English Premier League Predictions: Week 7

Each week, ISH Soccer Writer Adam Leightman, will predict the outcomes of every Premier League game, and one big European match as well.

Hull City Vs. Crystal Palace

Hull City have scored 2 goals in each of their last 3 games  in the Premier League. However, their defense has been dreadful, conceding 8 goals during the same stretch. Hull has failed to pick up a win since the opening weekend, while Crystal Palace have won 2 of their last 3 Premier League games. Although Crystal Palace has been the better team this year, I expect Hull City to break the winless streak at home.

Hull City 3-1 Crystal Palace

Leicester City Vs. Burnley

Leicester City have returned to the Premier League with a bang. Sitting firmly at mid-table, Leicester have yet to lose a game at home this season. On the other hand, Burnley have struggled in the move up to the top flight. Burnley have not won yet this season, as they currently sit in last place in the table. Leicester have been dominant at home and I expect that to continue on Saturday.

Leicester City 2-0 Burnley

Liverpool Vs. West Brom

Liverpool are in desperation mode, and it is only October. They failed to win a Premier League game in September and currently sit in 14th place, a year after finishing in 2nd. Another defeat and the Liverpool faithful could start to turn on manager Brendan Rodgers. The job will not be easy for Liverpool, as West Brom come to Anfield on a two game winning streak. Liverpool can not afford to lose this game, and they won’t.

Liverpool 2-1 West Brom

Sunderland Vs. Stoke City

Stoke City travels north to take on Sunderland after beating Newcastle on Monday. Stoke sit in 10th place with 8 points. Sunderland have had one of the strangest starts to a Premier League season in recent memory. Sunderland currently sit in 17th place, but they have lost 1 game. However, they are winless with 5 draws on the season as well.

Sunderland 0-0 Stoke City

Swansea City Vs. Newcastle

The Swans look to keep their strong start going as they travel to St. James Park to take on Newcastle. Newcastle has been the laughing stock of the Premier League this year. They are winless on the year and have thrown away games with missed chances in front of net. Alan Pardew is on the hottest of hot seats and one more poor result could see him sacked.

Swansea City 1-0 Newcastle

Aston Villa Vs. Manchester City

Aston Villa had an amazing start to the season, with 3 wins and 1 draw. However, their last two results were 3-0 defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal. The schedule does not get any easier with Man City coming to town. Man City currently sit in 3rd and do not want to fall any further in the standings. Unfortunately for City, that will be the case as they settle for a draw against a resilient Villa side.

Aston Villa 1-1 Man City

Manchester United Vs. Everton

Manchester United look to win their second straight game at home against Everton. However, they will be without captain Wayne Rooney, because of a red card suspension. Everton, on the other hand, is coming off of an impressive draw at Anfield against their cross town rivals Liverpool. Everton will come in to Old Trafford and take the 3 points.

Manchester 1-2 Everton

Tottenham Vs. Southampton

Southampton seemed doomed before their season even started. The majority of their best players left in the summer, but that has not stopped the Saints from performing well in the Premier League. They currently sit in 2nd place and have only lost one game. Tottenham won their first two games of the season, but have failed to win since. Both teams will play sluggish, and will settle for the draw.

Tottenham 1-1 Southampton

West Ham Vs. QPR

West Ham hosts QPR as both teams look to rebound from a defeat last week. West Ham currently sits in 13th place while QPR finds themselves in 18th place and in the relegation zone. West Ham will dominate a weak QPR defense as they win easy at home in London.

West Ham 2-0 QPR

Game of the Week:

Chelsea Vs. Arsenal

The last time these two teams met, Chelsea won 6-0. Arsenal is a much better team since that thrashing however. Danny Welbeck and Mesuit Ozil are playing well together and the team is starting to click as a unit. Chelsea have played near perfect football to start the year. 5 wins and 1 draw at Man City have Chelsea sitting atop the Premier League table. Chelsea have finally found their clinical striker, Diego Costa, who has 8 premier league goals in 6 games. Chelsea’s offense will be too much for the very thin Arsenal defense.

Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal

Non-English Game of the Week:

Juventus Vs. AS Roma

Juve and Roma both sit at a perfect 5-0-0 record to start the year. Juventus have won Serie A 3 straight years, and have the talent and class to win it for a 4th year in a row. Roma had a great season last year, finishing in second. I give Juventus the slight advantage because the game is in Turin and because Juventus have yet to concede a goal this year.

Juventus 2-0 Roma