EPL Preview - Round 8
Two blockbusters will set the English Premier League alight this weekend led by Manchester United traveling to Arsenal.
Match of the round
Arsenal v Manchester United
Arsenal’s rivalry with Manchester United has returned to its heights of ten years ago again.
Back then the two were vying for the English Premier League trophy on several occasions before the North London side slipped away.
Now United is back on top of the ladder and travelling to the Emirates Stadium to take on an Arsenal side that many have mentioned as genuine title contenders this season.
United has not played the best football this year but coach Louis Van Gaal has set his side up to be able to grind out results.
The deadline signing of Anthony Martial has been a masterstroke while Juan Mata has been in inspiring form of late including a sublime flick pass assist for Chris Smalling in their 2-1 Champions League win over Wolfsburg midweek.
Arsenal’s lead up into the match has been somewhat topsy turvy. After an impressive 5-2 victory over Leicester, the Gunners went down 3-2 to Greek Super League side Olympiakos.
Arsene Wenger has called for an immediate response from his troops, but the side will have to do it without centre back Laurent Koscielny who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Red Devils will be hard to break down so the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott will have to fire to get something out of this match.
Prediction – A lot riding on this game with Arsenal hungry bounce back and United intent on remaining on top which we believe will lead to a draw.
Everton v Liverpool
The Merseyside derby is one of the most anticipated matches of the English Premier League season, which almost never disappoints.
This time however it is Everton who is being favored over an unpredictable Liverpool side.
The Toffees have been impressive thus far including a shock victory over champions Chelsea at Goodison Park.
There seems to be a level of maturity in the Everton side led by the likes of Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.
On the red side, Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers is under immense pressure to get his side back to competing with the best in the competition.
Rodgers has never lost a Merseyside derby and breaking the streak here could be detrimental to his career at the club.
Much of his future could lie on the shoulders of Daniel Sturridge. The striker has come back in good touch for the Reds and is expected to be partnered up top with Danny Ings.
Defensive lapses have cost Liverpool dearly this year so centre backs Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho must stand up and be accounted for.
Prediction – Could go either way, but we are going with Everton to inflict a third defeat on Liverpool.
Bournemouth v Watford
The battle of two promoted clubs is set to bring a flurry of goals on Saturday night.
Bournemouth has not been afraid to play their attacking style of football even if they have lost more than they have won this season.
Although Watford have only scored five and conceded a mere six they are bound to take it to their opponents in this one.
Callum Wilson is a notable omission to the Bournemouth attack after being carried off during last week’s 2-1 defeat at Stoke.
Watford has been boosted by the news that Ikechi Anya signed a five-year contract at Vicarage Road this week.
Prediction – Bournemouth to rally to a win.
Remaining fixtures
Crystal Palace v West Brom – Calling an upset here with West Brom to shock Palace in London.
Aston Villa v Stoke – The Villains have been poor this year and it is bound to continue against a strong Stoke side.
Manchester City v Newcastle – After consecutive losses in the Premier League it is hard to go past Manchester City bouncing back.
Norwich v Leicester – Intriguing clash here with both set to trade blows. Draw.
Sunderland v West Ham – The Hammers will be too strong for an ever-disappointing Sunderland side
Chelsea v Southampton – Chelsea will continue their climb back to the top four with a win here.
Swansea v Tottenham – The Spurs are hitting their straps but we are tipping a draw here.
