Week ten saw some surprises in the Premier League, as both Manchester City and Arsenal lost. It was City’s first defeat in 33 games, but they were soundly beaten by an excellent Bournemouth side on the day.
The big winners of the weekend were Liverpool, who came from behind to beat Brighton at Anfield and capitalise on their biggest rivals dropping points. City and the Gunners need to respond this weekend.
Wolves vs Southampton – Home Win
Details: Saturday, November 9th, 3.00 pm
It feels like Gary O’Neil is one poor result away from the sack. There were positives to take from their draw at home to Palace last week, coming from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 showed character. Also, striker Strand Larsen scored again and his hitting form, would could be crucial if the team is to climb away from danger. But this team look so porous at the back and they Palace back in the game and in truth could easily have lost it. The table doesn’t lie and it currently has Wolves rock bottom, they need a win desperately.
One team that did get their first win last week was Southampton, much to the relief of manager Russell Martin, who has also come under pressure. In their 1-0 win over Everton, keep Aaron Ramsdale made a couple of excellent stops to ensure the Saints kept a clean sheet, paying back some of the £25 million the club paid Arsenal for his services in the summer. They will him to keep that up if they are to avoid relegation.
This will be a nervy encounter, and it certainly a ‘six-pointer’, but I think Wolves will edge it at home.
West Ham vs Everton – Draw
Details: Saturday, November 9th, 3.00 pm
It was a horrible week for West Ham last week. Hammers fans were hoping their season would kick-start following a win over Manchester United two weeks ago, but they followed that up with a dismal 3-0 defeat at Forest. To make matters worse, Edson Álvarez was sent off as the team looked lost for most of the game, leading to many questioning the manager. After a summer of spending much was expected of West Ham and it is safe to say they have not lived up to those expectations at all yet.
Less was expected of Everton, but they have made a solid enough start to the season. They sit in 16h in the table but it feels like they have enough to avoid a relegation scrap this year. They don’t have enough firepower to really challenge in the top half, but under Sean Dyche they will scrape enough points to avoid trouble. Their lack of scoring prowess was evident in their loss to Southampton last week, as they missed several chances.
I think both teams will cancel each out and this will end up as a scrappy draw.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa – Home Win
Details: Saturday, November 9th, 8.00 pm
Arne Slot continues his seamless transition into the Anfield hot seat, not missing a beat since he replaced Jurgen Klopp. They weren’t at their best last weekend against Brighton, finding themselves 1 down at half-time and it could have been more. However, they came back and got the job done, showing they can overcome adversity and grind out a win. They also showed they can be dazzling on the eye in the Champions League on Tuesday, dismantling a good Bayer Leverkusen side 4-0. It seems this Liverpool team have a bit of everything.
Up until half-time at Spurs last week, it was all going so well for Villa. They were leading at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thanks to a goal from Morgan Rogers, but in uncharacteristic fashion fell apart in the second half, losing 4-1. It will have angered Unai Emery, who prides himself on organisation and details. They have a daunting task to bounce back this weekend at the league leaders.
It will be a tough game for Liverpool but I can’t bet against them at the moment and think they get the job done again.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle – Draw
Details: Sunday, November 10th, 2.00 pm
Forest have been the surprise package of the season so far. Currently sitting in the dizzying heights of third, there is talk of European football on the river Trent next season. Chris Wood continued his fine form with another goal last week as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side put West Ham to the sword. The team is full of confidence and have talented players in several positions. It could be a special season at the City Ground.
Newcastle have found form again recently, beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and following that up with a 1-0 home win over Arsenal last weekend. Striker Alexander Isak has found form again, scoring 2 in his last 2, and his form and fitness will be key for the side. Eddie Howe’s men have been known to play a high pressing, high energy style that deserted them earlier in the season, but seems to have returned.
I can see this being an exciting game with goals, I predict over 2.5 goals and a draw.
Premier League Week 11 Acca
Backing the draw is always a bit risky, but I have gone with two draws here, which also also given the potential payout a boost. I think the West Ham v Everton game won’t be one for the purists, West Ham are struggling and Everton are hard to break down, so I can see a low scoring, dull affair. It has the potential to be the opposite in the Forest game, as both teams come into it in good form, so I’m going for an entertaining draw. Wolves just simply have to win and I think they will, while Liverpool just roll on full of confidence.
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