Predictions and analysis for each English Premier League Match-day 5 game. Can Manchester City continue to separate themselves from other title contenders?
After midweek matches for the EFL Cup the Premier League is back in action this weekend. Clubs try to gain ground on the thus far perfect Manchester City. No Friday night football means an early kickoff Saturday, and what a match it looks to be.
The weekend begins with the champions Leicester City against stumbling Manchester United, and ends on Monday evening with Burnley against high-flying Watford. In between Saturday concludes a packed day with a London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea, while Sunday offers only Southampton vs. lowly West Ham.
Below are the breakdowns and predicted scoreline for each match-day by day.
Saturday
- Manchester United 1-2 Leicester City
This game boils down to form. Leicester have it and United don’t. Hardy scored against United last year and Mahrez tends to play his best on the big stages. More doom and gloom for Mourinho’s men this weekend. Expect goals from Vardy, Mahrez, and Ibra.
- Liverpool 2-0 Hull City
This was a tough one to predict but got to go with the in form Liverpool. Expecting them to exorcise a few Burnley related demons with a relatively easy two nil victory. Goals from Mane and Sturridge cap off a nice afternoon for Klopp’s men.
- Bournemouth 1-2 Everton
Expect Everton to struggle slightly against Eddie Howe’s men, but pull out a late-ish winner by Romelu Lukaku to seal another three points and keep pace with the league leaders.
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- Swansea City 0-3 Manchester City
Manchester City looks to continue their excellent form to begin this season. In the end City’s quality prevails and Swansea should offer no real threat going forward. A goal from De Bruyne and a brace from the returning Sergio Aguero should see the Swans fly off into the sunset.
- Stoke City 0-1 West Brom
This game has boring written all over it. I’ll expect both sides to set up more defensive lineups as both could use a point, even at this early stage. But a late mistake at the back costs Stoke who are desperate to get Jack Butland back.
- Sunderland 1-0 Crystal Palace
Against Tottenham Sunderland was able to stifle the Spurs attacking options, which are far better than Pardew’s. Sunderland should be able to cut the mistakes and keep track of Benteke for the 90 and a timely Defoe goal snaps up the points for Moyes’ boys.
- Middlesbrough 0-2 Tottenham
The loss of Harry Kane cannot be understated, but replacement Vincent Janssen is a quality backup. Add in a wonderful midfield, with an in form Son and Tottenham should be able to hand Middlesbrough another defeat.
- Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea
The most looked forward to match of the weekend sees the two London clubs collide. Arsenal are coming off a win, while Chelsea suffered defeat against Liverpool last Friday. Expect goals and bookings galore. Chelsea get on the score sheet from Costa and Hazard, meanwhile Sanchez gives Ivanovic all he can handle and scores twice to split the points with their blue neighbors.
Sunday
- West Ham 2-0 Southampton
Southampton have looked very good at times and very poor at times. This prediction is more about Payet and West Ham hopefully starting to click in their new home grounds, because while they may not be as good as last year, they aren’t bottom of the table poor either.
Monday
- Burnley 0-1 Watford
Watford will be feeling good after sticking to their gameplay and beating United last weekend. Perhaps too good as Burnley will most likely come out and try to stifle the Deeney/Ighalo attack of the hornets.
Next: EPL Power Rankings - Week 5
Conclusion
If these results all play true, we’ll see Manchester City retain their top spot in the league table. While Everton remain hot on their heels, and Liverpool continue to pick up points. There’s still a long way to play but title challengers Chelsea and United may continue to fall further behind City. Do you agree with my predictions? Comment below with your own!