Premier League Gameweek 7: Continued perfection for Liverpool FC?
8 min read
The big game of the Premier League weekend sees Liverpool visit Chelsea on Saturday evening as they bid to maintain their unblemished start to the season.
West Ham v Manchester United
West Ham have improved in recent weeks and could easily have taken all three points against Chelsea last weekend with Andriy Yarmolenko missing a gilt-edged late opportunity.
United were knocked out of the League Cup against an improving Derby County midweek, but their away form – won their last three – is, actually better than their home form at present.
It would not surprise me if the game finished all square, but if there is to be a winner I think the hosts might nick it.
Tip: West Ham and the draw (double chance) at
Arsenal v Watford
Arsenal have won their last four PL games, but they continue to look fragile defensively and rode their luck at home to Everton last weekend.
That said the Gunners have failed to score in just two of their last 36 home league games and both of those blanks were drawn against Manchester City.
Watford are likely to have their opportunities at the Emirates, but I expect the Gunners to make it five wins on the spin.
Tip: Arsenal to win and both teams to score at
Everton v Fulham
Everton have won all 13 home games in the Premier League against Fulham and I expect the hosts to get a much-needed win following back-to-back defeats.
Marco Silva has a big decision to make regarding Richarlison with many Blues’ supporters, and pundits, clamouring for the young Brazilian to be employed as a central striker.
Aleksander Mitrovic joined Eden Hazard at the top-of-the-goal-scoring- charts after his late equaliser against Watford at Craven Cottage last weekend. Everton need to be wary of the goalscoring threat of the Serb who has been a revelation since joining Fulham in January.
Tip: Everton to win at
Huddersfield Town v Tottenham
Town supporters have yet to see their side find the back of the net at home this season and it might be another barren weekend for the Terriers when Spurs visit the John Smith’s Stadium.
Erik Lamela has given Mauricio Pochettino a welcome headache in recent weeks with the Belgium international coming off the bench to score in Spurs’ last couple of league games. He will be itching for a start.
Spurs have scored in 31 of their last 32 PL games and I expect them to take all three points in west Yorkshire.
Tip: Spurs to win to nil at
⚽ Four goals
?️ Two assists @ErikLamela‘s last four @premierleague appearances: ?#COYS pic.twitter.com/YnEw3LEsIc— Tottenham Hotspur (at ?) (@SpursOfficial) September 26, 2018
Manchester City v Brighton
Sergio Aguero has scored 14 times in his last 10 PL games at the Etihad and the Argentinean striker is likely to return to the starting XI for the champions having sat out the midweek League Cup win at Oxford.
Brighton have not won in their last 16 PL games on the road and it would be something of a shock if the Seagulls won at the home of the champions.
Tip: Sergio Aguero first goalscorer at
Newcastle United v Leicester City
Newcastle picked up a good point at Selhurst Park from a goalless draw last weekend, but goals are likely to be at a premium for United this season. Indeed, the Magpies have yet to find the back of the net more than once in a competitive game this term and I feel they will have to settle for a point against Leicester at St James’s Park.
The Foxes have not drawn any of their last 10 PL away games (L7 D3) but I feel that trend might be bucked this weekend in what promises to be an entertaining clash.
Tip: Game to finish in a draw at
Wolves v Southampton
Wolves were good value for their draw at Old Trafford last weekend and, back at Molineux, are one of just five sides unbeaten at home so far this PL campaign.
Only the current top 3 have had more shots on goal than Wolves so far this term (89) although 30 of those came in their last home game with Burnley. Saints were toothless against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend although they will welcome back Danny Ings who was ineligible to play against his parent club on Saturday.
Tip: Wolves to win at
Chelsea v Liverpool
The biggest game of the PL season to date with Liverpool looking to become just the second side in the history of the PL to win their first seven league games. Note the other was Chelsea in the 2005-06 season who won their first nine league games en route to the title.
The Reds have not kept a clean sheet in their last 14 league games with Chelsea and this is the biggest test yet of Liverpool’s title credentials.
Eden Hazard has scored four times in his last two home PL games and Liverpool need to keep the Blues talisman at arm’s length. I expect to see goals in what promises to be a cracker.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals at
Cardiff v Burnley
Cardiff are without a win in their last 10 PL games and have conceded 12 goals in their last three games. The Clarets lost at Burton midweek in the League Cup with a weakened side but hammered Bournemouth 4-0 at Turf Moor last weekend and will fancy their chances in south Wales.
I don’t expect, however, to see many – if any – goals at the Cardiff City Stadium although if there is to be a winner I would expect the visitors might edge it.
Tip: Under 1.5 goals at
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Palace have won three of their last four PL games on the road, but Bournemouth will be keen to bounce back after a bad day at the office at Turf Moor last weekend.
The Cherries are unbeaten in their last four home PL games and I think both sides will have to settle for a point from an open, entertaining contest.
Tip: Game to finish in a draw at
Michael’s weekend wager: Everton, Wolves and Spurs at