Premier League Preview - Gameweek 8

Here’s a short preview of each of Saturday’s matches in the Premier League...

Newcastle v Liverpool:

Often a match with much to offer, especially at St James’ Park, with both sides looking for 3 points. Liverpool’s last two victories at Newcastle are 6-0 and 5-1 and the slight chance of Pardew’s team crumbling again sees this as the weekend’s curtain raiser. Joe Allen will travel with the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool.

Stoke City v West Brom:

Mark Hughes is yet to win over many people at Stoke which is hardly surprising coming after a 1-0 home defeat to Norwich for the Potters. Matej Vydra says he is in ‘perfect shape’ for this midlands derby match, so don’t write him off bagging a goal for the Baggies. In the end, home advantage should scrape it.

Score Prediction: Stoke 2-1 West Brom.

Chelsea v Cardiff City:

Since their defeat to Basel in the Champions League, Chelsea have been very convincing and in those 5 games, 4 have been victories. It would be quite something if Cardiff avoided defeat, yet a defeat by the odd goal at Stanford Bridge isn’t anything to be worried about for the Bluebirds. Managing to put the ball in Chelsea’s net will be a mountain.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Cardiff.

Swansea City v Sunderland:

Gus Poyet would love to get off to a good start with at least a point here, but I can’t see it myself. It would be very surprising if Sunderland weren’t still bottom of the league after this gameweek – put it that way. The Swans have underperformed so far this term (partially due to Europa League commitments) and I’m confident that will come to an end this weekend. After all, I’ve got a bet on them finishing 7th, so Michael Laudrup needs get his act together!

Score Prediction: Swansea 2-0 Sunderland.

Arsenal v Norwich:  

Norwich have had a decent start to this season, regardless of what the table may say – although you only need to see the table and already it’s clear Arsenal have had a dream start to this campaign. Wenger won’t be complacent and neither should his players when they walk out on Saturday afternoon.  Ozil should be fit for Arsenal after suffering a minor injury against Sweden in Germany’s 5-3 win.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Norwich.

Everton v Hull City: This one should be an obvious home win here with Roberto Martinez’s new side unbeaten at home this season and even giving a good account of themselves in the defeat at Man City last time out. An encouraging sign for Hull is that they haven’t conceded in their last 3 matches against Aston Villa, West Ham and Huddersfield respectively.  Interestingly just one point separate these clubs going into this weekend and a win would take The Tigers upto 5th spot in the table.  Darren Gibson’s injury on international duty should make room for McCarthy to slot into the Toffees midfield.

Score Prediction: Everton 1-0 Hull.

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