The Premier League season is really starting to take shape now; the underdog sides are thinning out, and the top teams are beginning to take centre-stage once more. There could still be plenty of shocks on the cards, however, and plenty of surprising Premier League predictions to make.
Matchday eight includes some interesting fixtures, and plenty of banana skins, from Watford v Liverpool, to Chelsea v Brentford. See below for how we believe this week’s fixtures will go.
Premier League Predictions: Matchday Eight
Liverpool Head to Vicarage Road Looking for Revenge
If you cast your minds back to the 19/20 season, just before the pandemic broke out, eventual champions Liverpool travelled to Nigel Pearson’s relegation-battling Watford on an incredible unbeaten run. The Reds arrived with all the confidence in the world. By the time they left, however, Jurgen Klopp’s side were shell shocked, having been eased aside 3-0. The invincible season was scrapped, as were the headlined newspapers, and Watford were on cloud nine.
The win was so impressive that not many remember the fact that Watford suffered relegation that same season, with Pearson out before the campaign even ended. Now back in the Premier League, the Hornets have the chance to shock Liverpool again, who will be without Fabinho and Alisson Becker. With the two stars missing, there is every chance of an underdog victory.
Such is Mohamed Salah’s unstoppable nature in recent times, however, Liverpool may be able to fall back on the Egyptian’s goals once more.
Prediction: Watford 2-3 Liverpool
Aston Villa Host Wolves in Midlands Derby
Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers, the closest we’ll get to a Midlands Derby these days. The two sides have had very similar starts to the season. In fact, just the one point separates them. Villa sit 10th on 10 points, whilst Wolves sit 12th on nine points. The fact that the latter can jump ahead of the former in this weekend’s clash, puts some extra meaning on the fixture.
Bruno Lage’s side are difficult to predict, especially now they’ve found their talisman in Hwang Hee-Chan, who has scored the same number of Premier League goals (three) as Cristiano Ronaldo since the Manchester United star moved back to England. If Aston Villa can stifle the newly-formed partnership of Raul Jimenez and Hee-Chan, then they have every chance of picking up all three points, particularly if the likes of Danny Ings perform.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Wolves
Leicester City Face Manchester United Hoping to Turn Form Around
Leicester City’s start to the season has been undeniably disappointing. The Foxes have looked completely off the pace, as highlighted by their dismal 2-2 draw with Burnley before the international break. Compared to the last two seasons, they look out of ideas going forward, and calamitous at the back without Jonny Evans.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been far from spectacular, despite forming a super team last summer. With just one win in their last four games in all competitions, the Red Devils could do with a resounding victory against Leicester. Without Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, however, it could turn out to be an afternoon to forget.
Prediction: Leicester City 0-2 Manchester United
Manchester City Host Burnley
Manchester City v Burnley should be the easiest game to make predictions about in the Premier League, such is City’s dominance against the Clarets. Last season, the Citizens defeated Sean Dyche’s side by an aggregate score line of 7-0, having smashed five past them at home. This weekend’s fixture should be no different, as City look to pick up three points following their late Anfield draw against Liverpool last time out.
Burnley remained resolute to pick up a point against Leicester in their last game. This time around, however, no matter how stern their backline remains, it should be a routine day at the office for Pep Guardiola and his side.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 Burnley
Winless Norwich Face In-Form Brighton
In a game that could surprise a few with its entertainment, Norwich host Brighton in desperate need of their first three points of the season. Before the campaign got underway, this looked like a winnable fixture for the Canaries. With seven games gone, however, the Seagulls are flying, siting as high as sixth.
The fact is, from what seemed like a winnable game at the start of the season, Norwich may struggle to make a single mark on Brighton. Graham Potter’s side could have a relatively routine afternoon, stifling any threat that the hosts pose.
Prediction: Norwich City 0-3 Brighton
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