinho following a shocking mid-week defeat when Basel visited Stamford Bridge. The Blues have now lost two consecutive matches and The Blues must turn things around quickly if they are to keep pace with early leaders Liverpool. Chelsea’s new rotation policy may be doing more harm than good as players might struggle to maintain positive form. Fulham have had a decent start to the season under Martin Jol and will feel slightly more confident of getting a result following Chelsea’s collapse on Wednesday. The Cottagers look likely to be without Darren Bent, Bryan Ruiz and possibly Berbatov limiting their attacking options.
Prediction 2-1
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Arsenal Vs Stoke
Arsenal are riding high at the moment following 3 consecutive League wins and an away win in the Champions League midweek. The acquisition of Mesut Ozil seems to have had a positive effect on the squad who are oozing confidence and scoring goals. Giroud has been prolific in the Premier League and will hope to maintain his record of scoring in every League game so far. Next up, The Gunners must find a way past a resolute Stoke defence. The Potters have conceded just two goals in their opening four matches. That solid platform sees Stoke level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United heading into Gameweek 5. A tough match but I expect Arsenal to win it.
Prediction 2-0
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Crystal Palace Vs Swansea
Crystal Palace and Swansea face off on Sunday after Swansea’s Europa League commitments saw them face Valencia on Thursday evening. The Eagles were beaten by Manchester United last weekend and sit in the Relegation Zone heading into Gameweek 5. Ian Holloway will again watch from the stands as he serves out a touchline ban. Swansea had a terrific result in Valencia winning 3-0 which will do their confidence the world of good. Hopefully for Michael Laudrup, his players will not be too fatigued to maintain that kind of form in the Premier League. Should be an exciting match at Selhurst Park.
Prediction 1-1
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Cardiff Vs Tottenham
Cardiff welcome Tottenham Hotspur to South Wales having already claimed some prized scalps at home this season. City have been beaten and a draw gained from the visit of Everton means Cardiff will fear nobody when playing infront of their home fans. Tottenham picked up a number of injuries mid-week which will see AVB having to shuffle his pack. Jermain Defoe once again proved what a predator he is with two goals in the first half. Soldado will likely be restored to the starting lineup at Defoe’s expense but will need to produce goals after firing blanks for two consecutive Gameweeks. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-2
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Manchester City Vs Manchester United
Manchester City welcome Manchester United to The Etihad for the pick of the matches in Gameweek 5. While far too early in the season to be decisive, both of the newly appointed managers will want to secure local bragging rights until the reverse fixture takes place. City warmed up for this match with an impressive away win in the Champions League. Vincent Kompany looks like he has returned to fitness just in time for this match and Yaya Toure has found his shooting boots scoring a beauty on Tuesday. United’s preparation for Sunday was also excellent with Wayne Rooney looking on top form with two goals and an assist in a 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen. A win for either side would see them 3 points ahead of their rivals.
Prediction 2-1
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