Champions Chelsea already on the ropes
Tottenham 1 Chelsea 1
After the opening day debacle which saw Chelsea ambushed 3-2 by Burnley, an accumulation of injuries and suspensions means the champions could easily lose their opening two games for the first time in 44 years. Two factors could work in Chelsea’s favour though. One, I envisage a siege mentality and Spurs’ record at Wembley isn’t one to write home about.
Swansea 0 Man Utd 2
Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils were imperious in dismantling a decent West Ham side last Sunday. All three outfield departments excelled, with star striker Romelu Lukaku’s dream debut well augmented by excellent midfield work from Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic. Elsewhere, Swansea did not draw a single save from Southampton keeper Fraser Forster. Without Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente, there can only be one winner. United will cruise.
Southampton 1 West Ham 1
Slaven Bilic’s Hammers play the second of three straight away matches well aware that a repeat of the lack of intensity seen at Old Trafford will be suicidal. Marco Arnautovic, Javier Hernández and Andre Ayew are good enough to conjure up at least one goal.
Man City 2 Everton 0
Wayne Rooney helped Toffees fans forget Lukaku with a well taken header in a 1-0 triumph over Stoke City. However, I cannot see this decent Everton side thriving at Etihad Stadium. The return from injury of winger Leroy Sane, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and defence kingpin Vincent Kompany implies City will have too much for them. The title favourites should win this tie with something to spare.
Stoke City 2 Arsenal 2
A Gunners victory is impossible unless first choice central defenders Laurent Koscielny and Shkordan Mustafi return to the starting line up. Arsene Wenger knows better than anyone else that a repeat of the Kamikaze defending seen at home to Leicester City will result in a loss at the Bet365 Stadium. Mark Hughes will set Stoke City up in a formation to avoid losing two on the bounce.
Liverpool 3 C. Palace 2
It was all too evident in their 0-3 setback at home to Huddersfield Town that Frank de Boer is yet to stamp his philosophy on Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. That puts Liverpool in the driving seat ahead of this encounter against Palace. However, the 18-time champions aerial vulnerability implies Christian Benteke is bound to give them several awkward moments.
Leicester 2 Brighton 1
Though newcomers Brighton are a well coached outfit, they are not equipped to handle an away tie of this nature. Craig Shakespeare has an embarrassment of talent at his disposal. Last Friday, the Foxes attacked with verve and precision. I can see Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slim exposing Brighton’s naivety.
Bournemouth 2 Watford 1
Poor away form was a real Achilles Heel for new Hornets boss Marco Silva as his Hull City side were relegated last season. I think it will be a factor on their visit to Eddie Howe’s gifted Bournemouth side. Home ground advantage, plus the Cherries superior attacking arsenal has convinced me to go for a Bournemouth win.
Huddersfield 2 Newcastle 1
David Wagner’s newcomers had a barnstorming start to life in the big time whereas Magpies boss Rafa Benitez has to contend with injuries to his first choice central defense and the suspension of skipper Jonjo Shelvey. This tie is certain to be well contested but I liked what I saw from Aaron Mooy and Steve Moonie. Difficult home win!
Burnley 1 West Brom 0
Sean Dyche’s Burnley caused the equivalent of a football earthquake when they upstaged Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They return to their Turf Moor fortress aware that a repeat of last season’s splendid home form can propel them to mid-table safety. West Brom always make it hard for the opposition but I fancy Burnley to nick it.
