Goals splurge anticipated at Etihad Stadium
Arsenal 2 Bournemouth 1
Arsenal boss must be delighted that the transfer window closed without him losing star striker Alexis Sanchez. His protracted attempted move to another club was a disruption throughout August. No surprisingly, the Gunners misfired, a narrow 4-3 win over Leicester City providing their only points. Visitors Bournemouth are certain to make a fight of it, as they remain winless but I am backing Arsenal to edge it.
Swansea 1 Newcastle 0
I was positively impressed by Swansea’s approach at Selhurst Park last time out, where they made light work of the absence of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fernando Llorente, their two leading scorers from last season. Newcastle United will keep it tight. One of the new boys - Wilfred Bony or Tammy Abraham should settle the tie.
Everton 1 Tottenham 1
Tottenham Hotspur aren’t yet living up to their billing as title favourites. Neither are Everton, for whom boss Ronald Koeman must start justifying his summer out cash outlay. The sooner Koeman realises Dominic Calvert Lewin is a better forward than Sandro Ramirez, the better for Everton. My prediction is a goal scoring chance.
Stoke City 1 Man United 2
A maximum nine points from three games, with 10 goals scored and none conceded represents Manchester United’s best start to a topflight season ever. Red Devils fans are purring amid a surge in expectations. Mark Hughes has some serious ammunition at his disposal. Jesse Rodriguez will ask some questions of United’s back four. However, I am backing Jose Mourinho’s ‘horses’ to gallop to three points.
Burnley 1 Crystal Palace 1
An insipid start to the campaign means pressure is mounting on Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer to prove his mettle in the English Premier League. A four-time Dutch Eredivisie champion, De Boer must get his first points on board at all costs, or risk the axe. Burnley start this weekend’s fixture as slight favourites but the return of goal poacher Wilfred Zaha should inspire the Eagles to their first point. Draw is my verdict.
Brighton 0 West Brom 0
Chris Hughton must have been delighted by his side’s application at Watford where they were by far the better side despite drawing 0-0 in that particular English Premier League fixture. West Brom are a harder nut to crack. It’s easy to see Tony Pulis adopting a containment strategy, with counter attacks and dead ball situations offering the Brummies principal outlets to goal. Expect a low scoring affair.
Leicester 1 Chelsea 2
This game has come too quickly for Danny Drinkwater to feature for Chelsea against his former side. Leicester City are equipped to trouble the champions but I can’t see them lasting the distance. Chelsea are a winning machine that will power home as Eden Hazard and Gary Cahill are available for selection.
West Ham 2 Huddersfield 1
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has already received a dressing down from the club’s co owner David Sullivan. Better shifts are expected of a side teeming with talent. Suspect team selection has been central to their indifferent start. If Bilic starts Emmanuel Lanzini and Cheikh Kouyate, he has a chance.
Southampton 1 Watford 0
Although Marco Silva’s Hornets showed mighty character to hold on for a point after being reduced to 10 men at home to Brighton, they were outplayed. Pellegrini’s Saints will provide an even sterner test now that Virgil van Dirk has been allowed to train with the first team. I envisage a narrow Southampton victory.
Man City 2 Liverpool 2
Red cards to Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling in City’s last two games has Pep Guardiola crying foul. He will need all his players if his expensively assembled side is to topple Liverpool. I am predicting a thriller given Jurgen Klopp’s record against top six rivals. But if the German doesn’t start Simon Mignolet, he’s cooked.
TODAY ON SUPERSPORT TV
Man City vs. Liverpool (SS3, 2.30PM)
Everton vs. Tottenham (SS2, 5PM)
Leicester vs. Chelsea (SS3, 5PM)
Arsenal vs. Bournemouth (SS5, 5PM)
Stoke vs. Man Utd (SS3, 7.30PM)
TOMORROW
Burnley vs. C. Palace (SS3, 3PM)
Swansea vs. Newcastle (SS3, 6PM)
SEPT. 11: W.Ham vs. Huddersfield (SS3, 9.45PM)
