Welcome back to Last Word on Football’s Premier League Predictions. Last week, Matt defeated Shiven, handing him his second loss in a 17 to 14 point victory.
This week, Shiven 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 faces fellow Managing Editor, Nat Goodlad.
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 on your predictions below. Can you beat Shiven or Nat?
LWOF’s Premier League Predictions Matchday 3
Saturday
Wolves vs Manchester City
Shiven: Wolves have not got off to the start they would have hoped for, and in Matchday 3 it is unlikely they will be able to add to their points tally. Guardiola’s Manchester City side is looking just as strong as they did last year, and the Wolves side they will face just do not have the quality to stop them. Wolves 0-4 Manchester City
Nat: Wolves may have spent big in the summer, but it’s going to take something special to stop this City side, once again. It should be a comfortable afternoon for Pep, with Wolves unlikely to trouble Ederson’s goal. Wolves 0-3 Manchester City
Arsenal vs West Ham
Shiven: Despite two valiant efforts against Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal will feel unlucky not to have earned a point in their opening two games. West Ham also spent a lot this summer and have failed to get off the mark. In what will be an emotional return to the Emirates for Jack Wilshere, I see Arsenal stealing all three points against the new-look West Ham team. Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Nat: Arsenal have shown vague signs of change in Unai Emery’s first two games in charge, and that should all come together against what looks to be a very over-hyped West Ham side. The Hammers have looked poor in their opening two games, barely having a sniff against Liverpool and losing a lead against Bournemouth. Arsenal’s opening games were harsh on them, so expect their season to really start from now. Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
Bournemouth vs Everton
Shiven: Eddie Howe’s rigid system at Bournemouth is proving successful as the Cherries have earned all six points in their opening two games. Everton have also looked promising and Marco Silva’s chemistry with Richarlison is seriously blooming. This game looks like an evenly-matched tie between two upper mid-table sides. However, the home advantage will be key and Bournemouth should earn a point from this game. Bournemouth 1-1 Everton
Nat: Bournemouth have surprised everyone with the start they’ve made and they look to be a relatively solid team coming into this season. Everton have also made a decent start to life under Marco Silva, but Bournemouth will take a huge amount of confidence from their first two games into this one, which could see them claim a narrow win. If they do, though, don’t expect it to have much of a bearing on the rest of Everton’s season. Bournemouth 2-1 Everton
Huddersfield vs Cardiff City
Shiven: For both sides this season, every point will be huge to avoid relegation. Cardiff earned themselves their first point in dramatic fashion after another penalty save by goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. However, this week it is Huddersfield’s turn to get off the mark as they will look to secure all three points. Huddersfield 1-0 Cardiff
Nat: Huddersfield and Cardiff are two of the teams tipped to face the drop this season, mainly because they failed to really improve on their teams from last season. Huddersfield have, though, faced Chelsea and Manchester City in their opening two games, which would be tough for anyone. They’ll get their first points of the season on board here against a weak Cardiff team, but this season is going to be hugely difficult for them overall. Huddersfield 2-0 Cardiff
Southampton vs Leicester City
Shiven: Leicester got off the mark last weekend with a convincing 2-0 win over Wolves. However, this weekend they will be without star striker Jamie Vardy who is suspended after picking up a red card last week. Southampton will look to capitalise on his absence by setting up in a more defensive system ready to capitalise on the counter-attack. Southampton 1-1 Leicester City
Nat: Leicester’s biggest achievement of the summer was keeping hold of Harry Maguire, as he is going to be a big factor in any success they have this season. Southampton are set to have a better campaign than last year’s almost disaster, but Leicester have looked like a team fighting to regain a European spot early on in this season. They’ll take this one, but Southampton will make them work hard for it. Southampton 1-2 Leicester
Liverpool vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Shiven: Brighton will be brimming with confidence after their 3-2 victory over Manchester United. However, this Liverpool side looks like a real title competitor and the luck for Brighton will not be able to overthrow the firepower. Liverpool 4-1 Brighton
Nat: Much has been said about Liverpool’s title chances this season and, based on their early performances, you can see why. The Reds have scored six and conceded zero so far, impressing particularly on the opening day against West Ham. Brighton will be buoyed by their win over Manchester United last weekend, but Anfield is a place they have always struggled at and this will more than likely continue. Liverpool 3-0 Brighton
Watford vs Crystal Palace
Shiven: Watford have started off well and the absence of Richarlison has not been felt just yet. Palace put up a valiant effort against title contenders Liverpool last weekend, and will look to add to their points tally in this tie. Watford 1-1 Crystal Palace
Nat: Watford’s start in Javi Gracia’s first full season in charge has been impressive. The Hornets look solid at the back and look threatening every time they come forward, even without Richarlison. Crystal Palace haven’t looked bad themselves, though, winning on the opening day and putting in a pleasing display in the loss to Liverpool. This could be a very entertaining game as both sides have made it clear that they want to play attacking football; so far, anyway. Watford 2-2 Crystal Palace
Fulham vs Burnley
Shiven: A very underwhelming start this season for Fulham, despite having spent over £100 million this summer. Burnley, however, will be exhausted after their 3-1 defeat to Olympiacos in the first leg of the final round of Europa League qualifying. Sean Dyche may choose to rest key players this weekend in order to put forth a strong effort at making a comeback against Olympiacos and getting into the Europa League group stage. Fulham 2-1 Burnley
Nat: After their amazing finish last season, Burnley have struggled to make the same impact so far. This is most likely down to their long trips in the Europa League, but Sean Dyche needs to remember that the league has to be the most important competition for them this season. They do have some recovery time from their away game against Olympiacos, but Fulham will be eager to take advantage of this tired-looking Clarets side. Fulham 1-0 Burnley
Newcastle vs Chelsea
Shiven: Newcastle would have felt unlucky not to pick up all three points against Cardiff after an injury time penalty miss by Chelsea loanee Kenedy. Despite the home advantage, Chelsea will prevail in comfortable fashion. Newcastle 0-2 Chelsea
Nat: Kenedy may have had a nightmare against Cardiff last week, but there is no doubt that he is Newcastle’s most important player this season. His ineligibility for this game will be a huge problem for Newcastle as they face Chelsea, the Brazilian’s parent club. Chelsea already looked gelled under Maurizio Sarri and should record a routine victory over the Magpies. Newcastle 1-3 Chelsea
Manchester United vs Spurs
Shiven: The pressure continues to mount on manager Jose Mourinho after controversial comments have been flying out about Paul Pogba and his agent, Mino Raiola. Spurs look solid again this season and with Harry Kane scoring in August they will be brimming with confidence. At home, it is likely Mourinho will revert to his classic defensive tactics in an attempt to avoid defeat. Manchetser United 0-0 Spurs
Nat: Manchester United haven’t quite got going this season, narrowly beating Leicester and losing to Brighton last week. Spurs, meanwhile, have won two out of two and don’t seem to be feeling any effects of a lack of transfer activity. That said, Spurs haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2014, and Jose Mourinho always seems to find a way in these big games. Manchester United 2-1 Spurs
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