Matches in the Premier League last weekend were agog with unpredictable outcomes and lots of excitement.
Leicester City came from behind to stun Manchester United 5-3 after trailing them, West Ham ensured Liverpool were defeated for the third time this season with a 3-1 result. Southampton moved to second place on the log with victory over Swansea and Aston Villa moved to third place having lost to Arsenal.
In other matches, Crystal palace and West Brom both won for the first time this season and they did so away from home at Goodison Park and White Hart Lane respectively.
Papiss Cisse’s brace ensured Newcastle rescued a point while Lampard’s goal for Manchester City against former club Chelsea ensured parity between both clubs.
The capital one cup took centre stage in mid- week and there were winners as well as losers, whose participation in the competition is now limited to watching on their TV screens.
So it’s back to the real business of Premier League football as this is another round awash with intriguing ties – top of which are two derbies – one at Anfield and the other at the Emirates. Let’s get stuck into all matches, shall we?
Saturday 27th September
Liverpool Vs Everton
Venue- Anfield
Kick off time — 12:45
The Merseyside derby is here again and bragging rights are up for grabs with both sides having lost their matches last weekend. Everton would also be hoping to revenge their four – nil thrashing in the corresponding fixture last season.
Brendan Rogers is yet to find a consistent and winning formula like he did last season with Liverpool who are now hunting for trophies on four fronts, with squad rotation and integration of new players hampering their performances.
Liverpool would be without the injured Daniel Sturridge, and fatigue may be an issue for the first team players who took part in the capital one cup match which rolled over into extra time.
Everton could be said to have been affected by an Europa league hang over against Palace as they couldn’t maintain the pace with which they began the game. The only injury concern is that of Ross Barkley, and a regrouped Toffees team would also inevitably stake their claim for bragging rights over their town neighbours and also hope to return to winning ways after losing their capital one cup tie in mid-week to Swansea.
Current form hardly counts when it comes to derby matches. The first goal would be key in this fixture and victory can go either way.
PREDICTION: Liverpool 2-2 Everton
Chelsea Vs Aston Villa
Venue- Stamford Bridge
Kick off time — 15:00
Chelsea were haunted last weekend by club legend Frank Lampard who salvaged a draw for Manchester city while Aston Villa lost to Arsenal by conceding three goals in the space of four minutes.
Chelsea have no injury concern as they head into this fixture. They should be back into their full attacking mode, with the defence showing that they can withstand pressure from top opposition as they showed against Manchester City. After being shut out last week, Diego Costa would hope to resume his scoring spree against the Villains.
Aston villa played without a few of their key players last week having being hit by a virus. They would hopefully be back for this fixture, alongside Christian Benteke who has been out with injury since April, but Villa need to maintain the sort of defensive discipline that has put them in the top half of the table, as momentary lapse in concentration can work against them against a top quality opposition like Chelsea.
Chelsea have a good record against Villa while playing at the Stamford Bridge, but Villa would likely be a hard nut to crack.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
Crystal Palace Vs Leicester city
Venue- Selhurst Park
Kick off time– 15:00
Both sides won their matches last week and they would be hoping to keep the form going.
Crystal Palace defeated a somewhat fatigued Everton side, and that could likely be an issue for them too as they were forced into extra-time in the Capital One cup. They are a technically disciplined side with self belief under new manager Neil Warnock and this could see them through once again in this fixture.
Leicester City has shown once again that they are no pushovers and want to remain in the top flight. They are a technically balanced side with Wes Morgan in the heart of the defence. Their attack also boasts of James Vardy who can exploit defenders with pace and Ulloa who is their leading goal scorer.
Leicester is well rested for this fixture and it could give them an edge.
PREDICTION: Crystal palace 1-2 Leicester
Hull City Vs Manchester City
Venue- KC stadium
Kick off time– 15:00
The two sides were held to draws last week and both would be hoping to get maximum points this weekend.
Hull would be ruing two lost points last week as they lost a two-goal lead to Newcastle. Steve Bruce, post-match said it felt like a loss as they committed errors in defence. They would need to raise their game in defence as they would be facing a lethal Manchester City side and there would be little room for error if they are to gain point(s) in this fixture.
Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Capital One Cup as they tore apart Sheffield Wednesday by seven goals to nil. They would be hoping to repeat the same sort of attacking approach. City now has two strong men in the heart of their defence (Kompany and Mangala) and it would take a bit of hard work to get past them
It should be a fairly contested fixture.
PREDICTION: Hull 1 Man city 3
Manchester United Vs West Ham
Venue- Old Trafford
Kick Off time — 15:00
This is a fixture between a victor and a vanquished from last weekend. Manchester United would be seeking redemption while West Ham would be seeking to consolidate on their victory over Liverpool
United is yet to strike a balance between its defence and attack. They boast of having some of the best attacking players in the premier league but they obviously lack a defence leader. Jones and Evans would be missing in this fixture and Van Gaal would likely have to sacrifice of his attacking players to bring in an extra defensive midfielder to partner Daley Blind and provide enough shield for the defence amid speculations that Michael Carrick would be deployed to play in central defence.
West Ham has played a pretty decent brand of football this season and they have been rewarded for it so far with seven points. They have been playing well with influence from players like Mark Noble who sits deep in the midfield and Stewart Downing who has recently found his old form and has been a supply line for the attack.
This is another fixture where the united defence would face another litmus test while the attack would also do its bit against a resilient West Ham defence
PREDICTION: Man United 2-2 West Ham
Southampton Vs QPR
Venue- St. Mary’s Stadium
Kick off time– 15:00
Southampton is setting fire on all cylinders right now with QPR striving to survive
Southampton has so far moved past the doom predicted for it before the start of the season as Ronald Koeman’s side keep improving week after week. The team is well rounded and the core of the team is gradually emerging with players such as Nathaniel Clyne who was on the fringes last season is now one of the back bone of the defence
QPR is yet to find a perfect rhythm but showed resilience to fight and salvaged a draw against stoke last week. They would be without the injured Sandro and Kranjcar would likely be called upon to replace him.
Based on current form, Southampton should breeze past QPR who has more tendency to defend than to attack.
PREDICTION: Southampton 3-0 QPR
Sunderland Vs Swansea
Venue- Stadium of Light
Kick off time– 15:00
Both sides would be going into this fixture on different run of forms with Swansea seemingly more fired up than a Sunderland side which is yet to win a game this season.
Sunderland are yet to pick a good rhythm so far even though they have shown flashes of brilliance. Key players such as Adam Johnson, Stephen Fletcher, Lee Catermole and co need to rise up to the occasion because a defeat or draw in this fixture won’t do their morale any good and would likely put them in a race for premier league survival as it transpired last season.
After losing to the Saints last week, Swansea bounced back with a win in the capital one cup against Everton and would be hoping to return back to winning ways in the Premier League after two defeats in a row. Nathan Dyer would be expected to lead the attack alongside influential midfielder Sigurdsson in the absence of Wilfred Bony who is suspended.
Sunderland have always been let down by their defensive errors and momentary loss in concentration. A fast attacking Swansea team would likely take them apart but I fancy the Black Cats to get their first win of the season in this match.
PREDICTION: Sunderland 2-1 Swansea
Arsenal Vs Tottenham
Venue- Emirates Stadium
Kick off time– 17:30
This is a North London derby which has brought excitement in times past and this weekend’s shouldn’t be any different.
Arsenal have been inconsistent in recent weeks but they would want to stake a claim to being the best team in the northern part of London. They would be without Oliver Giroud whose lone strike separated the two sides in this fixture last season. The question on the mind of the fans is whether Ozil would play in his favoured number 10 position or on the left flank.
Spurs would be gutted to have lost at home to West Brom last week but would be hoping to bounce back with a victory at the Emirates, as well as bragging rights over their London neighbours. Lamela and Eriksson would be important in midfield while Emmanuel Adebayor should be leading the attack against his former team.
This is likely going to be a gruelling contest even though Spurs have a poor record at the Emirates.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham
Sunday 28th September
West Brom Vs Burnley
Venue- The Hawthorns
Kick off time– 16:00
This is a bottom of the table clash and a victory for either side is likely going to be an advantage over the other come end of season.
West Brom got their first win of the season away from home last week and fought back to claim victory in the capital one cup in mid-week. They are highly motivated at the moment and would hope to keep the momentum going. Joleon Lescott had a fantastic debut against spurs and he would hopefully continue that way.
Burnley is yet to win this season and they have only scored once so far. A defeat here would bring up issues of their survival in the top flight even though manager Sean Dyche says it’s still early to talk about their survival. They need to take their chances in front of goal if they have to win.
Even though it’s still early days in the season, this is a fight for survival for both sides
PREDICTION: West Brom 1-0 Burnley
Monday 29th September
Stoke Vs Newcastle
Venue- Britannia Stadium
Kick off time– 20:00
Stoke have played well so far but they have been largely unlucky to be losing points while Newcastle are yet to win and manager Alan Pardew is still wanted out by the fans.
Stoke are playing well on the counter attack but they have been wasteful in front of goal. They would rely on the energetic Victor Moses and his perfect combination with Peter Crouch to lead the team to victory.
Newcastle showed what a resilient team they can be against Hull and what they can achieve if their fans get behind them. They are yet to win this season but the team is showing glimpses of revival as demonstrated in their capital one cup victory in mid-week.
Stoke have not been impressive at home this season, while Newcastle is yet to find any sort of rhythm. This is likely going to be a physical encounter which could go either way
PREDICTION: Stoke 2 Newcastle 1
That’s it for this weekend’s round of Premier League matches.
What’s your opinion on my Analysis? And more particularly, if you have any reservations regarding my Predictions, do let me know by making use of the comments box below. You can use this easy copy and paste summary to write your own predictions and share it with other readers in the comments section.
1. Liverpool vs Everton
2. Chelsea vs Aston Villa
3. Crystal Palace vs Leicester City
4. Hull City vs Manchester City
5. Manchester United vs West Ham United
6. Southampton vs Queens Park Rangers
7. Sunderland vs Swansea City
8. Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
9. West Brom vs Burnley
10. Stoke City vs Newcastle United
Via @Famousseyi
OctupusSaxy's Blog 
Title contenders lose, but they do not subside like this, conceding two soft goals in the first seven minutes at Upton Park last weekend. Title contenders go through rough patches, but not three defeats in their first five games. Rodgers again urged patience; but after the Reds punched above their weight last term, the reality that this team have flattered to deceive might be setting in.
This is a Liverpool side still in chrysalis, still searching for its post-Suárez identity, neither busy enough in attack nor secure enough in defence. Mario Balotelli is still too selective with his work-rate, the full-backs leave too much space behind them and Steven Gerrard’s role in this side appears to be largely ceremonial. Until these issues are solved, Rodgers has rightly admitted – talk of the title is fanciful.
It seems the usual stampede for a top four place has been significantly delayed by those clubs who consider themselves rivals, Everton joining Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United in suggesting defensive failings could make this campaign even more open than usual.
From what I’ve seen so far, only Manchester City and Chelsea look like certainties to nail a top four place come May.
Arsene Wenger has a minimum 18 players to pick from until December and more crucial is the defence with just five senior defenders available. Considering Arsenal’s injury history, it’s quite a tough prospect to imagine how they will fare until Winter. Once again, Arsene Wenger’s lack of preparation, plan and stubborness will hurt his team.
LIVERPOOL vs EVERTON
Roberto Martinez may find if he concentrates too much on the lottery of the Europa League, which has long odds despite the prize (in terms of prestige and reputation boost for the ambitious) it can deliver, he may pay a heavy Premier League price.
Liverpool’s defending is getting boring as they conceded another set-piece goal against West Ham. Defensive problems are already costing the Merseysiders points as the manager continues experimenting to find his best combinations in midfield and attack.
Three defeats in their last four League matches mean that Liverpool will go into Saturday’s Merseyside derby in the bottom half of the table. And while these are early days, it will be a big ask to engineer a title challenge from here.
This is a pivotal fixture for both teams and with their defences all porous (both teams have conceded almost two dozen goals between them), expect a frenzy of goals at Anfield.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN
CHELSEA vs ASTON VILLA
Paul Lambert’s team finally lost last weekend (to Arsenal) – with their once strong-looking defence breached and left in tatters. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend with Chelsea on the cards. Only Paul Lambert’s respectable record against Jose Mourinho counts in his team’s favour.
Jose Mourinho knows his team will compete well in the big matches against other title contenders but he will also ensure he keeps them focused against teams like Villa where many times last season, his team wobbled.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: CHELSEA WIN
CRYSTAL PALACE vs LECEISTER CITY
Evidently, Neil Warnock’s Pulis-esque methods are working. He is unbeaten in four games since his re-appointment and I’m personally pleased that he has been intelligent in not ripping up the structure put in place by Tony Pulis.
Neil Warnock has embraced the ideas of Pulis, and is well equipped to use the work rate, strength, pace and belief of this unit to provide a solid platform that can deliver a top 10 finish at least. Wishful thinking?
For Leceister, what a performance and an equally sensational result to go with it on Sunday! Nigel Pearson is a grounded manager though and be sure he would have his team focused for this fixture. Leceister have already beaten Stoke away this season so they won’t be fazed at this trip to London.
Both teams are in decent form, both teams will score goals and both teams won’t go home empty-handed.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW
HULL CITY vs MANCHESTER CITY
Man City are without a win in four matches in all competitions and this trip to Hull City could stretch their winless run if they don’t turn up with the right attitude.
Steve Bruce’s team have been rubbed of six points in their last two matches due to ill-luck and some bad defending. They are a side with goals in them but they will let in a few too. And against a quality team like the reigning champions, that’s a bad combination.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN
MANCHESTER UNITED vs WEST HAM
Sam Allardyce can pat himself on the back for his summer business if the Hammers’ past couple of games are anything to go by.
Under Sam Allardyce, West Ham’s metamorphosis continues to take shape, New strike duo of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia offer as much in defence as attack, and have settled beautifully. Alongside Mauro Zarate, Sahko and Valencia appear to be reinvigorating a side that struggled for creativity last year.
Since succeeding Moyes in the summer, Van Gaal has amassed just five points from as many games in what has become United’s worst start to a season in Premier League history despite their lavish summer spending.
The Red Devils let slip a 3-1 lead to lose 5-3 at Leicester on Sunday, and it was the first time the club have ever lost after taking a two-goal lead in the Premier League.
Assembling the most expensive collection of forwards in Premier League history will be a pointless exercise in largesse if Manchester United cannot defend their territory properly.
Blackett looks his age at this level and he would have to be guided through his introduction to first team football. Van Gaal needs Rojo, Shaw to settle in quickly while the Dutchman continues to rue his ill-luck with injuries to key players since the start of his reign.
Much will depend on how brave Sam Allardyce will be. If he sets his side up ‘not to lose’, he won’t succeed. The chances of one of Falcao, Di Maria, Rooney, Mata and Van Persie not finding the net is non-existent.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN
SOUTHAMPTON vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS
The Saints appeared to have lost their way in the summer when players left at will but Ronald Koeman has done fantastic in rallying his players after the mass exodus – which could have been a psychological blow to their season before it even started.
The Saints are currently second on the log with 10 points from a possible 15. They have played with the swagger of a team in good form since the beginning of the season and I will be surprised if they don’t pick maximum points against QPR.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: SOUTHAMPTON WIN
SUNDERLAND vs SWANSEA CITY
Swansea have to be happy with what has been a great start under rookie manager, Gary Monk. Yes, last weekend’s reverse to Southampton was a dampener but it’s important they know they are moving in the right direction and don’t derail.
The momentum generated from the end of last season is non-existent at the Stadium of light this season. Gus Poyet can’t seem to inspire his lads right now and you fear it could be another long season at the foot of the table for Sunderland.
I think Swansea City can win here. Sunderland can’t defend and the goals are not coming too. I don’t see them winning this one.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: SWANSEA CITY WIN
ARSENAL vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Mauricio Pochettino gets his baptism of fire in the north London derby this weekend.
After Spurs beat QPR 4-0, it appeared Pochettino had found the right formula but results have nose-dived since. Sunday’s reverse at home to West Brom showed what a tough job Pochettino has on his hands in trying to conjure from his players consistent performances.
It’s been a similar story for Arsenal who have looked anything but assured in their performances until last weekend when they took Villa to the cleaners.
It’s no coincidence that Arsenal showed swagger in their victory over Villa with Ozil in the middle. The German will be central to Arsenal’s success this season and it’s high time Wenger stop toying with his selections and focus on the tested and trusted.
I fee this match has come too early in the campaign for Mauricio Pochettino and his team.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN
WEST BROMWICH ALBION vs BURNLEY
The Baggies were excellent in their victory over Tottenham last time out. But it’s difficult to read much into the match because Tottenham were really poor. Joleon Lescott looked at home in West Brom’s defence and if he can stay fit, West Brom will be fine – at least in the back.
The Clarets’ return to the top division is quickly turning into everything but a goal. Burnley have now gone seven hours and 16 minutes without hitting the back of a Premier League net. And with strike pair Danny Ings and Sam Vokes both missing through injury, Burnley’s chances of survival are already looking grim after five matches.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: WEST BROM WIN
STOKE CITY vs NEWCASTLE UNITED
Alan Pardew got away with a point last weekend when everyone had already predicted his obituary. It was only a point but could it be a catalyst for Newcastle’s season? Crucially for the English manager, his players did appear to be behind him and more importantly, owner Mike Ashley doesn’t seem like pulling the plug soon.
Stoke City are unbeaten on their travels but the Potters have played two and lost both matches at their Britannia Stadium home turf. It does seem there’s nothing not clicking for Sparky’s boys in front of their fans. Alan Pardew will be hoping his team can capitalize on Stoke’s indifferent home from.
OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: STOKE’S CITY WIN
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is easy
copy and paste summary to write your own
predictions and share it with other readers
in the comments section.
1. Liverpool 2 vs 1 Everton
2. Chelsea 2 vs 0 Aston Villa
3. Crystal Palace 1 vs 1 Leicester City
4. Hull City 0 vs 2 Manchester City
5. Manchester United 3 vs 1 West Ham
United
6. Southampton 2 vs 0 Queens Park Rangers
7. Sunderland 1 vs 1 Swansea City
8. Arsenal 2 vs 2 Tottenham Hotspur
9. West Brom 1 vs 0 Burnley
10. Stoke City 0 vs 1 Newcastle United
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