Manchester City Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City entered the International Break on the back of an impressive 2-0 win at Aston Villa. Yaya Toure silenced some of his critics with a crucial goal and the City faithful will hope that can kick-start his season. City climbed to second in the Premier League as a result of that win and trail Chelsea by 5 points heading into Gameweek 8. Tottenham Hotspur picked up a narrow win over Southampton at White Hart Lane which saw them maintain a push for a Top 4 berth. Spurs will face a much tougher task this weekend despite City only picking up one win at The Etihad this season. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-1
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Arsenal Vs Hull
Arsenal once again lost when playing one of the Top 4 sides as they went down 2-0 at Chelsea. In truth, Arsenal never really looked like causing problems for Chelsea who seemed extremely comfortable. The Gunners are already 9 points off the pace and surely will not seriously compete for the title until they can win against Championship rivals. Hull have enjoyed a great start to the Season and sit 11th in the Premier League table heading into Gameweek 8. The Tigers picked up an important 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last time out but will find the going tougher at The Emirates. Calum Chambers is out through suspension while Mesut Ozil, Arteta and Ramsey are out injured for Arsene Wenger’s side. Arsenal are unbeaten at home this year and that run should be extended on Saturday.
Prediction 2-0
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Burnley Vs West Ham
Burnley managed a 2-2 draw at Leicester in Gameweek 7 and have now picked up four draws from their seven Premier League fixtures thus far. The Clarets really need their first win of the Season as they currently occupy a position in the Relegation Zone. The visit of West Ham will prove a tough test for Burnley. The Hammers have picked up just one victory on the road this Season but two consecutive home wins has seen them climb the Premier League standings. They currently sit between Tottenham and Arsenal in 7th place in the Premier League. Mark Noble is out through injury which could provide a boost to the home side. Another draw expected for Burnley.
Prediction 1-1
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Crystal Palace Vs Chelsea
Crystal Palace were unable to maintain their winning run when they went down 2-0 at Hull in Gameweek 7. The Eagles sit 15th in the Premier League heading into their match with the early pace-setters Chelsea. Home form has been good for Palace lately conceding just once in their last two matches at Selhurst Park. Chelsea have started the season in blistering fashion. The Blues have only dropped points away at Manchester City and remain unbeaten. Some pundits have suggested that Chelsea have the chance of emulating ‘The Invincibles’ of Arsenal and going an entire Season without defeat. Chelsea should welcome back Courtois after the goalkeeper’s head injury but will be without Costa who returned from International Duty injured while Ramires, Schurrle, Mikel and Drogba are doubtful. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-3
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Everton Vs Aston Villa
Everton have had a very disappointing start to the Premier League Season and have yet to pick up a victory at Goodison Park. The Toffees were expected to compete for a Top 4 berth following the permanent signing of Lukaku but it has not turned out that way so far. On the flip side, Aston Villa had enjoyed a great start to the Season before three consecutive defeats against Arsenal, Chelsea and City. Paul Lambert’s side are still in the top half of the table thanks to their earlier form. Roberto Martinez needs his side to pick up a win and kick-start their Premier League campaign at Goodison Park.
Prediction 1-0
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Newcastle Vs Leicester
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is under pressure following a disappointing start to the Season. The Magpies invested heavily in the off-season and expected results on the pitch to reflect that. Cisse bagged a brace last weekend and the Geordie’s will be hoping he can fire them up the table. Leicester have had a good start to the Campaign when you consider they have picked up 9 points having already faced Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. The Foxes have struggled on the road losing two of their three matches away from home. Newcastle could and should pick up a crucial win at St James’ Park but I can see this ending in a stalemate.
Prediction 1-1
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Southampton Vs Sunderland
Southampton have been the surprise package of the Season so far. Many expected The Saints to struggle after a host of big-name departures in the Summer. Before going down at Spurs in Gameweek 7, Southampton had won four matches on the spin. A win on Saturday could consolidate Southampton’s early position in the Top 4. Sunderland make the long trip to the South Coast in decent form themselves. The Black Cats are unbeaten in four Premier League games and picked up a win over Stoke in Gameweek 7. Gus Poyet continues to do a tremendous job in the North East and the return of Steven Fletcher is a huge boost to Sunderland. Home win expected.
Prediction 2-0
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QPR Vs Liverpool
Harry Redknapp’s QPR side have struggled to put points on the board this Season. Rangers are bottom of the Premier League picking up just four points from their opening seven matches. The R’s have picked up four points from their last two matches and will hope that they can upset Liverpool on Sunday lunchtime. Liverpool make the trip to London on the back of their 2-1 victory over West Brom in Gameweek 7. The Reds have not reached the heights enjoyed last season and need to up their game if they want to compete for the title as they did last term. Daniel Sturridge was due to return which would have been a huge boost for Brendan Rodgers’ side before picking up a new injury midweek. Away win expected at Loftus Road.
Prediction 1-2
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Stoke Vs Swansea
Stoke have had a mixed start to the Season which sees them lie in 16th place heading into Gameweek 8. The Potters had an awful start and are trying to claw their way back up the Premier League table. Swansea on the other hand started the Season in red hot form. Following their defeat to Chelsea the Swans have yet to regain their confidence and win another match though. Garry Monk has done an excellent job in South Wales and deserves a huge amount of credit. Sigurdsson has been in outstanding form lately and Stoke will need to pay him special attention if they are to come out of this game with anything. Bore draw.
Prediction 0-0
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West Brom Vs Manchester United
Monday Night Football returns with West Brom hosting Manchester United at The Hawthorns. The Baggies lost at Liverpool in Gameweek 7 which put an end to their two game winning run which saw them climb up the Table. A 4-0 win over Burnley in their last home match will give Albion confidence they can give United a tough match. The Red Devils have won three of their last four and seem to be gaining some momentum. The signing of Falcao will be a huge boost now that United will be without Rooney for three matches through suspension. United have struggled on the road this Season but seem to be regaining decent form with di Maria orchestrating things. Away win expected.
Prediction 1-3
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