Author: Chandra Moulee Das
Liverpool-Bournemouth
Next weekend sees the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Bournemouth. Bournemouth started the new season with a 1-1 draw against West Ham United at home the week before. Meanwhile, Liverpool have had a less solid start to the season, drawing
1-1 draw with Chelsea
at Stamford Bridge.
Although Bournemouth have a formidable team, Liverpool are still the favorites, especially when they play at home. It’s hard to imagine anything other than victory for the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners in this particular clash. However, Liverpool cannot afford to be complacent and must remain focused from the first minutes. The predicted score for the match between Liverpool and Bournemouth is 3-0.
Tottenham-Manchester United
All eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Tottenham and Manchester United meet on matchday two of the Premier League season. Tottenham face the challenge of dealing with the absence of key player Harry Kane, who recently moved to Bayern Munich. In his absence, Richarlison will lead the London club’s front line. Despite concerns about an injury sustained in the
2-2 draw with Brentford
Cristian Romero is expected to be fit for Saturday’s decisive clash. Players such as Bryan Gil, Sessegnon, Bentancur and goalkeeper Fraser Forster remain sidelined through injury.
On the other hand, Manchester United managed to keep hold of key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Casemiro during the summer transfer window. Considering Tottenham’s defensive challenges, there is significant value in favoring the away team. While Rasmus Hojlund, signed in the summer, is sidelined with a back injury, Anthony Martial should be fit for the next match.
Considering Tottenham’s tendency to concede goals and Manchester United’s recent goalscoring record, a plausible score prediction for the Tottenham-Manchester United game could be a 2-2 draw.
Manchester City-Newcastle United
Manchester City will be looking to build on their impressive
3-0 win over Burnley
on the opening day with another victory, aiming for two wins in as many games for the reigning champions. On the other hand, Newcastle performed brilliantly in their first match, dominating Aston Villa with a convincing 5-1 win.
Last season, Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-0 in their home clash, while the match at St. James’ Park ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Of the 10 previous meetings, Manchester City have won eight, with the remaining two games ending in draws.
Erling Haaland is expected to score once again in a match that City will win 2-1.
West Ham United vs. Chelsea
In their second Premier League match of the 2023/24 campaign, Chelsea will face West Ham. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are determined to secure a victory after
split points with Liverpool in the league opener
. The recent record between West Ham and Chelsea, from April 2021 to February 2023, shows West Ham winning one game, drawing another and Chelsea coming out victorious in three encounters.
The forecast for the match between West Ham and Chelsea is for Chelsea to win 2-1.
Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal
Arsenal faced an early setback with Jurrien Timber suffering a knee injury during the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
2-1 win against Nottingham Forest
. He joins Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny in the treatment room at London Colney. Arsenal face Crystal Palace looking for a third consecutive win against the Eagles. Last season, Arsenal were victorious home and away against Crystal Palace, winning 2-0 at Selhurst Park on the opening day and 4-1 in March.
Despite the absence of Wilfred Zaha, Crystal Palace have an impressive defensive duo and a strong midfield. Arsenal are expected to dominate possession, but should be wary of quick counter-attacks.
Arsenal have what it takes to win, but it won’t be an easy task, with the score predicted to be 2-1 in Arsenal’s favor.
In addition, the following matches are scheduled for the second round:
- Nottingham Forest – Sheffield United
- Wolverhampton – Brighton
- Fulham – Brentford
- Manchester City-Newcastle United
- Aston Villa – Everton
- (rescheduled match) Luton Town – Burnley