Kevin Doyle has his say on Premier League Matchday 8

We are well into the Premier League season and with some disappointing results last weekend as well as some interesting games on the horizon I cover it all in my blog this week. 

Man United v Arsenal recap  

There was a lot of misplaced passes and no real rhythmto the game. It was a fair result but both teams look to be struggling at the moment. Arsenal will take a positive in securing apoint away from home, but neither team seemed to be enjoying thegame. They are two teams who are lacking in confidence and quality and inpermanent transition regarding players and managers. Both teams are looking forsomething to get them through the season and into the top four. 

Upcoming weekend fixtures 

Man City v Wolves

I watched Wolves play Man City last season and theycaused them some problems. However, this season Man City are playing adifferent ball game. It would be great for Nuno Espirito Santo if Wolves gotthe win, a lot of people including myself have them as their outsider to dowell this season and sneak into the top six. But I think Man City at home willbe too strong for them and will get the win. 

Newcastle v Man United 

I feel both teams are struggling at the minute.Newcastle had a tough defeat, 5-0 to Leicester last weekend. When you hear rumourscoming out of Newcastle not knowing tactics or enjoying training, it’s not agood sign. There is pressure on both managers and seeing as both teams are ina difficult position, I see this game ending in a draw.  

Liverpool v Leicester 

Leicester have had a good season so far and are probably a good enough and a confident enough team to go out and beat Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers will be wanting his team to be in top form and do well in this game. In my opinion if anyone was to cause an upset to one of the big teams, I think it will be Leicester against Liverpool this weekend. This is the game I am most looking forward to watching as I can see Leicester going there and causing them more trouble than other teams have.

Southampton v Chelsea – *My banker this weekend* 

Chelsea were my banker last weekend and thankfully they didn’t let me down, so I am going to stick with them again this week. They are settling down under Frank Lampard, having more confidence and looking more dangerous. Going to Southampton they should be able to continue with this run of form.

They are seventh in the table and a win at the weekend might get them into the top four. It won’t be easy going to St. Mary’s Stadium but I think Chelsea will take the win. Lampard seems to have turned a corner and you imagine they will be able to go there and get the victory. 

  
John McGinn is on therise 

John McGinn is a great midfielder. He is direct and likes to go forward and scored goals in the last two games he’s played. He’s an all-rounder someone who passes forward and isn’t afraid to score and get in the box himself. The difference between a good player and a top player is whether he can keep it up for the full season. If he can keep that form up, he won’t stay with Aston Villa in the future he will be somewhere bigger. 

Tammy Abraham’s improving hisall-round game 

Strikers are less and less involved in scoring, it is more about how they are involved in the rest of play. How they bring people into the game, how they hold a ball up and close from the front. All round game is more important than ever for a centre forward and I think Tammy Abraham has that. In those games he hasn’t scored he’s still looked to be involved in the play.

This is important because if you don’t get the chance to score a goal, you won’t get any game time for 90 minutes. He seems to be able to contribute in other ways and that is crucial if he wants to stay with Chelsea long term. 

My 1-2-Free predictions for thisweekend are: 

West Ham v Crystal Palace: 2-2 
Southampton v Chelsea: 1-2 Chelsea < My banker this weekend 
Newcastle v Man Utd: 1-1 

My Five-Fold ACCA  

My Five-Fold ACCA for this weekend is: 

• Southampton vChelsea: Chelsea win 
• Man City v Wolves: Man City win  
• Watford vSheffield United: Sheffield United win 
• Prestonv Barnsley: Preston win 
• Nottm Forest v Brentford: Nottm Forest win 

That’s my take on it. I will be back next week withfurther thoughts and predictions around next week’s round of upcomingmatches on my weekly Ladbrokes Blog!  

Kevin 

Check out the latest Ladbrokes Premier League odds here! 

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