Premier League
Tottenham v Liverpool
After a disappointing defeat at Vicarage Road a fortnight ago, it will be interesting to see how Spurs respond at Wembley on Saturday in the early kick-off. Liverpool have made their strongest ever Premier League start, but this will be their biggest test. But with the momentum that they have, I can’t see anything other than a Liverpool win in this weekend’s top flight opener. I think that Liverpool will start strongly and blow Spurs away in this game, and set out their title aspirations this weekend.
FMO Predicts: 3-1 Liverpool
Bournemouth v Leicester
After a good start for Bournemouth, they face a Leicester side who have been hit and miss so far. They were good against Wolves, and we unlucky against Manchester United and Liverpool. James Maddison seems to be another successful Championship export, performing well so far and could even get an England call-up for the next international games. With two strong teams in decent form, this game is difficult to call. I think it’ll be a score draw, with two good attacking teams and Jamie Vardy back for Leicester.
FMO Predicts: 1-1 Draw
Chelsea v Cardiff
This could end up being a more difficult game to call than it may look on paper. Chelsea’s defence has struggled from crosses, particularly from the left side of the back four, with Marcos Alonso’s attacking ability not being matched by his defensive knowledge. I think Cardiff could cause some issues at Stamford Bridge, with their no-nonsense route one style. However with a player like Eden Hazard on the pitch, it is difficult to bet against Chelsea, who I think will just get past their opposition to pile more misery on the Welsh side.
FMO Predicts: 2-0 Chelsea
Huddesfield v Crystal Palace
These teams only have one league win between them so far this season, and this should make it a big one for both of them. I was impressed with Palace’s transfer business this summer, particularly with Max Meyer, who is a great free signing for them. Obviously Zaha will be huge for them, if he plays I think they will have too much for a struggling Huddesfield side who haven’t really improved their squad after a great season last year. I think Palace will get their second win here.
FMO Predicts: 1-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Fulham
It is hard to give Fulham any kind of chance in this game really. They have looked good so far, maintaining their attacking style and recording more shots on target than Liverpool up to this point. I just can’t see how they’d keep out the champions for ninety minutes however. City have had a good start, despite drawing away at Wolves. They were unlucky not to win in that game against a newly promoted side high on confidence. Since then they’ve dragged through a win against Newcastle too. I think they’ll be far too much for Fulham.
FMO Predicts: 3-0 Manchester City
Newcastle v Arsenal
After a tough start, Newcastle are very unlucky to have lost three games. They did very well against Spurs and Manchester City and nearly parked their bus all the way to a draw against free scoring Chelsea. I think it may be another one of those days for the black and white army however, as Arsenal begin to find their stride under Emery. They were pushed all of the way by Cardiff but found a way, and I think they’ll do the same here.
FMO Predicts: 1-0 Arsenal
Watford v Manchester United
Despite only being the fifth match of the season, this already feels like a make or break game for Mourinho this season. Watford have been flying so far, making their best start in the Premier League era. They could beat United if they play as well as they did against Spurs. It is obvious that they’re there for the taking after some shocking performances against Brighton and in the second half against Tottenham. It is really hard to tell if Manchester United will turn up or not, but Watford will after the start they’ve made, so I think they can do it at Vicarage Road again.
FMO Predicts: 2-1 Watford
Wolves v Burnley
Two sides who have had differing fortunes so far this season, and I think that form will prevail in this Super Sunday match. Burnley have really struggled so far, and I can’t see them beating a Wolves team that have carried their Championship winning momentum into the Premier League. I think Wolves will build on their good home form and first win away at West Ham, and beat Burnley at Molineux on Sunday.
FMO Predicts: 2-0 Wolves
Everton v West Ham
Another team that have been unlucky at times, Everton look decent this season. With good additions in the summer and a good manager, I think they will have way too much for a West Ham team that look in trouble already. Pellegrini really hasn’t brought in enough proven Premier League talent, and could be in for a long and hard season back in England. I think it’ll be a home win in this one.
FMO Predicts: 2-0 Everton
Southampton v Brighton
The final Premier League game of match day five is between two teams with identical records so far, and I think the game will be as close as the table suggests. Both teams have had decent starts after decent windows, and I think they’ll both end up around the middle of the Premier League table. I think this game will end as a draw, as both teams put out equally decent performances at St Mary’s.
FMO Predicts: 1-1 Draw
Championship (Summary)
It looks set to be a big weekend for many teams in the second tier of English football. Kicking off with a game in which Garry Monk’s Birmingham must pick up their first win of the season, if they are gonna kick on and do well. Their opponents, West Brom, will be confident after their home win against stoke, and I think this might give them the edge in this game. As a Reading fan, I am wincing at the thought of our trip to Deepdale on Saturday, as Preston will almost certainly record a second league win against us. We have been very poor in every game this season, and I really cannot see us getting the points to stay in the division this year. Another battle at the bottom sees Bolton, fresh off their devastating administration news, at home to QPR. The news of a points reduction will seriously hurt Bolton’s chances in this game, as they are taking on an uphill task for the rest of the season, this could give QPR the chance to pounce for a valuable win.
FMO Championship Predictions:
Birmingham 1-2 West Brom
Bolton 0-1 QPR
Brentford 2-0 Wigan
Bristol City 1-1 Sheffield United
Hull City 0-0 Ipswich
Millwall 1-2 Leeds
Norwich 0-2 Middlesbrough
Preston 2-0 Reading
Rotherham 1-2 Derby
Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Stoke
Swansea 2-2 Nottingham Forest
Blackburn 1-1 Aston Villa
Boxing:
This weekend sees the eagerly anticipated second fight between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez. After a controversial draw decision, these two go head to head once more in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning GMT. Despite the fact he maybe should’ve been handed the defeat, Canelo proved he has what it takes to compete at the highest level, causing problems for GGG with his explosive and unpredictable fighting style. He’s only lost once and will not be any easier this time. I can see a repeat of the first fight, with Canelo starting well, and I think he’ll take Golovkin to a decision once again, however I think this time GGG will have done enough to beat the Mexican on points in Nevada.
FMO Predicts: Golovkin to win by unanimous decision.
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