This weekend’s fixtures see some tough fixtures for the top teams with Chelsea away at Newcastle United and Manchester United away at Fulham. The game of the weekend is without a doubt between the early pace setters Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates. There is also the derby between Cardiff and Swansea which promises to be anything but dull.
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Saturday 12:45
Chelsea are looking to continue with their impressive form by taking all three points from a Newcastle side that have lost their last two games to Sunderland and Manchester City. Fernando Torres is in great form and expected to keep his place in the side and there are no expected changes from the team that beat Manchester City last week.
Newcastle will be disappointed with resent results but can take heart from their performances. They were beaten by a late wonder goal in the derby against Sunderland and were unlucky not to have beaten Manchester City in the cup but there finishing let them down.
Match Prediction: Newcastle 1 Chelsea 2
Fulham v Manchester United
Saturday 15:00
Manchester United are now unbeaten in six games and will be looking to continue their good form. Januzaj and Hernandez will be disappointed if they do not start after their impressive performances over the past few weeks with Hernandez scoring three goals in two games.
Fulham are struggling this season and the pressure is mounting on Martin Jol. They were impressive in their 4-1 win against Crystal Palace with wonder strikes from Kasami and Sidwell and need to show more of the same to get anything from this game.
Match Prediction: Fulham 0 Manchester United 2
Hull City v Sunderland
Saturday 15:00
Hull City have been impressive so far this season but without a top striker they will struggle to maintain a mid-table position. This game is classed as a six-pointer and Hull would need to win this one to avoid being dragged towards the relegation places.
Sunderland will be delighted with their performance and the three points against rivals Newcastle last week and will need to keep the momentum going. Borini’s late goal against Newcastle was spectacular and will be interesting to see if it will earn him a starting place.
Match Prediction: Hull City 1 Sunderland 1
Manchester City v Norwich City
Saturday 15:00
Manchester City will be looking to bounce back after loosing to Chelsea last week. It will be interesting to see who Pellegrini picks in goal between Hart and Pantilimon who was man of the match against Newcastle in mid-week. Negredo is expected to start the game after being on the bench against Chelsea.
Norwich City won at Eastland’s last season 3-2 although Manchester City had nothing to play for and it came shortly after the sacking of Mancini. Norwich will be hoping their key players turn up and perform in this game as it will be a tough afternoon.
Match Prediction: Manchester City 3 Norwich City 0
Stoke City v Southampton
Saturday 15:00
Stoke City currently lie in 17th Place in the league, level on 8 points with Norwich City in the relegation places. This is not what Stoke fans would have expected after Hughes taking over from Pulis in the summer but their lack of goals is proving costly. Apart from the two scored at Old Trafford, Stoke have only managed to score more than once on one other occasion against Crystal Palace.
Southampton are in great form and has one of the best defences in Europe. They have only lost one on the road this season and won twice including the impressive win at Anfield. The Saints have not scored more than one away from home in the league this season but it should be enough for the points.
Match Prediction: Stoke City 0 Southampton 1
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
Saturday 15:00
West Brom have put in some impressive performances this season with the win at Old Trafford and was unlucky not to win at home to Arsenal but they are not consistent and their home form is not great. They have only won once at home this season in the league against Sunderland.
Crystal Palace are still without a permanent manager and Keith Millen will have to rally the troops to start picking up points. They have lost their last six league games and are at risk of being left behind in the fight for survival.
Match Prediction: West Bromwich Albion 2 Crystal Palace 1
West Ham United v Aston Villa
Saturday 15:00
West Ham are sitting dangerously above the relegation places although they are not expected to struggle this season. The absence of a striker has been the key reason for their position and need to get Andy Carroll fit as soon as possible. Carlton Cole is back at the club but short of match fitness.
Aston Villa have lost their last two league games and their last win came at home to Manchester City. They have two wins out of four on the road with one draw and they are boosted by the recent return of Benteke.
Match Prediction: West Ham 1 Aston Villa 2
Arsenal v Liverpool
Saturday 17:30
Arsenal have lost their last two games but are still the pace setters sitting top of the table. Ozil looks a fantastic signing and his performance will be a factor if they are to overcome Liverpool.
Liverpool go into this game with confidence after their great start to the season. Sturridge and Suarez and a lethal partnership and have the ability to cause the Arsenal defence problems. This is the game of the weekend and with attacking players on both teams, goals are expected.
Match Prediction: Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2
Everton v Tottenham
Sunday 13:30
Everton are only a point behind Tottenham in the league and have the chance to overtake them if they manage to win the game. Summer loan signings Lukaku and Barry have been in good form and Barkley’s performances have linked him with an England place in the World Cup. Everton have won their last three home games and come into this game on the back of an impressive 2-0 win at Aston Villa.
Tottenham have won their last two league games but have come under criticism for their performances, struggling to overcome Hull 1-0 last weekend. Andros Townsend has been there star performer this season and has helped the players and fans get over the loss of Bale.
Match Prediction: Everton 2 Tottenham 2
Cardiff v Swansea
Sunday 16:00
Cardiff have lost their last two home games and managed to win only one home match so far against Manchester City. Fraizer Campbell poses Cardiff’s main threat and it would be no surprise if Bellamy starts with his experience of big games.
Swansea’s form seems to have suffered a little this season due to European commitments but they have had a weeks rest following their 0-0 draw with West Ham last weekend. Michu and Bony pose a threat up front however Bony was on the bench for last weeks game against West Ham and may not start.
Match Prediction: Cardiff 1 Swansea 2
Source: DSG
