Premier League predictions for each Saturday game
It’s been a long time coming, but Premier League football on a Saturday is back this weekend with four games taking place.
The action kicks off with the early game between Watford and Leicester City at Vicarage Road, a game of implications at both ends of the tables. The Foxes are looking to tighten their grip on third while the Hornets hope to move away from the bottom three.
Then Arsenal travel to Brighton for the sole 3pm kick-off, hoping for a quick recovery following their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in midweek. The first evening game sees West Ham host Wolves at the London Stadium before Crystal Palace’s trip to Bournemouth rounds off the day.
So, after so long without football, how do we think the sides will get on? We asked two of our writers to give their predictions for Saturday’s four games, as well as picking out one player from each match you should be keeping an eye on.
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Watford vs Leicester City
Harry Edwards: An important game for both sides, neither Watford or Leicester can afford to return to Premier League action with defeat. Watford are 17th in the table and fighting against the drop, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference. Meanwhile Leicester aren’t quite secure in the top four, although a win against former manager Nigel Pearson would go some way into confirming Champions League football next season. Watford 0-1 Leicester
Mohamed Moallim: The Premier League pause came at a good time for both clubs. Particularly Watford, who had just suffered two defeats in three games. Leicester, meanwhile, returned to winning ways having gone four with registering a victory and must fancy three more points this weekend now that Jamie Vardy, who leads the Golden Boot chase, is ready to start. Watford 1-2 Leicester
Player to watch: Jamie Vardy‘s next goal will be his 100th in the Premier League. Score this Saturday, and he’ll become the 29th player to do so and 16th to have scored 100 at a single club.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal
HE: Arsenal’s return to action was not a happy one as they were not only beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in midweek, but also lost a few players to injury and suspension. They don’t have too much time to recover with a trip to the Amex, looking to prevent Brighton from doing the double over them. Although no one can truly tell what state Brighton will be in upon return, the Seagulls were in poor form prior to the break and are without a league win in 2020, a run that may continue this weekend. Brighton 1-2 Arsenal
MM: Arsenal will be looking to bounce back after their humbling loss at Manchester City but have a mini crisis in defence which Brighton, seeking a rare double against the Gunners, will be looking to exploit. Brighton 1-1 Arsenal
Player to watch: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been Arsenal’s man at the Amex Stadium, scoring both of the Gunners’ Premier League goals in their two visits so far, in March and December 2018.
West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
HE: Another game between two sides fighting at either end of the table, Wolves must be looking at this match as one for them to cruise through, having won the past three Premier League meetings. But history between the pair is not the only thing on Wolves side, with West Ham languishing in the bottom half of table, only outside the relegation zone thanks to goal difference. David Moyes’ men have been poor this season and Wolves will look to pile on the misery. West Ham 0-2 Wolves
MM: West Ham have often struggled at home and without their 12th man it could be a tricky evening for them when they face a hungry Wolves side that has done well in London this season. West Ham 0-2 Wolves
Player to watch: Raul Jimenez has been involved with 19 goals this season (13 goals and six assists) and so links away from Wolves were always going to appear. The Mexican striker recently fuelled rumours by commenting on them. “It is something very cool,” he told Bolavip. “Different teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool – they are teams that are important in football history.
“It is an incredible thing to be on the radar and on the lips of those teams.
“They are rumours but it is something good for me to continue growing, making an effort and taking it as an incentive so that, if possible, I can achieve it.”
Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
HE: Bournemouth’s place in the Premier League is in serious danger, with the Cherries in the relegation zone (albeit only by goal difference) and also in poor form. Things haven’t been great off the pitch either, where Eddie Howe confirmed Ryan Fraser has played his last game for the Cherries after refusing to sign a contract extension. Step in Crystal Palace to take advantage of the turmoil at Dean Court, with Roy Hodgson’s side safe and in a positive move. Bournemouth 0-1 Crystal Palace
MM: A must-win game for Eddie Howe’s men who are starring relegation in the face, and they couldn’t have started the relaunch any better as they face goal shy Crystal Palace. Bournemouth 2-1 Crystal Palace
Player to watch: Jordan Ayew‘s goals have been worth 14 points for Crystal Palace this season, with the Eagles unbeaten when the Ghanaian has been on the scoresheet.