One of the joys of Premier League football in 2017-18 is both the predictability and unpredictability wrapped up together in so many matches.
Aside from clashes containing teams from last season’s top six, there is little to choose between the other 13 outfits in the league. When you look ahead to games like Bournemouth versus Brighton and Huddersfield Town against Leicester City, you know what the pattern of the game will be. But the result? No idea.
From a predicting point of view, that’s a bit of a nightmare. Yet from a neutral standpoint, it’s fascinating, and testament to the fine margins that have come to define the most competitive football competition in the world.
Read on for a focus on the three marquee fixtures and a line on the remaining seven clashes from Week 5 of the Premier League. And remeber to compare the odds provided on our green listed bookmakers, such as Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Bet365.
Watford vs. Manchester City
Marco Silva is one to watch, isn’t he?
Though it was too late for the coach to rescue Hull City from their relegation plight last term, the manner in which he was able to get a tune from a makeshift squad was mightily impressive. With surer foundations and smart backing at Vicarage Road, it’s no surprise to see the Hornets in the ascendancy.
City, of course, will test their progression. In their last two matches Pep Guardiola’s sky-blue juggernaut have plundered nine unanswered goals, with the 5-0 win over Liverpool in their last Premier League outing perhaps the biggest indicator yet they have found top gear in attack.
In the final third, there’s no team in the division who can match City in terms of attacking quality, variety and depth. It means that even after a midweek jaunt to Feyenoord, Guardiola can field a sharp and penetrative front line.
Watford have proven adept at playing on the counter and threatening from set-pieces under Silva, though at times they’ve been prised open by crisp passing football. City, as such, will do just enough here. (1-3)
Chelsea vs. Arsenal
We’ve been here before with Arsenal—poor results away, a morale-building win at home and then questions being asked ahead of another tricky visit. Have these lads and this manager finally taken on some lessons?
Typically, the answer has been “no” and it’s difficult to see the Gunners making the trip across the capital to Stamford Bridge and doing a job on Chelsea. Based on their surrenders at Stoke City and Liverpool, the temperament needed to turn in massive displays at illustrious venues just doesn’t pulse through this squad.
It pulsed through Chelsea last term as they marched to the Premier League title and after a slow start to their defence, in recent weeks they’ve started to rediscover their edge. Alvaro Morata has provided a brilliant focal point up top and you sense his physicality, energy and intelligence will give this Arsenal defence twisted blood.
On their way to Premier League glory last season the Blues swatted aside Arsenal 3-1 in this fixture, with the Gunners so timid in their approach. Barring a sudden injection of power, defensive nous and spirit, it’s tough to see too much changing when these longstanding local rivals go head-to-head again. (2-0)
Manchester United vs. Everton
The focus in the buildup to this match between Manchester United and Everton will be trained on a couple of individuals—Romelu Lukaku and Wayne Rooney.
The former of the duo made the move from Everton to United in the summer window and has excelled in the early days of his career at Old Trafford. Lukaku is powerful, pacey and already there have been signs that his all-round game is improving under Jose Mourinho. But most crucially of all, the Belgium international is one of the most ruthless finishers around.
Rooney tread the path the opposite way down the M62 in the summer, linking up with his boyhood club for a second spell having enjoyed 13 prosperous years with United. He returns to United as an undoubted legend and the football club’s all-time top scorer.
Still, the match extends beyond these two figures and each side is on the hunt for victory for very different reasons.
Everton haven’t had a Premier League shot on target since their clash against Manchester City, whereas United will want to get back to winning ways after slipping up at Stoke City last time out. Even without the stricken Paul Pogba, the hosts will have enough to come through here. (2-0)
Bournemouth vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
Though Eddie Howe will never really be under pressure at the Vitality Stadium, with no points on the board after four games it’s imperative they get something here. Brighton, by contrast, will head to Bournemouth in great spirits after a brilliant 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion last time out. Expect an even game between two sides who would probably be pleased with a point. (1-1)
Crystal Palace vs. Southampton
Remember those predictable-unpredictable games mentioned in the intro? This is another one. Roy Hodgson’s side will be compact, direct and seek to counter, whereas Southampton will attempt to pick their way through the red and blue jerseys. Hodgson should improve the Eagles, though it’ll take a lot longer than the few days he has had to do so. (0-1)
Huddersfield Town vs. Leicester City
There’ll be disappointment in the Huddersfield camp in the way they lost to West Ham United last time out, though they can still take confidence from a fine start overall. They’ll be on the front foot against Leicester on Saturday, though the canny Foxes are primed to soak up pressure and spring into action on the break. (1-2)
Liverpool vs. Burnley
Burnley are not one of the sides you want to play if you’ve featured in a midweek European match, as Liverpool have done. Sean Dyche’s side will create individual battles all over the pitch and seek to win them, something they did brilliantly at Tottenham and Chelsea in their first two away clashes of the campaign. The Reds will be hopeful their quality can see them through. (2-1)
Newcastle United vs. Stoke City
The win at Swansea felt like a big one for Newcastle, as they backed up the emphatic win at home over West Ham with a display of real determination. Stoke were similarly dogged in their 2-2 draw with Manchester United and seem to have a swagger back. Expect an entertaining contest here between two sides who are building momentum this season. (2-2)
West Bromwich Albion vs. West Ham United
Following on from a strong start to the season and a brilliant end to the transfer window, West Brom got a reality check against Brighton last week. You can imagine Tony Pulis not letting up on the lads involved since and there’ll be no complacency whatsoever against West Ham. The home side will get back to winning ways against an opponent that has been miserable on the road. (2-0)
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Swansea City
It appears Tottenham are back again. After a week in which they strolled to a win at Goodison Park and thumped Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at Wembley, this Spurs side resembles the outfit that pushed Chelsea close for long spells last season. Against a Swansea team that’s still striving to find an identity following some key summer departures, they’ll be far too strong. (3-0)
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