Making Premier League predictions is never easy; it feels like playing the lottery at times. One week, Liverpool could blitz almost any team in the league. Meanwhile, the next, they could lose 7-2 to Aston Villa on the same day that Manchester United lose 6-1 to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the difficulties, however, we, at LastWordonFootball, thought we’d give it a go and see how many we get right, probably not many, and how many we get wrong.
From Southampton v West Ham United, to Leeds United v Liverpool, we have made our predictions for matchday four of the Premier League.
Click here for part one of our Premier League predictions.
Premier League Predictions Matchday Four: Part Two
Southampton Host West Ham United
In a game which will highlight where both sides are at, Southampton host West Ham hoping to get their first win of the season. The Saints have predictably struggled to find the killer blow in their opening three games, but impressed many with their resilience in a draw against Manchester United.
As for West Ham, the Hammers have got off to an excellent start, picking up where they left off last season, with two wins and a draw in the first three games. Their attacking prowess has been particularly impressive, with ten goals so far – the joint most in the Premier League.
The game against Southampton hands Michail Antonio the opportunity to extend his lead in the Golden Boot race, having already scored four in three. Meanwhile, Adam Armstrong, Southampton’s summer signing, will be keen to add to his goal scored on the opening day of the campaign against Everton.
Both sides come into the game with a full strength squad at their disposal, making for an interesting tie, which West Ham, based on form, should win with ease.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 West Ham United
Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Perhaps one of the hardest predictions to make this week in the Premier League, Watford host an impressive yet blunt Wolverhampton Wanderers side, who are looking for their first goal and win under Bruno Lage. Having narrowly lost to Manchester United last time out, in a game they really should have won, Wolves will be confident of securing three points against Watford.
Watford, meanwhile, haven’t looked out of place, if not a little inconsistent, in their return to the top flight. The opening day 3-2 victory over Aston Villa would have excited fans before a reality check was inflicted at the hands of Brighton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Both sides could do with a win, but Wolves’ defensive stability – conceding just three goals so far this season – will likely see them battle through Watford.
Prediction: Watford 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saul Set for Chelsea Debut Against Aston Villa
Despite leaving it late, Chelsea managed to secure the loan signing, with the option to buy, of Saul Niguez – adding another fine player to their midfield. Back in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful, the Spaniard is likely to make his debut against Aston Villa debut to spell the start of a partnership filled with class next to UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Jorginho.
Their opponents, Aston Villa, have had a strange start to the season. Much was expected of them following a summer of arrivals, but it has quickly become clear that those new players need time to gel. When familiar with each other, Dean Smith’s side will undoubtedly impress, but, right now, fans must have patience.
So far, Chelsea have won twice and drawn once, with the point coming against Liverpool, whilst Villa have won once, lost once, and drawn once. Villa relish being the underdogs, and have had great success in that role in the past, but Chelsea will likely prove too tough a nut to crack at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa
Leeds United Host Liverpool With Headlines Focused on Brazilians
The international break is never ideal; it is filled with injuries and mundane fixtures that not many bother to watch. But, the most recent addition of football’s greatest pet peeve featured the most frustrating disruption yet, with somewhat of a civil war imploding when clubs prevented players from travelling to red listed countries.
As a result of keeping their Brazilian players back, the likes of Liverpool and Leeds United have been punished, and will be unable to play Roberto Firmino, Alisson Becker, Fabinho or Raphinha in the game. That’s right, clubs have been punished for following Covid-19 guidelines in the UK. It is a bizarre situation, which helps no one, and only inflates certain egos. Alas, here we are, with the two sides now without star players.
No matter the outcome of the game, the headlines will be dominated by FIFA’s ruling, with Liverpool looking to making it ten points from a possible 12, and Leeds hoping to secure their first win of the season.
As ever with a game at Elland Road, expect it to be a frantic and end-to-end battle, as Leeds look to cause an upset. Such is the control in which Liverpool have on games, however, the Reds will likely avoid a scare and come away with all three points.
Prediction: Leeds 2-3 Liverpool
Everton Host Burnley
The final game of the Premier League week arrives on Monday, as Everton host Burnley. The Toffees will not be disrupted by FIFA’s Brazilian verdict, thanks to their good relationship with the country, and, therefore, Richarlison will be able to play.
Rafa Benitez’s side head into the game with seven points to their name after two wins and a draw. They have been unexpectedly impress thus far under the former Liverpool manager, and could extend their unbeaten start.
As for Burnley, with just one point to their name, they’ll be hoping that new man Maxwell Cornet makes the desired difference. The signing came as a surprise to many, but now it’s done, Sean Dyche will be desperate to see it come good.
Up against a good Everton side, however, expect Burnley’s winless run to go on, and perhaps even Dominic Calvert-Lewin to add to his three goals already this season.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Burnley
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