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.
Part two of our Premier League predictions for matchday eight includes some interesting fixtures, and plenty of banana skins, from Brentford v Chelsea, to the recently taken over Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur.
You can read part one of this week’s Premier League predictions here:
Premier League Predictions Matchday Eight: Part Two
Southampton Host Leeds United
in a game where both sides so desperately need three points, Southampton host Leeds United looking to leapfrog the Yorkshire side up to 16th. With seven game gone, Southampton are yet to win a single game, whilst Leeds have won just once, which came just before the international break, against Watford, who they defeated 1-0.
The way that both sides have started the season, this one could go either way. If Marcelo Biesla’s men rediscover their goalscoring form of last season, they could blow the Saints away. At the same time, however, if Adam Armstrong finds his golden touch, Leeds could be in for a long afternoon. Such is the way both sides set up, the game looks destined for an entertaining draw.
Prediction: Southampton 2-2 Leeds United
Brentford Look to Cause Another Upset Against Chelsea
Brentford have enjoyed an incredible start to the Premier League season, following their promotion, and have caused a couple of upsets along the way. Thomas Frank’s side started the campaign with a routine 2-0 victory over Arsenal, and have since picked up a point in spectacular fashion against Liverpool, coming from behind twice to draw 3-3.
Chelsea will take a more cautious, and structured approach than both Liverpool and Arsenal, but, if Thomas Tuchel’s side are not on form, they may struggle against what is a lively Brentford side that punish any mistakes. It will certainly be an entertaining affair.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Chelsea
West Ham Travel to Everton
Arguably the most evenly-matched fixture in the entirety of the Premier League, West Ham United travel to Everton in what could be the game of the weekend. This fixture rarely disappoints, and, with the form of both in mind, it should include plenty of goals once more.
On paper, it is incredibly difficult to separate the two, with just three points between them in the table – Everton sit fifth, West Ham sit ninth. There’s simply so many factors included in the game between the two. It represents the old vs the new, in David Moyes against new Everton boss Rafa Benitez. Meanwhile, West Ham also represent what Everton want to be – a team in European competition.
This fixture always has goals, and Sunday will be no different.
Prediction: Everton 2-2 West Ham
Newcastle United Begin New Era Against Tottenham Hotspur
Off the pitch, the fixture between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park is the most interesting. It begins a new, much more ambitious era at Newcastle, which will also be surrounded by plenty of controversy. And, as that new era begins, the Magpies square up against a side stuck in the same, repetitive time loop under the ownership of Daniel Levy.
Eventually, the money team in Newcastle will overtake Tottenham in every aspect. But, that day will not come as soon as this Sunday, as Steve Bruce takes charge of his 1000th game in management. Instead, the new Saudi-Arabian owners will face a damming reality check.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Patrick Vieira Makes Arsenal Return
Ever since Patrick Vieira made his Premier League return to take charge of Crystal Palace, we knew that the game against Arsenal would be a big one. And it very much feels like it. The Frenchman has the chance to bring his former side’s recent good form to a crashing halt, and, with the way his Palace side are playing, it would come as no shock.
Many doubted Vieira’s ability to even guide Palace to safety, let alone a mid-table finish. Yet, although every performance hasn’t been matched with the result, it is fair to say that a promising project is being formed at Selhurst Park: a project that could go up a level against Arsenal.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
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