Premier League Gameweek 8: Liverpool Can Continue Their Unbeaten Season Against Man City
9 min read
The big game of the weekend is the clash between the top two and the favourites for the Premier League title Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
Brighton v West Ham
Only Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane have been involved in more Premier League goals in 2018 than Marko Arnautovioc whose goal against Manchester United last weekend was his 10th of the year to go with his seven assists. The Austrian has played a key role in the Hammers’ excellent recent run although I feel they will have to settle for a point at the Amex on Friday night.
The Seagulls have only lost two of their last 10 home games in the PL but will be desperate for a positive result having lost against Spurs and Manchester City in recent weeks. I think the points will be shared on the south coast.
Tip: Game to finish in a draw at
Burnley v Huddersfield
Burnley have won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this campaign while Huddersfield are one of three clubs without a win so far, this Premier League season.
The Terriers did get a point at Goodison last month, but the Clarets have rediscovered their best form of late and I can’t see past a home win.
Tip: Burnley to win at
Crystal Palace v Wolves
Palace went down to a late penalty at Bournemouth on Monday and have yet to win in front of the Selhurst Park faithful this season – I don’t expect them to buck that trend against Wolves at the weekend.
Wolves were not at their best but were still good enough to keep the points against Southampton at Molineux on Saturday. I think they can take a point against Roy Hodgson’s side who continue to struggle for goals.
Tip: Game to finish in a draw at
Leicester v Everton
Everton have conceded twice in their three PL away games so far this season and I expect to see goals at the King Power Stadium in a game between two of the sides who will be battling for a Europa League place this season.
7⃣ games
4⃣ wins
2⃣ goals
2⃣ clean sheetsHarry Maguire in the @PremierLeague this season 🙌 pic.twitter.com/MrJvAyAM4Q
— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 1, 2018
Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire were the Foxes goalscorers at St James’s Park at the weekend, but England manager Gareth Southgate was in the north east to run the rule over midfielder James Maddison.
Maddison has created 15 goalscoring opportunities for his teammates and had 15 shots on goal so far this term. It would be no surprise to see the 21-year-old called up for The Three Lions Nations League games with Croatia and Spain later in the month.
Tip: Leicester to win and both teams to score at
Tottenham v Cardiff
Spurs were due to entertain Barcelona midweek and may have to fight against complacency when Cardiff visit Wembley at the weekend. Cardiff are without a win so far this season in eight games including seven PL matches and it is hard to make a case for them against Spurs as long as the hosts don’t take their eye off the ball.
Harry Kane has scored against 26 of the 27 different sides he’s faced in the Premier League and the only side he has yet to find the back of the net against is Cardiff although he only played 16 minutes against them as a substitute back in the 2013-14 season.
Tip: Spurs to win to nil at
Watford v Bournemouth
Five of the six PL games between the sides have ended in a draw but I feel Watford can get back to winning ways at Vicarage Road.
Bournemouth have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine away league games, and the Hornets will feel they haven’t got the points in recent games their performances have deserved.
Tip: Watford to win at
Manchester United v Newcastle United
A big week for Manchester United who entertained Valencia in the Champions League midweek ahead of the visit of the Magpies. The visitors are yet to win in the PL this season and were disappointing against Leicester City at St James’s Park at the weekend.
The last time @ManUtd only picked up 10 points from their first 7 league games, a certain David Moyes was in charge… pic.twitter.com/UiLujZqTqu
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) October 1, 2018
Newcastle have only won one of their last 36 games at Old Trafford and they are continuing to struggle in front of goal. I don’t expect to see a goal-fest at the weekend but feel the hosts will just do enough to keep the points in a tight, tense affair.
Tip: Correct score 1-0 at
Fulham v Arsenal
Fulham are one of only two PL sides without a clean sheet so far this season and they will do well to keep a confident Arsenal side out at Craven Cottage in this High Noon showdown given the Gunners keep winning without being at their very best.
The Gunners have only won one of their last eight away London derbies, but I feel they will maintain their excellent recent run against the Cottagers although I expect the hosts to find the back of the Arsenal net.
Tip: Arsenal to win and both teams to score at
Southampton v Chelsea
Chelsea have won their last three at St Mary’s and the hosts are without a win in their last 25 PL games against the “big six” clubs. Southampton had plenty of possession at Molineux last weekend but lacked a cutting edge and I feel the Blues will take the points with Eden Hazard back to his brilliant best so far this season. His two goals against Liverpool last week were world class.
Chelsea will go top-of-the table if they beat Saints and will feel this is an excellent opportunity to put the pressure on both Liverpool and Manchester City who meet in the eagerly-anticipated late kick off on Sunday.
Tip: Chelsea to lead halftime/fulltime at
Liverpool v Manchester City
You must go back to 2003 for the last time City won at Anfield and the Reds have already beaten City three times this year – twice in the Champions League and a famous 4-3 PL success back in January.
Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in their last eight PL home games and are unbeaten in their last 24 home league games. It promises to be another wonderful occasion and a great game between two top-quality sides.
The Premier League will not be won at Anfield on Sunday, but the winners will go into the international break at least two points clear in the table.
I expect to see another home win for the Reds.
Tip: Liverpool to win and both teams to score at
Weekend wager: Burnley, Watford and Spurs at
