PL Gameweek 3 Preview

Last week we saw another victory for Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and surprisingly Hull City. This weekend will see at least one drop points with Hull hosting United, but Chelsea host Burnley and Manchester City travel to West Ham, an intriguing fixture. The standout game is the first of the week as Liverpool travel to spurs. With this being the final set of fixtures before the international break and before the end of the transfer window, it i set to be a vital game for all teams to get an idea of what is needed and to get a bit of confidence before they go to their respected countries.

Tottenham v Liverpool (Saturday 27th August 12:30pm, SkySports)

The first game of the week and this game is so hard to call, you could have spurs dominate the game and be solid at the back, or you could see spurs push for the opener but Liverpool to break and nick a goal or two. The absense of some key players in a huge hit for Liverpool with Sadio Mane and Emre Can seemingly unavailable, but with the talent they have introduce, it may not effect them too much. Tottenham are still trying to get all of their players in the form of last season, with Harry Kane looking for the net, Dele Alli looking to have more influence on the game and Christian Eriksen not playing anywhere near his standard. But if they win this game, then things look very bright for when they get into full swing. I think Spurs have enough to over-power Liverpool, Klopp has got them going the right direction but they need to find that consistency and then they will be a real force.

My prediction : Tottenham 2-0 Liverpool, first scorer, Harry Kane

Chelsea v Burnley (Saturday 27th August 3pm)

Burnley had a great result last week but I just can't see them repeating what they did. Chelsea are still finding their feet under Conte and they have been quite fortunate. Diego Costa has won them the game in both of their games when he could arguably have been sent off in both. If they had drawn the opening two games they would have been under serious pressure, but with six points they can now relax a little, but the club still has some work to do. I really like Burnley but they still need more players. They need another striker because if Vokes or Gray pick up an injury they could be in serious trouble and they still need to strengthen in other areas too and not just one or two players. Chelsea just have way too much for Burnley and should go top of the league after this game.

My prediction : Chelsea 2-0 Burnley. first, scorer, Eden Hazard

Crystal Palace v Bournemouth (Saturday 27th August 3pm)

Both sides have really struggled so far and are finding it difficult to put the ball in the back of the net. A win is needed for both but I can see them sharing the points and having to wait until after the international break to find a first win. Neither team looks to have found themselves this season, Palace have continued their poor form from last season and Bournemouth are just struggling to compete with some of the bigger teams. Benteke could really make an impact on this game, but his confidence may just be a little low right now, he might have to wait another day for his first goal.

My prediction : Crystal Palace 1-1 Bournemouth, first scorer, Calum Wilson

Everton v Stoke (Saturday 27th August 3pm)

Everton have been quite good and four points from their first two games really is not bad. They have a chance to win this as well as Stoke haven't been their best and really need to start proving they can challenge the bigger clubs. Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku are great young players and now with the added quality of Williams an Bolasie, this Everton side could seriously go on to bigger things. I just feel Koeman will get his over the line and take his side closer to the top of the league. That leaves Stoke in a tricky situation.

My prediction : Everton 2-0 Stoke, first scorer, Romelu Lukaku

Leicester v Swansea (Saturday 27th August 3pm)

Leicester have to win this. People are going to start doubting them more and more the longer it takes them to get the points but this is when they desperately need to. If they want to challenge the big sides again they need to grind out some games and they failed to do so against Arsenal last week, but they were slightly unfortunate. Swansea have had a strange start, they faced two promoted teams, lost to one at home and beat the other away. It was a real chance to claim six points from two games but they couldn't, but I still don't think there's much pressure to get anything here, not as much as Leicester anyway.

My prediction : Leicester 2-1 Swansea, first scorer, Jamie Vardy

Southampton v Sunderland (Saturday 27th August 3pm)

This is another game that both sides need to get something from ,preferably a win. David Moyes has done a good job at getting some players in quickly and Southampton had a good pre-season, but both will struggle a little this season in my opinion. Sunderland need results and fast but I just don't see them getting anything, I like Southampton but they need to create more and finish more off, Redmond is not a striker and Long doesn't do it enough but Puel clearly has a vision, it's only a matter of time before they start going. I see them doing it here though against a poor Sunderland side, but it won't be easy.

My prediction : Southampton 2-0 Sunderland, first scorer, Shane Long

Watford v Arsenal (Saturday 27th August 3pm)

This is a huge game for Arsene Wenger, this is possibly the most under pressure he has ever been. They have to win this and I just don't know if they will get it here. I really enjoyed watching Watford last season and the players they have signed are good. I really do feel Watford could do something great but they need the consistency there, they need to keep managers and keep their best players. Ighalo and Deeney are just waiting to score and when they do they will be safe. Arsenal need to bring players and the fans are still waiting, signings seem imminent but the others need to show their worth, I was impressed with Ozil's impact last week but Sanchez was poor and he needs to step up.

My prediction : Watford 1-1 Arsenal, first scorer, Troy Deeney

Hull v Manchester United (Saturday 27th August 5:30pm, BT Sport)

I know Hull have had a good start but surely it can't continue. Manchester United should win this and comfortably, the players they have now are of the best quality, Ibrahimovic has been on fire and Pogba and Mkhitaryan will show their worth eventually. I just feel like they are going to bring this Hull side back down to Earth. Hull have been very good considering their situation but surely they can't beat Manchester United. They have been superb but this is a step too far.

My prediction : Hull 0-2 Manchester United, first scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

West Brom v Middlesbrough (Sunday 28th August 1:30pm, SkySports)

Middlesbrough have been impressive so far and I said at the start of the season I think they will stay up and they look to be good enough to do so. West Brom are a weird one to predict. They have some good experienced players but not really anyone who is going to make you say "WOW". I can see them having a chance of winning this game but I wouldn't count on it. The Tony Pulis sides rarely ever have a skillful players so they usually win games from a set piece or a cross . I think Middlesbrough might have enough, but I'm not sure. I just have to go for a draw on this one.

My prediction : West Brom 1-1 Middlesbrough, first scorer, Gaston Ramirez

Manchester City v West Ham (Sunday 28th August 4pm, SkySports)

I find this very easy to decide, it has to be the citizens. West Ham have so many injuries including some key men and they won't be able to compete at the Etihad. I admit West Ham are good on their day but I don't think Sunday will be there day. I really like the way City play now, I have always admired Pep as a winner and Aguero is on fire. Sterling is playing well again, Nolito is finding his feet and De Bruyne is potentially one of the best number 10's in the world on his day. I think this season could be difficult for the Hammers if they have players sidelined but I am sure Bilic will get them going again eventually, just not today. Last week they were not great against Bournemouth and they are out of the Europa League again before the group stages. This can only go one way for me.

My prediction : Manchester City 3-0 West Ham, first scorer, Sergio Aguero