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Writer's pictureChris Coughlin

Premier League 21/22: Matchday 2 predictions

This season, the team's predictions will be available in weekly articles and they'll be in competition with a league too!


This weekend Arsenal look to bounce back from their defeat to Brentford against Champions League holders Chelsea while European hopefuls West Ham and Leicester go head to head.


Read our pundits predictions below


Liverpool v Burnley - Saturday, 21st August - 12:30pm

Burnley struck late in January to end the Reds' 69 game unbeaten run at Anfield


Ryan Kirk

Liverpool kicked off their Premier League campaign brilliantly last weekend with a 3-0 win against Norwich, while Burnley were defeated 2-1 at home to Brighton. Sean Dyche’s men will be eager to cause another upset at Anfield, but with fans returning, I don’t expect that to happen. The Reds haven’t spent huge in the transfer window like their rivals have, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as threatening. I fully expect Jurgen Klopp’s men to be up there challenging this season.

Prediction: 3-0


Chris Coughlin

There were plenty of positives aside from the result for Liverpool at Norwich. Virgil van Dijk got another important 90 minutes on his return from injury while each of the front four contributed to the comfortable win. Burnley's win at Anfield last season was historic for both parties but they come into this game still suffering a hangover from their poor end to last season and an opening day loss to Brighton. In front of a full Anfield, I expect Liverpool to get revenge and see off the Clarets.

Prediction: 2-0


Chris Stott

Burnley's win at Anfield last season was a major shock and started the collapse of Liverpool's title defence. But the Reds showed real composure and quality in their opening day win, whereas Burnley again seemed to lack the killer instinct. Tough ask for the Clarets to repeat last seasons victory and I can't see anything but a comfortable Liverpool win.

Prediction: 2-0


Harry Reynolds: 4-0

Joe Richardson: 3-0


Aston Villa v Newcastle Utd - Saturday, 21st August - 3pm

Aston Villa emerged victorious against former boss Steve Bruce last season at Villa Park


Harry Reynolds

The scoreline against Watford ultimately made Villa look better than they were on Saturday. Replacing their star man Grealish with a number of new players is not an easy process, as Everton and Spurs have showed in the past. However, Newcastle were equally awful against West Ham, so this represents a good chance for the home side to get off the mark

Prediction: 2-0


Chris Coughlin: 3-1

Ryan Kirk: 2-1

Chris Stott: 1-1

Joe Richardson: 2-1


Crystal Palace v Brentford - Saturday, 21st August - 3pm

Brentford's long awaited return to the top flight got off to a dream start with a 2-0 win over Arsenal


Chris Stott

What a start for Brentford! The atmosphere was insane and the performance on the pitch wasn't far off that either. This one is more the type of game they'll have been targeting, as Palace are likely to be close by come the final reckoning. For Viera's side, its difficult to judge them from the defeat against Chelsea. Again this is where we will find out about them. It could be cagey with the pressure in Palace. I'm going a draw.

Prediction: 1-1


Chris Coughlin

I really, really liked what I saw from Brentford last Friday. They looked a little bit out of their depth early on but grew into the contest once they sensed a weakness from Arsenal and took full advantage. As for Palace, they won't be judge on defeats against sides like Chelsea but this is where you feel they have to step up to the plate and establish what kind of style Patrick Vieira wants to play. I'm backing the Bees to make it two wins from two.

Prediction: 1-2


Ryan Kirk: 1-1

Harry Reynolds: 0-1

Joe Richardson: 1-2


Leeds United v Everton - Saturday, 21st August - 3pm

Will Patrick Bamford celebrate his new contract with a goal against Everton on Saturday?


Ryan Kirk

Elland Road is going to be bouncing! I can’t wait for this one. After an utterly disappointing result against Manchester United last weekend, I’m backing Leeds to take all 3 points against Benitez’s Blues

Prediction: 2-1


Harry Reynolds

I was really surprised at just how open Leeds were at Old Trafford last weekend - if they’d conceded 10 goals it probably would’ve been deserved. They’ll probably have a lot more of the ball against Everton, who showed a good spirit to come back against Southampton, but the visitors now have a lot of pace on the counter attack and I think that will cause the home side more problems.

Predictions: 1-2


Chris Stott: 1-1

Chris Coughlin: 1-1

Joe Richardson: 1-1


Man City v Norwich City- Saturday, 21st August - 3pm

Norwich will be hoping to avoid a repeat of their last trip to the Etihad in July 2020...


Chris Stott

I worry for Norwich here. Purely because after Man City's disappointing opening day, they will need a response given their rivals have impressed. For me, it's clear they must sign a centre forward, but even so you'd expect them to find the net against the Canaries despite striking 3 completive blanks in a row. Its a daunting task for Norwich. They lacked quality against Liverpool but the endeavour was there for sure. They'll give it a go but it would be a massive shock, one of the biggest in recent years, if they pull this off.

Prediction: 3-0


Ryan Kirk: 4-0

Chris Coughlin: 4-0

Harry Reynolds: 5-0

Joe Richardson: 3-0


Brighton v Watford - Saturday, 21st August - 5:30pm

Brighton boss Graham Potter's first game in charge of the Seagulls was a 3-0 win over Watford in August 2019


Ryan Kirk

Watford were much more impressive than I thought they would be last week against Aston Villa. I can see them making it two wins from two.

Prediction: 1-2


Chris Coughlin

I feel like predictions for this one will vary. I do like Brighton and they ultimately did well to fightback against Burnley given that the Clarets could've been out of sight before half-time. I was very surprised by Watford's win over Aston Villa but they looked like they ran out of gas towards the closing stages. I think it'll take a few more weeks before we know what to expect from Xisco Munoz's outfit on a consistent basis so I'm going to side with the Seagulls.

Prediction: 2-1


Harry Reynolds: 1-1

Chris Stott: 2-1

Joe Richardson: 1-0


Wolves v Tottenham - Sunday, 22nd August - 2pm

Former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo returns to Molineux with his new club Tottenham


Harry Reynolds Although Spurs beat Man City last weekend, this is a different task altogether. They were able to sit back and counter against the champions, whereas they’ll have to force the issue against Wolves. I don’t think that suits Nuno at all, and he’s had a lot of plaudits for the way he sets his teams up even though his football is borderline unwatchable. I do think they’ll win on his return to Molineux though, as Wolves look to be in a bit of a mess at the moment.

Prediction: 0-1


Chris Coughlin

We're very early into Nuno's reign at Spurs so it would perhaps be unfair to pass judgement right now but we've seen two very different performances and results - a 1-0 win over Manchester City followed by a defeat by the same scoreline to Pacos De Ferreira in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifer. Similarly with Wolves, it's very early in Bruno Lage's tenure but the problems are there for all to see - wastefulness in front of goal and a backbone that exploited all too easily for Jamie Vardy's winner. Harry Kane may be back in the fold for Spurs but even if he isn't, I think Spurs just about edge this

Prediction: 1-2


Chris Stott: 0-2

Ryan Kirk: 0-2

Joe Richardson: 1-2


Southampton v Man Utd - Sunday, 22nd August - 2pm

Chris Stott

The Saints will look to use home advantage here as after Matchday one, Manchester United look a real force! Fernandes and Pogba where sensational but the whole performance vs Leeds has set a standard now that they have to reach week in week out. Southampton have lost a few key players, but Adam Armstrong looks a good buy and he will need to take any chance that comes his way. Southampton very much have it in them to turn over the Red Devils but I don't see it. If United are on it, goals could flow.

Prediction: 0-3


Ryan Kirk: 0-3

Chris Coughlin: 1-3

Harry Reynolds: 0-3

Joe Richardson: 1-3


Arsenal v Chelsea - Sunday, 22nd August - 4:30pm

Ryan Kirk

I don’t even know where to start with Arsenal, they’re in a mess. We saw the problems that Brentford caused them, and with all due respect to them, Chelsea is a different kettle of fish. Romelu Lukaku’s arrival from Inter Milan will no doubt be giving Ben White nightmares and help to mount the pressure on Mikel Arteta.

Prediction: 0-3


Chris Coughlin: 0-3

Harry Reynolds: 0-2

Chris Stott: 0-2

Joe Richardson: 0-2


West Ham v Leicester - Monday, 23rd August - 4:30pm

Michail Antonio (centre) was key to West Ham's opening weekend win at Newcastle


Chris Stott

Both picked up good opening day wins. West ham showed a bit of everything from character to quality in the win over Newcastle. Leicester got the job done against Wolves and showed in the community shield that they have a lot to give this term. Its almost a battle between the best of the rest in the league and it could be a really good game. I can't pick a winner.

Prediction: 2-2


Chris Coughlin

I think this will be a really entertaining watch. Leicester are of course keen to continue their upwards momentum after claiming the FA Cup last season and had the added bonus this week of a contract extension for Harvey Barnes. West Ham, meanwhile, ultimately saw off Newcastle although the Magpies made it easy for the Hammers especially when you consider they conceded six big chances. There's been 20 goals in the last five games between the sides and another goal fest on Monday night would be great for us neutrals.

Prediction: 2-1


Ryan Kirk: 2-2

Harry Reynolds: 1-2

Joe Richardson: 1-2


And here is how the leaderboard looks after matchday one...


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