In the latest of his regular column, we publish Ed Cashmore’s week 5 Premier League predictions…
Saturday
Everton 1-2 Chelsea (12:45)
Which Everton will turn up this week at Goodison I wonder and think it will be Mr Hyde. John Stones may be feeling a little sheepish facing his pursuers but it is a good opportunity to show what they missed out on. With the main ‘keeper out for Chelsea, they have great back up with Begovic and John Terry should start after returning from suspension, so no problems at the back really. The Blues need to start winning and now should be the time.
Go for the Chelsea win.
Arsenal 2-0 Stoke
It’s hard to see a Stoke team who have yet to win a game this season breaking that habit against the Gunners at the Emirates. Home fans should see their team win for the first time this season and leave Stoke searching for their first three point result.
Arsenal to win.
Crystal Palace 2-3 Manchester City
Top of the table clash – and who would have thought it would involve the Eagles? It is early days, however, and this will be the perfect opportunity for City’s star-studded line-up to show Palace who’s boss. Crystal Palace have been great value so far this season but I can’t see them outlasting the Citizens.
In April, Palace beat City at Selhurst Park, and Pellegrini will be out to square the ledger.
City to win away.
Norwich 3-1 Bournemouth
The Canaries are improving with each outing since promotion and they should have enough goals in them to win this one at Carrow Road. I think that this game has the potential to be a cracker, with both teams going for it.
Norwich to get the home win.
Watford 1-1 Swansea
It’s been a pleasure watching Swansea’s attacking play this term and most pundits would probably expect the likes of Gomis, Ayew and Montero to ply their trade well here. After all, this is the team who just defeated Mourinho’s reigning champions.
However, Watford at home should provide stiff resistance and the Hornets and Swans could well share the spoils.
Go for the draw at Watford.
West Brom City 1-2 Southampton
Southampton were shocking early in the season and they got much better against Norwich City. It’s understandable though, as star players Wanyama and Mane were subject to much transfer window speculation.
The Baggies’ Berahino was in the same boat and despite his bitter tweet after being subject to failed offers from Spurs, he’s been training and could well play. Although it’s hard not to go for a draw here, I am predicting a Saints away win.
Man United 1-1 Liverpool 17:30
Neither of these two are setting the Premier League on fire at the moment, and often this fixture ends in a draw. No one wants to lose this one and it should be close all the way.
I feel a draw coming on.
Sunday
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham
I keep saying that Spurs will get their first win and they have let me down so far. However, with new signings likely to play and with Harry Kane in goalscoring form again, things should change on Sunday.
Sunderland are also looking desperately for their first win and they will look to ex-loanee and now new signing Fabio Borini for inspiration. For Spurs, Clinton N’jie could make start if fully fit and Heung-Min Son the same. They certainly need to add a new dimension to a team who have lacked creativity with the absence of Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen should return, flanked by Son on the right and Chadli on the left, with Kane the lone front man. At the other end, Jermain Defoe will be the main threat to his former team.
Tottenham to win away.
Leicester 3-1 Aston Villa 16:00
The Foxes have been going for it and reaping the rewards this season. Villa have not been looking too confident on the other hand and I expect Leicester to overcome them pretty comfortably.
The tip is for a convincing home win.
Monday
West Ham 2-2 Newcastle United 20:00
With West Ham looking to reverse their home form with a win and Newcastle searching for their first win of any description, a home win would be expected by most. This is a bit of a coin toss for me, and for that reason it points to a likely draw.
Points shared at Upton Park.
That’s the Premier League Predictions for Week 5 in the EPL.
Good luck – @edcashmoretips