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Stuart Kavanagh
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English Premier League Predictor: Gameweek 7
Updated: Oct 14, 2021
Man City vs Liverpool Headlines Weekend Fixtures
As we enter the month of October, the top of the Premier League has an ominous and familiar look to it. With the four teams expected to finish in the top 4 there already, the onus will be on the chasing pack to dislodge them. That mission begins this now. Let's have a look at what football's most exciting league has in store for us this weekend.
SATURDAY, 12:30 p.m.
Manchester United vs Everton
We kick this weekend off the same way we end it with a clash between Manchester and Merseyside. This fixture Manchester is red and Merseyside is blue.
Although United hasn't set the world on fire the way people have expected them to after their tremendous transfer window, when you have one Cristiano Ronaldo on your side, things tend to work out. Just ask Villarreal. That's why I am picking United in this one. As impressive as Rafas' Everton side has been, it is almost ten years since he managed a side that won at Old Trafford. United 3-1.
SATURDAY, 3 P.M.
Burnley vs Norwich
The Clarets host the hapless Canaries who are looking for their first win in almost half a season of Premier League fixtures. Sean Dyche's men still play horrible to watch football, but they should heap the pain on Daniel Farkes' side. It won't be pretty, but Norwich's losing streak will be at 17 come full-time. Burnley 1-0
Chelsea vs Southampton
Chelsea welcomes the Saints to Stamford Bridge having lost two games in a week. Easily their worst set of results since Thomas Tuchel took the over from Frank Lampard. The Saints might fancy their chances after nabbing a draw against Manchester City. I even suggested as much in this week's After Extra Time podcast.
That was before the Blues lost to Juventus. I just can't see them dropping points for the 3rd game in a row. Chelsea 3-0.
Wolves vs Newcastle
This is my 'who cares' of the week. Sorry to fans of either of these teams. Steve Bruces Newcastle is a one-man army. Get the ball to Saint-Maximin and hope for some magic.
Wolves have been woeful this year too. If Bruno Lage doesn't right the ship soo, he could find his position at Wolves under intense scrutiny. The rampant crowd at Molineux might get them over the line, but I am not confident predicting it. Bore draw 0-0.
Leeds vs Watford
Leeds and Watford will clash at Elland Road in a game the Lilywhites will be desperate to win. It boggles the mind that Leeds is still searching for their first win of the season. Man for man I think you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who would argue that Leeds doesn't have a better squad than Watford.
If they can't find a win here, they might not win until they play Norwich in a month's time. I think they will get the monkey off the back here. 2-0 to the home side.
SATURDAY 5:30 P.M.
Brighton vs Arsenal
The high-flying Seagulls take on a resurgent Gunners side in what could be one of the games to watch this weekend. Brighton will know they missed a big chance to assume the top spot versus Crystal palace last weekend and will be eager to set things straight in another clash against opposition from London.
On the other hand, we have the Gunners who will be on a high after trouncing a woeful Tottenham side last time out. I'm picking the Seagulls dream run to come to a screeching halt as the young guns at Arsenal secure an away victory 2-1.
SUNDAY 2 P.M.
Crystal Palace vs Leicester City
Palace welcomes the Foxes to Selhurst Park with Leicester in all sorts of trouble after failing to win a Premier League fixture the whole month of September. The Eagles haven't been in much better form, however, they did win in September against Tottenham. The rebuild Patrick Vieira is overseeing has had promising early signs and I think they are good enough to steal a point off of the Foxes here. 1-1.
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Spurs fans will tell you Harry Kane is back. Haven't you heard? He scored a hat-trick against NS Mura in the Europa Conference League. Big woop. Until he does it in the Premier League - I'm not buying that his tantrum is over.
Dean Smith's Villa side won't make it easy. Their victory over United last weekend was no fluke. I'm going to predict a score draw, 2-2. Bonus prediction - Harry Kane will put in another awful performance.
West Ham vs Brentford
This clash between two sides who have been thoroughly entertaining this season should be a cracker. The Hammers will have to be 100% free of any continental hangover here because Thomas Frank's squad will pounce if they smell blood.
Both sides have goals in them, but I think David Moyes' men might just be the next best side in the league after the incumbent top 4. With that in mind - I'm going for a Hammers win 4-2.
SUNDAY 4:30 P.M.
Liverpool vs Manchester City
We finish the weekend the same way we started it, with Merseyside and Manchester going head to head. This time it's Mersey Red facing Manchester Blue.
One of the great modern rivalries of the Premier League era adds another chapter this weekend. Liverpool is in great form and is undefeated in all competitions so far this season, and Mohamed Salah could be the form player on the continent at the moment.
On the other side of the coin, Manchester City defeated Chelsea last weekend in a match I thought would decide who the title favorite is. They also will be breathing fire after being humbled in the Champions League by Messi and PSG in the midweek competition.
Taking all this into consideration I am going with a score draw. It should be a cracker of a game and if you love football - this is a must-see fixture. 1-1 in one of the best games of the season so far.