After a dramatic weekend, the Premier League is already back with its first midweek round of the season as Manchester City look to extend their lead to five points as they visit Watford.
Bournemouth vs Huddersfield Town
Embed from Getty ImagesIf this meeting took place just over a month ago, I would of said Bournemouth would win but they have slipped since then whilst Huddersfield have improved so this should be a fun clash.
Bournemouth’s main issue seems to be down the middle because they are amongst the best sides that I have seen when down the flanks this season. In middle of pitch however, they don’t seem as solid as they were in opening part of the season with far too much space given to opposition.
Huddersfield however have started to find their attacking prowess in recent weeks and made a lightning start against Brighton at weekend. They however were undone after Steve Mounie was sent off, so need to improve their defending when they have ten men against 11 if are to collect more points.
I can see a draw coming here given the contrasting form of both sides but this is the ideal fixture for Bournemouth to halt their slump.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Huddersfield Town
Jake predicts: Bournemouth 0-0 Huddersfield Town
Result: Bournemouth 2-1 Huddersfield Town
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth teams won at weekend but Crystal Palace was so dominant that they are probably favourites coming into this game.
Brighton however are yet to draw a blank at home in the league this season and are one of the more consistent teams in the top flight.
Add in their solidness all over the pitch compared to other teams then I can see them pushing Crystal Palace hard here for a draw.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Crystal Palace
Jake predicts: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Crystal Palace
Result: Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 Crystal Palace
West Ham United vs Cardiff City
Embed from Getty ImagesThis meeting will be an interesting measure of how much progress both teams have made in recent weeks.
Whilst Cardiff have shown real grit despite having a low quality defence, West Ham now look the real deal in terms of performance.
Apart from their 4-0 home thrashing by Manchester City, the Hammers have shown fierce pace when on the attack which is something which Cardiff are going to need to be wary off.
Fail to handle the likes of Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic then I can see one way traffic coming here.
Prediction: West Ham United 3-0 Cardiff City
Jake predicts: West Ham United 0-0 Cardiff City
Result: West Ham United 3-1 Cardiff City
Watford vs Manchester City (8:00pm)
Embed from Getty ImagesWatford are currently struggling for form with just one point and goal from their four outings, whilst Manchester City are currently blitzing the league.
Realistically, the Hornets need to rediscover their magical finishing touch and get that first goal here. Fail to do so then I can see just one outcome.
Prediction: Watford 0-2 Manchester City
Jake predicts: Watford 0-0 Manchester City
Result: Watford 1-2 Manchester City
Prediction Wars
With the new season underway, so is Prediction Wars between me and Boro Rants writer, Jake Self.
Rules remain the same as last season and goes as follows alongside latest standings;
Correct score – 3 points
Correct result – 1 point
Incorrect result – 0 points
| Name | Points |
| James Gregory | 90 |
| Jake Self | 106 |
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