QPR Vs Stoke
QPR found out to their cost how good Manchester United can be – Rangers went down 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. Harry Redknapp’s side have picked up just a single win from their opening four matches and need to improve that ratio if they wish to avoid an immediate return to The Championship. Aside from their tremendous win at The Etihad in Gameweek 2, Stoke have had a poor start to the Season. The Potters are usually very solid at home but have lost both Premiership matches at The Britannia to date. Home form will be key for QPR and I expect them to take advantage of a Stoke side who have yet to hit top gear.
Prediction 1-0
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Aston Villa Vs Arsenal
Aston Villa produced the shock result of Gameweek 4 by beating Liverpool on their own patch at Anfield. After taking an early lead through Agbonlahor Villa were able to hang on and moved to second place in the Barclays Premier League – A tremendous achievement for Paul Lambert’s side. Arsenal face the unusual situation of visiting Villa Park while trailing their hosts in the standings. The Gunners played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend. Arsene Wenger’s side have drawn three on the bounce and need to get back to winning ways despite a host of defensive injury problems. Score draw.
Prediction 1-1
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Burnley Vs Sunderland
Burnley picked up their second point of the campaign by holding Crystal Palace to a bore draw at Selhurst Park. The Clarets are up against it if they are to be playing Premier League football next Season. The visit of Sunderland will give Turf Moor optimism that their side could bag their first victory of the campaign. The Black Cats also picked up a point last weekend when they hosted Spurs at The Stadium of Light. Gus Poyet’s side showed plenty of fighting spirit which they will need to call on for this tough away fixture. Adam Johnson is a key figure for Sunderland and Burnley will need to keep close tabs on the Winger. Narrow home win expected.
Prediction 1-0
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Newcastle Vs Hull
Newcastle United were thumped 4-0 at Southampton in Gameweek 4. A number of Newcastle fans have been calling for Alan Pardew to be dismissed following the Magpies’ wretched start to the Premier League Season. Newcastle have failed to find the net in three of their opening four fixtures and sit bottom of the Premiership. Hull visit St James’ Park with their manager being widely tipped to succeed Pardew should the Newcastle hotseat be vacated. Steve Bruce has seen his side pick up five points from their opening four fixtures which is a decent start for The Tigers. Hull have been able to score goals this Season and I am backing them to grab an away win and turn up the heat on Alan Pardew.
Prediction 0-1
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Swansea Vs Southampton
Swansea finally lost their unbeaten record when they visited Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. The Swans won three on the spin only to be derailed by a rampant Chelsea to concede their undefeated record. The Welsh side have an opportunity to get back to winning ways when Southampton visit The Liberty Stadium. The Saint enjoyed a big 4-0 win over Newcastle in Gameweek 4. New signing Pelle bagged a brace and Ashley Williams and Co. will need to be at their best to keep Southampton at bay. Garry Monk has seen his side perform well at home so far this Season and I am backing them to pick up a win here.
Prediction 2-0
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West Ham Vs Liverpool
West Ham United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Hull on Monday Night Football. The Hammers have scored in all three of their previous Premier League matches and will look to examine a somewhat suspect Liverpool defence at Upton Park. Liverpool suffered an unexpected defeat when they hosted Aston Villa in Gameweek 4. The absence of Daniel Sturridge has been a big blow to Brendan Rodgers’ side who were unable to stage a comeback. The Reds were in Champions League action mid-week and West Ham could exploit some tiredness. Mario Balotelli will be hoping to bag his first Premier League goal in a Liverpool shirt. All square at Upton Park.
Prediction 1-1
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Leicester Vs Manchester United
Leicester City have finally got their first win of the Barclays Premier League campaign following a very challenging three fixtures. The Foxes faced Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal in their first matches before picking up an important victory at Stoke in Gameweek 4. Nigel Pearson deserves great credit for guiding his side to 5 points from such a tough opening schedule. Manchester United finally got their first Premier League win under Louis Van Gaal’s management. The Red Devils took QPR apart and looked very impressive. The signing of Falcao seems to have galvanised the star-studded United squad. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-3
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Spurs Vs West Brom
Tottenham Hotspur have suffered from a dip in form following two wins in their first two Premier League games. A number of Top 4 contenders slipped up in Gameweek 4 and Spurs will want to capitalise in full when West Brom visit White Hart Lane on Sunday. The Baggies have lost two in a row including a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton last weekend. Albion occupy a place in the Relegation Zone at present and will need to improve if they want to keep out of any Relegation battles towards the end of the Season. A number of last season’s signings seem to be coming good for Tottenham this year and I am backing a home win in North London.
Prediction 2-0
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Everton Vs Crystal Palace
Everton picked up three points with a 2-0 win at West Brom in Gameweek 4. Lukaku was on target against his former Club but was keen not to exaggerate any celebrations. Roberto Martinez must have been delighted with The Toffees first win of the Season. Crystal Palace are the next side to face Everton and away trips are rarely tougher than visits to Goodison Park. The Eagles will need to be at their very best if they are to leave Merseyside with anything. Everton have yet to win at Goodison this season which could give Palace some hope but I fully expect a home win to get Everton’s season kick started.
Prediction 3-0
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Manchester City Vs Chelsea
Super Sunday concludes with the pick of the weekend fixtures at The Etihad Stadium. Champions Manchester City face Chelsea in an early six pointer for the Premier League crown. City have started slowly this Season and sit five points behind the visitors heading into Gameweek 5. Manuel Pellegrini’s side slipped up against Stoke before sharing the spoils with Arsenal in Gameweek 4. Chelsea have looked very dangerous going forward scoring 15 goals in just four matches whilst winning all four League matches. Diego Costa has been an instant hit and bagged a hat trick against Swansea on Saturday. Chelsea have struggled defensively and have kept a clean sheet just once in the Premier League this term. Jose Mourinho rarely loses when facing a Top 4 rival and I expect Chelsea to take something from this game.
Prediction 2-2
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