BY MIKEY, NISAR AND SEAN
How time flies... A fourth week of Barclays Premier League action is in store with the final games before the International break commences—where an opportunity awaits for either Tottenham or Everton to lay out their intentions, and Swansea City and Manchester United take to each other's proving ground.
As usual, we are giving our takes on the weekend's proceedings.
How it works
There are three writers involved in the weekly predictions: Mikey, Sean and Nisar.
For each fixture that they predict, there will be three points on offer. One point will be awarded for choosing the correct outcome of the game, such as predicting the winning team or predicting a draw. The two other points will be based on the scoreline, one for each side, so if someone gets half of the scoreline correct, they are awarded one point, and if they get the whole scoreline correct, they are awarded two points, along with the third point for getting the outcome of the match correct.
Each week the points will be updated and the winner is obvious: Whoever gets the most points at the end of the season is the winner.
Last week
Mikey and Nisar scored equal points on the boundary of double-digits while Sean again gets closer to really breaking away from the pack, outscoring both with his 12 points total. Sean and Nisar got perfect predictions for Crystal Palace's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa while Sean also telegraphed the 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Swansea City. After three weeks here is how the table stands:
1) Sean (35 points)
2) Nisar (29 points)
2) Mikey (29 points)
Will Sean race further ahead in the fourth week of the season? Our predictions...
Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
Saturday 29 August 2015, 12:45pm
Arsenal have an opportunity to set the pace for the rest of the weekend when the venture into Tyne territory to meet Newcastle United, a team of who are yet to find a victory in their campaign albeit showing improved football having held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford and pushing Southampton. Will the Gunners roll by? Or will the Magpies spell bad luck?
Mikey: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger's side have endured a sticky run of form; losing to West Ham at home, and recently being held by Liverpool. Despite that, they also toppled a solid Crystal Palace team at Selhurst Park and had seemed to regather their impressive form. Brendan Rodgers' side are a tough team to beat, and Liverpool's result will be respected more should Newcastle leave with at least a point, which I think they will. Steve McClaren's men proved their resilience in a draw at Old Trafford, and this time at home against a current lackluster Arsenal, the Magpies should secure a valuable point.
Nisar: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
The Gunners still have flaws that need to be covered although they should take the victory in Saturday's early kickoff. Steve McClaren's side will most likely remain solid throughout but a few touches of quality from the North Lonodners will see them through.
Sean: Newcastle 0-3 Arsenal
Despite their preserved point at Manchester United, Steve McClaren and his Newcastle side do not bode well against Arsenal. Is history doomed to repeat itself? Will Arsenal bounce back from the 0-0 stalemate at home to Liverpool on Monday night? Will they win? The answers to all of those questions is yes.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton
Saturday 29 August 2015, 5:30pm
White Hart Lane hosts a Saturday night footballing showcase with plenty of potential to raise the stakes. Spurs look for a first win on the board while the Toffees—although coming off a loss to the Champions—want to emulate their trouncing form. Can these sides look at top four? They prove to be each other's measuring sticks on Saturday evening.
Mikey: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton
Roberto Martinez has reiterated his fondness of keeping want-away defender John Stones at the club, but as good as the 21-year old is, he alone isn't able to repair small broken fragments that is apparent at Everton. Thus far, their form has been poor; luckily earning a draw against Watford and scraping past League One side Barnsley. The defence is shaky, and it's evident in games. Tottenham, at home, also haven't impressed as much as they had initially preferred - losing to Man Utd and drawing with Leicester - but should roll past Martinez's men with ease.
Nisar: Tottenham 1-1 Everton
I'm expectant of a contest of high quality at White Hart Lane. The Toffees didn't look too good last week but then again they were playing against the champions. Tottenham meanwhile see this as an opportunity to really get going, but with both sides still really looking to get in their stride I see a 1-1 draw on the horizon.
Sean: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Everton
It was Kevin Mirallas who gave Everton the early lead in this fixture back in November, but Spurs showed tremendous resolve to fight back. Goals from Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado sealed the three points for the home side on that occasion. Like it was then, both sides enter the game after stuttering starts to the campaign. With the John Stones transfer saga rolling on (he handed in a transfer request this past Tuesday) it could influence The Toffees physiologically/physically on the night. Spurs might just nick this.
Southampton vs. Norwich City
Sunday 30 August 2015, 1:30pm
Ronald Koeman's Southampton have taken things at a conservative pace as of late, exemplified by their goalless draw with Watford at Vicarage Road. Without a win, they welcome the Canaries to their home ground of who have experienced a win, loss and draw in their first three games of the season. Beating the Premier League new boys will be no easy feat, and perhaps with the Saints not looking so inspired Norwich can go further—how will this pan out?
Mikey: Southampton 3-2 Norwich City
Many fans of Southampton have been frustrated with their side's start to the season; being comprehensively defeated by Everton at home, failing to score against Watford in an away stalemate, but Ronald Koeman's men now have a golden opportunity to secure their first victory of the season. Despite losing Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne, the Saints strengthened in certain areas and it should be evident against a Norwich side who will give a solid test but just fall short.
Nisar: Southampton 1-0 Norwich City
It's hard to forecast a lot of goals in this game but then again that's what Norwich City could bring. Ronald Koeman surely will want to see his side reinvigorated but the European football duties take their tolls. With Sadio Mane set to return to the side there should be more options up front, and with defensive solidarity (in balance) they can grab a goal but stop their opponents from doing so. It will be a tough day for Norwich's front line.
Sean: Southampton 2-1 Norwich City
Southampton comprehensively lost against Everton and have endured a stuttering start. Equivalent is the story for Norwich City anyhow find themselves above Koeman's well-drilled Saints. Despite their inconsistent start, I reckon Southampton will nick this.
Swansea City vs. Manchester United
Sunday 30 August 2015, 4:00pm
Liberty Stadium is the setting for the final helping of Premier League before the International break, as Swansea City look to tarnish the Red Devils undefeated record in the season while the ambition remains the same for Louis van Gaal's men. A work in progress, Manchester United are still looking to really hit the top gear while Gomis and co. are firing on all cylinders for Swansea—how will both sides ambitions line up when all is said and done?
Mikey: Swansea City 0-1 Manchester United
Garry Monk's team have enjoyed a superb start to the season; managing to earn a point away at Chelsea on the opening weekend but were recently held by the struggling Sunderland. Despite doing the double over United last season, that scenario has become even slimmer after the Red Devils impressed with a 4-0 rout of Club Brugge on Wednesday. Ander Herrera was superb in the #10 role, and behind a revitalized Wayne Rooney, expect to see United hold out to a very tight 1-0 win.
Nisar: Swansea City 1-1 Manchester United
The Swans have netted on five occasions in their first three games and I believe they'll add another one to their tally on Sunday. It won't be enough to take three points however as I believe the visitors can grab something. United looked really strong against Club Brugge in the week and that form could help them on to a draw here, perhaps more, but staying cautious I predict a 1-1 tie.
Sean: Swansea 0-2 Manchester United
...
Other games
Some big clubs are in Saturday afternoon's 3pm kickoff slot, here's how we think they'll go down...
Mikey
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As usual, we are giving our takes on the weekend's proceedings.
How it works
There are three writers involved in the weekly predictions: Mikey, Sean and Nisar.
For each fixture that they predict, there will be three points on offer. One point will be awarded for choosing the correct outcome of the game, such as predicting the winning team or predicting a draw. The two other points will be based on the scoreline, one for each side, so if someone gets half of the scoreline correct, they are awarded one point, and if they get the whole scoreline correct, they are awarded two points, along with the third point for getting the outcome of the match correct.
Each week the points will be updated and the winner is obvious: Whoever gets the most points at the end of the season is the winner.
 |
Mikey and Nisar scored equal points on the boundary of double-digits while Sean again gets closer to really breaking away from the pack, outscoring both with his 12 points total. Sean and Nisar got perfect predictions for Crystal Palace's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa while Sean also telegraphed the 1-1 draw between Sunderland and Swansea City. After three weeks here is how the table stands:
1) Sean (35 points)
2) Nisar (29 points)
2) Mikey (29 points)
Will Sean race further ahead in the fourth week of the season? Our predictions...
Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
Saturday 29 August 2015, 12:45pm
Arsenal have an opportunity to set the pace for the rest of the weekend when the venture into Tyne territory to meet Newcastle United, a team of who are yet to find a victory in their campaign albeit showing improved football having held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford and pushing Southampton. Will the Gunners roll by? Or will the Magpies spell bad luck?
Mikey: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
Arsene Wenger's side have endured a sticky run of form; losing to West Ham at home, and recently being held by Liverpool. Despite that, they also toppled a solid Crystal Palace team at Selhurst Park and had seemed to regather their impressive form. Brendan Rodgers' side are a tough team to beat, and Liverpool's result will be respected more should Newcastle leave with at least a point, which I think they will. Steve McClaren's men proved their resilience in a draw at Old Trafford, and this time at home against a current lackluster Arsenal, the Magpies should secure a valuable point.
Nisar: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
The Gunners still have flaws that need to be covered although they should take the victory in Saturday's early kickoff. Steve McClaren's side will most likely remain solid throughout but a few touches of quality from the North Lonodners will see them through.
Sean: Newcastle 0-3 Arsenal
Despite their preserved point at Manchester United, Steve McClaren and his Newcastle side do not bode well against Arsenal. Is history doomed to repeat itself? Will Arsenal bounce back from the 0-0 stalemate at home to Liverpool on Monday night? Will they win? The answers to all of those questions is yes.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Everton
Saturday 29 August 2015, 5:30pm
White Hart Lane hosts a Saturday night footballing showcase with plenty of potential to raise the stakes. Spurs look for a first win on the board while the Toffees—although coming off a loss to the Champions—want to emulate their trouncing form. Can these sides look at top four? They prove to be each other's measuring sticks on Saturday evening.
Mikey: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton
Roberto Martinez has reiterated his fondness of keeping want-away defender John Stones at the club, but as good as the 21-year old is, he alone isn't able to repair small broken fragments that is apparent at Everton. Thus far, their form has been poor; luckily earning a draw against Watford and scraping past League One side Barnsley. The defence is shaky, and it's evident in games. Tottenham, at home, also haven't impressed as much as they had initially preferred - losing to Man Utd and drawing with Leicester - but should roll past Martinez's men with ease.
Nisar: Tottenham 1-1 Everton
I'm expectant of a contest of high quality at White Hart Lane. The Toffees didn't look too good last week but then again they were playing against the champions. Tottenham meanwhile see this as an opportunity to really get going, but with both sides still really looking to get in their stride I see a 1-1 draw on the horizon.
Sean: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Everton
It was Kevin Mirallas who gave Everton the early lead in this fixture back in November, but Spurs showed tremendous resolve to fight back. Goals from Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado sealed the three points for the home side on that occasion. Like it was then, both sides enter the game after stuttering starts to the campaign. With the John Stones transfer saga rolling on (he handed in a transfer request this past Tuesday) it could influence The Toffees physiologically/physically on the night. Spurs might just nick this.
Southampton vs. Norwich City
Sunday 30 August 2015, 1:30pm
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Mikey: Southampton 3-2 Norwich City
Many fans of Southampton have been frustrated with their side's start to the season; being comprehensively defeated by Everton at home, failing to score against Watford in an away stalemate, but Ronald Koeman's men now have a golden opportunity to secure their first victory of the season. Despite losing Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne, the Saints strengthened in certain areas and it should be evident against a Norwich side who will give a solid test but just fall short.
Nisar: Southampton 1-0 Norwich City
It's hard to forecast a lot of goals in this game but then again that's what Norwich City could bring. Ronald Koeman surely will want to see his side reinvigorated but the European football duties take their tolls. With Sadio Mane set to return to the side there should be more options up front, and with defensive solidarity (in balance) they can grab a goal but stop their opponents from doing so. It will be a tough day for Norwich's front line.
Sean: Southampton 2-1 Norwich City
Southampton comprehensively lost against Everton and have endured a stuttering start. Equivalent is the story for Norwich City anyhow find themselves above Koeman's well-drilled Saints. Despite their inconsistent start, I reckon Southampton will nick this.
Swansea City vs. Manchester United
Sunday 30 August 2015, 4:00pm
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Mikey: Swansea City 0-1 Manchester United
Garry Monk's team have enjoyed a superb start to the season; managing to earn a point away at Chelsea on the opening weekend but were recently held by the struggling Sunderland. Despite doing the double over United last season, that scenario has become even slimmer after the Red Devils impressed with a 4-0 rout of Club Brugge on Wednesday. Ander Herrera was superb in the #10 role, and behind a revitalized Wayne Rooney, expect to see United hold out to a very tight 1-0 win.
Nisar: Swansea City 1-1 Manchester United
The Swans have netted on five occasions in their first three games and I believe they'll add another one to their tally on Sunday. It won't be enough to take three points however as I believe the visitors can grab something. United looked really strong against Club Brugge in the week and that form could help them on to a draw here, perhaps more, but staying cautious I predict a 1-1 tie.
Sean: Swansea 0-2 Manchester United
...
Other games
Some big clubs are in Saturday afternoon's 3pm kickoff slot, here's how we think they'll go down...
Mikey
- Aston Villa 3-0 Sunderland
- Bournemouth 2-2 Leicester City
- Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
- Liverpool 2-0 West Ham United
- Manchester City 4-0 Watford
- Stoke City 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
- Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland
- Bournemouth 0-2 Leicester City
- Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace
- Liverpool 1-0 West Ham United
- Manchester City 3-0 Watford
- Stoke City 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
Sean
- Bournemouth 2-1 Leicester City
- Stoke City 2-0 West Brom
- Liverpool 2-1 West Ham United
- Man City 3-1 Watford
- Aston Villa 0-0 Sunderland
- Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace
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