Godsmark's Premier League Predictions - Week 4

By Mikey Godsmark

After the international break took away the Premier League just when we were starting to enjoy it, we are back this week for mayhem, chaos and a Manchester Derby.

Last time Matt Hopping was reduced to tears as I mutilated him 170-70 to bring the score to Mikey 320-250 Powell’s Perspective. Reader Theo Granström-Livesey is my opponent.

Manchester United vs Manchester City

A Manchester derby is always worth watching but with new managers, both teams with an unbeaten record and an array of other talking points, this one will be special despite its early start both in the season and on the day. For city it may be all change as Aguero starts a three game ban, whilst Sane, Bravo and Gundogan may all make their debuts.  For Jose Mourinho, a decision has to be made on Marcus Rashford who continued his goal-scoring form for England U21s along with his goal against Hull. Two teams with a 100% record is very hard to call but I think that United have looked better so far this season so I will go for them.

Prediction: Man United 2-0 Man City
Theo: Man United 2-0 Man City
RESULT: Man United 1-2 Man City

Arsenal vs Southampton

Deadline day saw no real action for Arsenal to bring to an end yet another disappointing transfer window for their fans. Last time out against Watford they recorded their first win of the season and at home they should be too good for Southampton. The Saints are struggling this season and are still yet to get their first win of the season after two draws against teams that they really should be beating. It turns out that maybe you can’t keep on selling your best players every transfer window and still challenge for Europa, that being said they’ll probably prove me wrong but I’m judging them anyway.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton

Theo: Arsenal 2-0 Southampton

RESULT: Arsenal 2-1 Southampton

Bournemouth vs West Brom

Bournemouth’s start to the season is quite concerning. Not necessarily due to their own results, but because it looks like this years promoted clubs are not going to meekly submit to parachute payments and the Cherries could face a relegation battle. The same could be said for West Brom but they’vse had a much better start to the season than their hosts and sit on four points. Bournemouth are good at Dean Court but the Baggies are probably the better team on paper. I’ll perch on the rail and go for a draw.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 West Brom
Theo: Bournemouth 2-1 West Brom
RESULT: Bournemouth 1-0 West Brom

Burnley vs Hull

Two newly promoted sides will take on each other for the first time this season in the Premier League and both have got off to good starts. Hull were heartbroken by Rashford last time out but still have six points whilst Burnley will still be glowing from their opening home match where they beat Liverpool. The international break didn’t come at the best time for Hull as they will need to get a bit of momentum together if they are to avoid the drop. Their Chinese take over looks to be on the rocks but a late arrival in the form of Ryan Mason will still give the Tigers hope. I still think that Burnley will win though as they are a quality side.

Prediction: Burnley 2-0 Hull
Theo: Burnley 1-1 Hull
RESULT: Burnley 1-1 Hull

Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace

The other newly promoted side play at home against a Palace side who will still be hyped after Scott Dann’s last minute equaliser against Bournemouth. Boro have enjoyed a fantastic start to their season and are currently in 6^th place in the table. This game represents an opportunity to get a big gap between themselves and the relegation zone before the tougher games start to arrive. The form of both teams would suggest that Middlesbrough would win this but the international break would have given Pardew a chance to rebuild his side and I’m going for a draw.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-1 Crystal Palace

Theo: Middlesbrough 2-2 Crystal Palace

RESULT: Middlesbrough 1-2 Crystal Palace

Stoke vs Tottenham

Stoke fans would have hoped that this season would have been a lot more consistent that last season and there were even whispers of challenging for the lesser European position. Unfortunately for the Potters they have had a fairly tough start and sit rock bottom of the table, whispers now are of the Huddersfield Away variety. Tottenham also had some tough games to start with but five points from their first three games could have been a lot worse and on Saturday they should record their second win of the season.

Prediction: Stoke 0-3 Tottenham
Theo: Stoke 1-2 Tottenham 
RESULT: Stoke 0-4 Tottenham 

West Ham vs Watford
West Ham’s start at the Olympic Stadium was a winning one for them, however Bournemouth is their only victory so far and they have lost to Chelsea and Man City. There is still a question mark over Payet’s fitness and if he is fit this will be a massive bonus for the rest of the season. Watford are a side in the relegation zone who won’t be too concerned for now due to their tough start. A constant change of manner may be starting to show. This is the type of game that the Hornets need to get something out of but I don’t think they will and Watford fans could be right to be worried.

Prediction: West Ham 1-0 Watford
Theo: West Ham 3-1 Watford

RESULT: West Ham 2-4 Watford

Liverpool vs Leicester

Two sides both on four points, Liverpool and Leicester could both do with a win in the evening kick-off to kick start their season. Slimani joined Leicester on deadline day to provide some extra firepower, but it was Kante who appeared to be the one that needed replacing in the opening few games for the Champions.  The new main stand at Anfield will be open for the first time and under the floodlights we should be in for a special atmosphere which should be helped by a probable Liverpool win.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leicester

Theo: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester

RESULT: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester 

Jamie Vardy scored an extraordinary goal in last year's match 

Swansea vs Chelsea

The sole Sunday game will be held in Wales and will see a Chelsea side with a 100% record; come against a Swansea team whose only win came against newly promoted Burnley, and lost surprisingly to Hull. Chelsea are clear favourites and for good reason, under Conte they look much more like the type of side that can grind out results in the style of league winners and without Champions League football to worry about, this shouldn’t be written off. Sunday should be a formality and the Blues will probably win easily.

Prediction: Swansea 0-3 Chelsea
Theo: Swansea 0-2 Chelsea
RESULT: Swansea 2-2 Chelsea

Sunderland vs Everton

One point has materialised so far for David Moyes’ Sunderland side who are looking increasingly competent at the back, and now need to iron out mistakes and start to add goals. Everton though have got off to a very nice start. After an opening day draw against Tottenham, where they were often hanging on, they have recorded two wins on the trot. Everton have been tight at the back and as have their opponents, this will be a low scoring affair but the Toffees will probably just about scrape this one.

Prediction: Sunderland 0-1 Everton
Theo: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
RESULT: Sunderland 0-3 Everton