Welcome back to Last Word on Football’s Premier League Predictions. Last week, Shiven took on Steen in a prediction battle. That time, Steen was able to edge out Shiven in a 17 to 16 victory.
This week, Shiven Mohindra will take on another one of the very talented writers here at LWOF, predicting the results of every single top-flight game across the season. Today, Shiven takes on Matt Davies.
A correct result earns each competitor three points and a correct scoreline gives you an additional two points. Take on the challenge for yourself by commenting your predictions below. Can you beat Shiven or Matt?
LWOF’s Premier League GW1 Predictions – Shiven vs Steen
Saturday
Cardiff City v Newcastle
Shiven: Both sides yet to get off the mark in the Premier League this season. An underwhelming showing from Cardiff was in stark contrast to Newcastle’s opening loss to Spurs. Newcastle put forward a great performance and if they can replicate something similar they should steal the three points in this tie. Cardiff 0-2 Newcastle.
Matt: Newcastle will have been bitterly disappointed not to have come away with a point against Tottenham. They will be encouraged by their performance, however. They will see this game as great opportunity to get their season started against newly promoted Cardiff. Every game will be a battle for Cardiff, who are tipped by many to be relegated. Home form will be invaluable for The Bluebirds. However, Newcastle may be too strong early in the campaign. Cardiff 0-1 Newcastle.
Spurs v Fulham
Shiven: A great matchup in game week two. Fulham disappointed on opening day despite having spent over £100 million this summer. Harry Kane’s August hoodoo continues to haunt him and could cost Spurs the three points. Spurs 1-1 Fulham
Matt: Tottenham battled to a difficult 2-1 win away at Newcastle on opening day. With players returning late from the world cup, the three points were crucial. Fulham started their Premier League return with a rather stern warning of what is to come. They will look to bounce back in a difficult encounter against Tottenham. With some added match fitness, Tottenham should have too much quality for Fulham, however. Tottenham 3-0 Fulham (with Harry Kane to score … in August!)
West Ham v Bournemouth
Shiven: West Ham’s new summer signings failed to impress in a 4-0 loss to Liverpool. Bournemouth, however, put forward a dominant performance against newly promoted Cardiff City. Eddie Howe has successfully indoctrinated his philosophy into the Bournemouth side and this season could be the dark horses. However, West Ham strengthened in all the right departments this summer and will secure the win in this tie. West Ham 3-1 Bournemouth
Matt: West Ham had a brilliant transfer window. History has shown, however, that buying an abundance of players doesn’t guarantee success; it will take time for players to gel. It is difficult to judge after just one game though, with Liverpool away as hard as it gets. This one will certainly be closer. West Ham will be desperate to get their season going. West Ham 2-1 Bournemouth
Leicester v Wolves
Shiven: An evenly matched battle, considering the business Wolves have done this season. A great result against Everton will only boost the morale at the Wolves camp. Leicester were arguably unlucky not to get a point on opening day, however, there were many positives for them to take and reports suggest Jamie Vardy will be fit to start, which is the key to the Foxes success. Leicester 2-1 Wolves.
Matt: This is a difficult game to call. Wolves looked up for the fight in their opening encounter against Everton. Out of the three promoted teams, they look the most likely to make an impact in the Premier League. That said, Leicester is a tough place to come to. Demari Gray was electric at times against Man United. It could be a big season for him. Leicester to win – Gray and Vardy with the goals. Leicester 2-0 Wolves.
Everton v Southampton
Shiven: Everton will hope their new signings in Bernard, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes will all be available for this crucial tie. Marco Silva got off to a good start considering he was playing with ten men for more than half the game. The home advantage should give the Toffees a comfortable win. Everton 2-0 Southampton
Matt: Everton will be looking to impress in their first home game of the season. New signings Bernard, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes will all be up for selection. This will certainly create an atmosphere, which will correspond on the pitch. Southampton narrowly avoided relegation last season and will want to distance themselves from the bottom as soon as possible. It will be a task ask, however. Everton 2-0 Southampton
Chelsea v Arsenal
Shiven: For the second week running the Gunners will take on a top-six club. Emery failed to win over the Arsenal fans in a 2-0 loss to the English champions. However, both sides seem rather evenly matched and it will be a tactical battle between two new head coaches. Sarri to get the better of Emery in their first Premier League encounter. Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
Matt: This is without a doubt the most intriguing game of the weekend. Two teams with new managers, both looking to establish themselves. Chelsea eased to a 3-0 win on opening day. Whilst tougher tests are to come, Chelsea were impressive. Particularly the signing of Jorginho looks promising. It is difficult to analyse the performance of Arsenal, who came up against the favourites in City. This is another hard game for Arsenal, however. Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal.
Sunday
Manchester City v Huddersfield
Shiven: Probably the most one-sided game of the week. Manchester City have looked phenomenal ever since their title win and don’t see them losing any points to a relegation favourite. Manchester City 5-0 Huddersfield
Matt: Man City never really got out of second gear against Arsenal, but came out comfortable winners. Kevin De Bruyne will most likely return to the starting eleven, which will be a huge boost. Huddersfield struggled immensely in their opening day thumping by Chelsea. It’s frankly absurd to predict anything other than a Man City win here. Man City 4-0 Huddersfield.
Burnley v Watford
Shiven: A bore draw on opening day for Burnley and they will be looking to rebound in this tie. Burnley looked outstanding at home last season and got some great results against the big sides. With Watford in a position of turmoil, Sean Dyche should get back to winning ways. Burnley 2-0 Watford
Matt: Burnley made Turf Moor a fortress last season. It isn’t an easy ground for anyone to go to. Despite a bright start in beating Brighton 2-0, Watford will struggle here. Burnley are extremely hard to break down. A home win is expected here. Burnley 2-0 Watford.
Brighton v Manchester United
Shiven: Manchester United fans are divided at the moment and in an away game, the support of fans is crucial. Brighton’s confidence is bound to have been knocked after their opening day defeat. The strength of the current Manchester United side will overpower the fighting spirit of Brighton. Brighton 1-3 Manchester United
Matt: Brighton started the season in disappointing fashion with a 2-0 defeat to Watford. A visit from Manchester United is perhaps not the ideal subsequent fixture. United, with the likes of Pogba and newly signed Fred in midfield, will have to much power and quality for The Seagulls. Brighton 0-3 Man United
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Shiven: Wilfred Zaha has just signed a new long-term contract with the London club, which will definitely have got fans excited. Liverpool’s new signings impressed in their 4-0 annihilation of West Ham last week. The scousers are optimistic about this season and if they want any shot at the title, they will need to pick up points on the road. Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool.
Matt: It’s difficult to pick against Liverpool after watching their opening day destruction of West Ham. Liverpool look to have built on a largely impressive campaign. Naby Keita already looks settled, and at the age of only 23, the midfielder looks like a star in the making. Crystal Palace away is never an easy game, however. On their day, the likes of Zaha and Schlupp can trouble anyone. As stated, however, the only viable prediction is a Liverpool win. Crystal Palace 1-3 Liverpool.
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