Both Manchester clubs are tied at the top of the table at this early stage and going by their level of play, they might be there for very long, cementing their right to the title.
Scrappy Chelsea aren’t far behind but same can’t be said of their London neighbours, Arsenal who have been struggling and failing to make any impression. Liverpool who have been tipped to do well this season could only flatter to deceive, losing so woefully to newly promoted Burnley after dispatching Arsenal. Barcelona and Real Madrid renew their rivalry as both have quickly climbed up to the summit of La Liga table. But as the season wears on, only they that want it more will remain afloat.
Scrappy Efficiency
Chelsea have struggled to obtain scrappy wins in both their league games so far. While it might be good for their position on the log, one can’t help but wonder, for how long will that work? They take on a Burnley side who were merciless over Liverpool last weekend. Chelsea have never lost a league game against Burnley. What is more, they have gone on to become champions in Burnley’s last two stints in the EPL. It is hard to see them losing this one.
Zouma is still out for Chelsea while Willian is doubtful. Burnley’s Barnes is injured.
Kickoff: Saturday, 3pm
Venue: Stamford Bridge (Chelsea)
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Prediction: Chelsea are at home. Burnley are new. Chelsea to win.
Haunted
Like a side haunted, Arsenal are yet to register a win in the league and find themselves five points behind the top. They visit a Watford side that fought valiantly last weekend before succumbing to Chelsea. Watford have never obtained a point off Arsenal in the league, but going by Arsenal’s recent poor performance, that record might be on the verge of been altered.
Isaac Success is doubtful for Watford. Arsenal’s Gabriel, Mertesacker, Iwobi and Ramsey are out of it.
Kickoff: Saturday, 3pm
Venue: Vicarage Road (Watfrord)
Referee: Kevin Friend
Prediction: Arsenal have to improve their play if they must win this one. Else I see a draw.
Statement
Manchester United began the campaign with a clear statement of intent; they are here for the title. Joint top with their City neighbour’s, they will be looking to make it three in three when they visit newly promoted Hull City who are, surprisingly, looking for their third in three as well. But they haven’t beaten United in their last 11 and this gives United an edge.
Bruce, Dawson, McGregor and Odubajo are all injured for Hull while Schweinsteiger is doubtful for United.
Kickoff: Saturday, 5.30pm
Venue: KCOM Stadium (Hull City)
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Prediction: Hull have shown how lethal they are this season so it would be dicey to write them off. I see United with a slight win though.
Usurper
Real Madrid’s biggest goal this season would be to usurp Barcelona. They have started well enough after that 3-0 thumping of Real Sociedad. They will look to continue in that fashion as they host Celta Vigo who aren’t having the best start to their season and who they have beaten eight times in the last nine. It would be interesting to see how it plays out.
Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is injured for Madrid while Ronaldo, Benzema and Ronaldo are doubtful. Blanco and Beauvue are out for Celta.
Kickoff: Saturday, 7.15pm
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu (Madrrid)
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos
Prediction: Madrid should make easy walk of this.
Where They Left off
Barcelona continued in the same manner they ended last season with that 6-2 demolition of Real Betis. They will be looking to continue in such a brutal fashion when they visit Athletic Bilbao whom they have beaten in their last five league encounters.
Bilbao’s Rico, Elustondo and Sola are out. Iniesta and Mathieu are out for Barcelona while Neymar is doubtful.
Kickoff: Sunday, 7.15pm
Venue: San Mames Barrria (Bilbao)
Referee: Antonio Mateu
Prediction: Barcelona are still on fire. They should take this one.
Betting Forecast
1- Dortmund vs Mainz. (Germany). Home win
2- Lazio vs Juventus (Italy). Over 1.5
3- Chelsea vs Burnley. (England). Home win.
4- Dijon vs Lyon. (France). Away double chance
5- Nice vs Lille. (France). Home double chance
6- CD Leganes vs Atletico (Spain). Over 1.5
7- Newcastle vs Brighton (England Championship). Home win
8- Padurii vs Steaua Bucharesti (Romania). Away double chance
9- Nacionale vs Benfica (Portugal). Away win
10- Oostende vs Waasland Beveren (Belgium) Home double chance.
11- Hull vs Manchester United (England). Away win.
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