Jangled nerves in London derby

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1

Antonio Conte’s champions have steadied the ship following a nervous start to their title defense. But so have Arsenal. The Gunners were at their free flowing best in dismantling a clueless Bournemouth last Saturday. Conte’s new approach of fielding three central midfielders in front of his back three has given Chelsea real control. I envisage a narrow home victory.

C. Palace 1 Southampton 0

Frank de Boer was mighty unfortunate to be fired just 77 days into his tenure. The Eagles did everything but score at Turf Moor, where they had five times the number of goal attempts of their hosts. Palace must win this match as their next three fixtures see them face Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Bournemouth 2 Brighton 1

Cherries boss Eddie Howe has instructed his charges to go for Brighton’s jugular right from the off. A run of four successive defeats is as bad as Howe has had to endure in his fledgling career. Brighton are a well coached side, so they will make life difficult. But for Bournemouth this is a cup final that they must win, wily nilly.

Huddersfield 1 Leicester City 1

Huddersfield lost their unbeaten record at West Ham without actually being second best. Though David Wagner wasn’t waxing lyrical about their performance, they have the organisation to match anything Craig Shakespeare’s 2016 champions Leicester can throw at them. This game has could see the two well drilled sides settle for a draw.

Watford 1 Man City 2

Marco Silva’s Hornets continue to confound pundits with a string of gutsy displays on the road. But I expect them to be found out by Pep Guardiola’s moneybags. The difference will be in striking where Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane are a class apart to anything Watford have to offer.

Newcastle 1 Stoke City 1

Rafa Benitez has recuperated in time to take charge of proceedings against Mark Hughes’ talented Potters. Although the Magpies excelled in dismantling West Ham in their last home fixture, Stoke City are a different kettle of fish. Free transfer Eric Chuopo Moting, plus loaners Jesse Rodriguez and Kurt Zouma will continue making waves.

West Brom 1 West Ham 1

I expect West Ham to play with the same intensity they showed on Monday night when Michail Antonio played out of his skin. Meanwhile, West Brom ought to improve from the shambles they were at Brighton. With so much resting on the outcome (Slaven Bilic’s future for example), I can see the Hammers battling to a draw.

Liverpool 2 Burnley 1

Jurgen Klopp is praying the Dejan Lovren-Joel Matip central defensive partnership is available this weekend to handle the aerial bombardment Burnley will throw at them through Sam Vokes and Chris Wood. The key to success for Liverpool in this English Premier league clash lies in sticking to their ethos. Burnley possess no answer to a quick passing game.

Tottenham 2 Swansea 0

It’s about time for Tottenham Hotspur to banish their Wembley Stadium hoodoo. No? The visit of Paul Clement’s limited Swansea offers Mauricio Pochettino’s high energy outfit a chance to once and for all, exorcise a wretched record that has seen Spurs win just twice in a dozen outings at their temporary home. Harry Kane and Christian Ericksssen are poised to unlock Swansea’s rearguard.

Man United 2 Everton 0

Forget about the temporary setback record champions United suffered at the Bet365 Stadium. Manchester United have the tools, confidence and advantage of two days of extra preparation for the visit of Ronald Koeman’s Toffees. The trip to Atlanta has taken the cutting edge out of Everton. This is a home win for Romelu Lukaku against his former paymasters.