Welcome to Last Word On Football’s Premier League preview, where each week we take a look at some of the key fixtures in the forthcoming matches. Last week saw seven sides pick up victories on the opening weekend of the season. How will your side fare this week? Here is our preview of Premier League Matchweek two.
Premier League Preview: Matchweek Two
Key Games
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
The game of the weekend sees champions Manchester City take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad. Both sides collected three points on the opening day of the season, although Tottenham left it late to beat Aston Villa.
Pep Guardiola’s side did the double over Tottenham last season in the Premier League. However, it was Tottenham who knocked Manchester City out at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League last season. As a result, it should add extra firepower to what will already be a thrilling encounter on Saturday evening.
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
Premier League football returns to Bramall Lane after more than 12 years away as Sheffield United take on Crystal Palace.
This game will set an early precedent on both sides season. Home form will be important for the Blades in their quest for survival, while Palace will be looking to continue their impressive away form from last season.
It could prove a thrilling encounter and one that neither side will want to lose. If Sheffield United commit several players forward, then it will leave them open for the counter-attack against a dangerous Crystal Palace side, with a returning Wilfried Zaha.
LWOF Predicts
Arsenal v Burnley
Both sides picked up victories last weekend. Last season Arsenal lost just two games at home, while Burnley could only conjure four victories away from Turf Moor. As a result, this should prove a comfortable Arsenal victory.
Arsenal 3-1 Burnley
Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Aston Villa will be backed by a ferocious Villa Park crowd as they welcome back Premier League football. They almost stunned Tottenham last time out, and as a result, should take the three points.
Aston Villa 2-0 Bournemouth
Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham
These two sides encountered contrasting starts on the opening weekend. West Ham United were humbled by Manchester City 5-0 at home in matchweek one, while Graham Potter won his first game as Brighton & Hove Albion manager. An even affair looks set to occur between the sides.
Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 West Ham
Everton v Watford
Both sides failed to register a goal in their opening day encounters. As a result, this could prove an end-to-end affair at Goodison Park, where Everton could prove the stronger.
Everton 1-0 Watford
Norwich City v Newcastle United
This can be considered an early six-pointer for both sides. Norwich City lost 4-1 away at Liverpool, while Newcastle narrowly lost at home to Arsenal last time out. However, Steve Bruce side could put in a dogged display to take the three points.
Norwich City 1-2 Newcastle United
Southampton v Liverpool
Southampton will be hoping to avenge their 3-0 defeat to Burnley on the opening weekend with a victory at home to Liverpool. Against a tired Liverpool side who encountered a 120 minute game against Chelsea in the Super Cup, they could be in with a chance.
Southampton 1-1 Liverpool
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
The last Premier League encounter between two sides saw City edge to a 1-0 victory. However, at such an early stage in the season, we could encounter a goal-fest at the Etihad.
Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Sheffield United v Crystal Palace
The Blades will have to be at their best to defeat one of last season’s best away sides in the Premier League. The game at Bramall Lane will prove a high-intensity fixture and one that could end in an entertaining draw.
Sheffield United 2-2 Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Leicester City
Frank Lampard will be looking to avenge the humiliating 4-0 defeat he suffered in his opening game. However, against a strong Leicester City side, it could prove tricky.
Chelsea 1-2 Leicester City
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United
This fixture last season saw Wolverhampton Wanderers run-out 2-1 winners. After the jubilation of their victory over Chelsea, the Red Devils could be brought back down to reality.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 Manchester United
Main Photo
