I have two words about last week: Teemu Pukki
Southampton v Bournemouth
Southampton are coming off he back of three good results with 2 victories and a draw in their last three games. They have shown their experience and should be able to continue this good vein of form. There is talent in there 18 and it is finally starting to show. Bournemouth got an excellent result with their victory over Everton. Everything finally seems to be coming together for them, and if they can get their attacking trio going they should be looking at some good results in the coming weeks. Going for a 1-1 draw.
Leicester City v Toytenham
Leicester will still be disappointed that they couldn’t get at least a point at United last time out. Brandon Rogers has this team firing in a way not seen since their stunning run to the title. Vardy, Maddison, and company will be looking for blood, especially at home. I still cannot wrap my mind around Spurs. Last week in the EPL they came out and dominated Palace for the first 45 before just controlling the second half. Midweek in Greece they surrendered a 2-0 lead. You never know what you are going to get with them. Leicester2-1 winners.
Burnley v Norwich City
Burnley have come back and clawed their way to draws the past two weeks. Sean Dyche will be looking for his team to come out on the front foot at home against a newly promoted side. Ashley Barnes will be hoping to continue his hot start after bagging 4 in the opening 5 games, and they will need him this week. Norwich pulled of the upset of the season with their win over Manchester City last week, Teemu Pukki. The legend that is Teemu Pukki keeps growing ever week, with another goal and assist. Norwich know who they are and should continue to grow in confidence throughout the season. Norwich 3-1, Teemu Pukki.
Everton v Sheffield United
Everton will be chomping at the bit to show that the start to the season wasn’t a fluke after the disappointing showing against Bournemouth. Gylfi Sigurdsson needs to find his form. The playmaker hasn’t started as strongly as the Toon faithful would have hoped. The rest of the attack is rounding into form and should make them a challenger for a comprehensive victory. Sheffield have had a mixed bag of results so far, coming off the 1-0 loss to Southampton they always seem to stay in most of the matches they have played. The tactics with their overlapping center backs still is giving teams fits so they will be hoping this trend continues. Everton 2-1.
Manchester City v Watford
Manchester City have a point to prove this week. They will be slightly embarrassed by last weeks result at Norwich, Teemu Pukki. The defense will need to show their resolve and after his midweek performance Fernandinho maybe back to bolster the line. Pro will not want a repeat performance. Watford showed great resolve in their comeback against Arsenal and like last week I would just be looking at how they perform on the field as a unit and not the final score. I almost feel sorry, since I believe they will be put to the sword by a rabid City side. 4-0 to the Citizens.
Newcastle United v Brighton and Hove Albion
Newcastle United fell victim to Bobby Firmino last week, outside of being able to shut him down they showed very well in the 3-1 loss. If the con continue to replicate that form then I will probably be wrong in predicting them to drop. Joelinton has looked up for the premiership, which should bring them success. Brighton were the hard luck drawers last week. They continue to show better than I expected them and with proven EPL experience they should continue to challenge against the teams around them. Thinking an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton
Palace got run over last week, plain and simple. They will be looking to respond this week. Zach’s still has yet to look like the 18/19 version of himself which is worrying. He wants a move, he will need to start proving he can hack it again. Wolverhampton pilled teo back against Chelsea but still at times look lost at the back. Coming off the loss midweek to Braga means they still have yet to win a match this season. They will be hoping not to be legged but I have doubts. Winless continues 2-0 Palace.
West Ham v Manchester United
West Ham we’re the first team to keep Teemu Pukki of the score sheet this season, and they continued a good run of form with the draw against Villa. While they would have expected more, they should still be happy with the point. United come in carrying injuries and with James now also a doubt this maybe a tough ask. Their depth is starting to be tested and we will see how well they recover from the midweek trip to Astana. Thinking a 1-1 draw.
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Arsenal will be lookin got out the 2-2 draw against Watford in the rear view mirror. The midweek win at Eintrak Frankfurt shows their quality, but they need to replicate it this weekend. Emery will be looking to see the same resolve at home, and the attacking talent should have chances. Aston Villa has gotten more consistent as the season has progressed. I think this is a match where they will need to find a defense strength that they showed through the majority of the Spurs game. Still thinking 3-0 Gunners.
Chelsea v Liverpool
Chelsea have finally started to find their feet under Frank Lampard. The 5-2 win over Wolves saw a much more flowing attack and for the most part a more stabilized defense. The injury to Mason Mount is something that is a newer development but the one depth of the Chelsea squad is the midfield. The worry is still injuries to the back line, and with the attacking trio Liverpool have this will be an interesting matchup. Liverpool’s is a duck mid week in Napoli, they will be wanting to regain form and continue their dominance to start the season. They had trouble on the road last year at the “big 6” and it will be interesting to see how they come after Chelsea. Chelsea have them all they could handle in Istanbul and this may just be my heart but 3-2 Chelsea.
One Final Note: TEEMU PUKKI!