The Steifmaster Week 4 EPL Predictions

The Barclays Premier League enters its fourth week this weekend with all but two matches being played on Saturday and Sunday. Table leaders Liverpool don’t play until Monday when they travel to Wales to face Swansea City meaning they could find themselves 5^th should all the teams currently sitting in the top 6 grab a win.

Manchester United 2 – 0 Crystal Palace

The defending champions will get the weekend games started when they welcome promoted side Crystal Palace at Old Trafford for the early kick off. Palace could leapfrog David Moyes’ side should they win by two clear goals, something that is possible but which I don’t see happening. United are yet to hit the ground running and were well beaten by Liverpool a fortnight ago, a defeat I did not only see coming but knew who (read Daniel Sturridge) would score the goal. That result put aside, this should be a routine win for the Red Devils who thrashed the Eagles 5-2 in the last encounter between the two sides at Old Trafford back in 2004. Robin Van Persie on the score sheet will do my fantasy team a world of good. And am not being selfish.

Stoke City 2 - 3 Manchester City

The departure of Tony Pulis and the subsequent entry of Mark Hughes in the Stoke City dugout got many opposition fans – and to some extent Stoke fans – thinking the Potters would change their playing style to a more friendly one. How they were wrong. As the Swahili say, “wembe ni ule ule” – ‘the razor is the very same one’ in lose translation. This will be a meeting of two sides who have little to separate them, well, at least as far as the points are concerned. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are leveled with Stoke on points with only goal difference separating the mega rich City from Staffordshire club.

City did a double over the Potters last season but I have a strong feeling Mark Hughes’ who got sacked by City four years ago will give the Citizens a run for their money until the last 10 minutes when Yaya Toure will salvage the 3 points for the 2012 champions. 

Sunderland 2 - 2 Arsenal

The signing of Mesut Ozil on the final day of the transfer window has lifted the spirits of many a Gunners fan. The talented German is a joy to watch with the ball at his feet and he could set the Premier League alight with his magical touch. That being said, you get the feeling that Arsenal needed to strengthen other areas of their team including central defence and also add some grit in midfield.

However, this is something they could do in the January window. Ozil could make his debut at the Stadium of Lights against Sunderland and you can place your bet on him grabbing an assist in the game I tip to end in a stalemate with Fabio Borini scoring for the Black Cats.

Everton 2 - 1 Chelsea

Everton was among the busiest clubs in the closing day of the transfer window. The Merseyside club finally lost Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United but strengthened their team with the signing of James McCarthy from Wigan and Romelu Lukaku on loan from their weekend opponents Chelsea. The big Belgian forward cannot play against his permanent employers which is bad news for Everton. This game more often than not ends on a 2-1 score line so I have my money on a 2-1 win for Everton.

 Hull City 0 - 2 Cardiff City

The first battle of promoted sides takes center stage at the Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull’s home stadium. The duo will have everything to play for but Hull manager Steve Bruce will be more under pressure as he looks for his second win of the season. Cardiff won at home to Hull in the championship last year and I tip them to win this 2-0.

Swansea 1 - 4 Liverpool

Liverpool are currently sitting top of the Premier League standings but the question on everyone’s lips is just how long will they stay there. Brendan Rogders, the Barclays manager of the month for August and his team travel to Wales for this Monday night encounter which I believe they should and will win to remain top of the log. Premier League player of the month, Daniel Sturridge scoring will be an icing on the cake.