Premier League Week 5 Previews and Predictions: Chelsea and Man City Wage Battle
After a mid-week where the Premier League did not exactly shine in European competition, the reprieve of domestic play seems a safe haven.
Liverpool, receiving a stoppage-time penalty vs. Ludogorets, were the only EPL side to take three points in the Champions League. Manchester City and Arsenal lost to Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively—while Chelsea split points with their Bundesliga opposition Schalke 04.
The invariable "England vs. Germany" conversation was sparked, and understandably so. While the top teams are relatively even, the Premier League's depth sets it apart from any other in the world.
On display in Week 5: Title favourites butt heads, Newcastle United attempt to dodge an early implosion, Manchester United try to sustain momentum and the Reds and Gunners seek a corrective three points.
Interesting times for sure as the Premier League begins to take shape.
As most football enthusiasts would tell you, predictions are essentially impossible. If you could predict the future, there seems little point watching the games. That said, we all like to test our knowledge and clairvoyant abilities on occasion, so you have stumbled upon the right place should you be into these sort of mental exercises.
Over the Premier League's 380-game schedule, spanning 38 rounds and 281 days, Bleacher Report is going to be your crystal ball—looking over the sublime landscape of top-flight English football and providing answers.
Comments Section: Who Ya Got? // Week 4 Review
1 of 11
What fun are predictions if you do them alone?
Throughout the 2014-15 Premier League season, the comments section will take on the writer.
Put your picks in the comments, then vote for who you think has the best predictions. The reader with the most upvotes will be pitted against yours truly, and the scores will be calculated into our running table.
Prediction Table
"B/R Prediction Table Through Wk 4 @danieltiluk—27 pts Comments Section—21 pts The CS was represented by Dev Amin last week.
— EPL Predictions (@EPLPredictions_) September 15, 2014"
How Does the Scoring Work?
Wrong prediction: zero points
Correct prediction: one point
Correct prediction and exact score: three points
For Your Copy-and-Pasting Pleasures
"SEP 20 QPR vs. STK AVL vs. ARS BUR vs. SUN NEW vs. HUL SWA vs. SOU WHU vs. LIV SEP 21 LEI vs. MU TOT vs. WBA EVE vs. CRY MC vs. CHE
— EPL Predictions (@EPLPredictions_) September 18, 2014"
Queens Park Rangers vs. Stoke City
2 of 11
When: Saturday 20 September, 12:30 BST (7:30 a.m. EST)
Where: Loftus Road, London, England
Week 5 kicks off in west London, but the only west London side many are taking interest in play Sunday. Regardless, Queens Park Rangers will be looking to bounce back from their Old Trafford embarrassment vs. Stoke City.
The Potters fared no better points-wise last round, losing to promoted Leicester City 1-0.
So new beginnings in the form of three points are on the table Saturday afternoon; granted you must win to claim your share, and there resides the issue: Can either of these clubs find the goals to win this match?
Stoke beat a naive Manchester City side, but QPR will be infinitely more cautious. Normally home teams orchestrate play, but here you may see that notion reversed. Stoke on the ball will create chances for QPR to break, and unlike vs. Manchester United, Harry Redknapp's side should be more ruthless in front of their own nets.
By the same token, sustained possession can lead to goals—so look for this match to end with one point going both ways.
Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Stoke City
Players to Watch: Leroy Fer, Steven N'Zonzi
Aston Villa vs. Arsenal
3 of 11
When: Saturday 20 September, 15:00 BST (10:00 a.m. EST)
Where: Villa Park, Birmingham, England
You beat Liverpool at Anfield, your reward? Hosting an Arsenal side in dire need of a win.
For those who thought Aston Villa were a one-man show, in the form of Christian Benteke, the early stages of 2014/15 have proven something altogether different. The Belgian centre-forward has been out injured, but no matter—10 points from four games and currently second in the Premier League.
It is premature to declare anything—as Paul Lambert is walking around Birmingham with tissue paper jammed up his nose—but might Villa be the surprise package this season?
Arsenal need football desperately. Unable to deal with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, Saturday lends Arsene Wenger an opportunity to patch worn areas, namely the form of Mesut Ozil.
The German plays best in the "No. 10" position; with willing runner Danny Welbeck now in-house, the 4-2-3-1 may be in order for Arsenal.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal
Players to Watch: Fabian Delph, Mesut Ozil
Burnley vs. Sunderland
4 of 11
When: Saturday 20 September, 15:00 BST (10:00 a.m. EST)
Where: Turf Moor, Burnley, Lancashire, England
Burnley are figuring out the Premier League. After expected defeats vs. Chelsea and Swansea City, the Clarets have not been beaten, drawing with Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Surely Sean Dyche's club will win a home game and Sunderland look the perfect sparring partners.
Barring Harry Kane's late own goal last week, the Black Cats would be level on points with Burnley—despite their weaker opening slate.
Saturday's game will proceed slowly, each side unsure of their role. The home crowd should, however, spur Burnley to come out of their shell and punch. If they have any hope of staying in the first division, the Clarets must win home games against weaker EPL opposition.
Prediction: Burnley 1-0 Sunderland
Players to Watch: George Boyd, Sebastian Larsson
Newcastle United vs. Hull City
5 of 11
When: Saturday 20 September, 15:00 BST (10:00 a.m. EST)
Where: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Winner of the 2011/12 Premier League Manager of the Season award, Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew was rewarded with an eight-year contract extension. The contract, which was meant to bring stability, is now an albatross.
That said, Pardew's tenure has a way of surviving; inevitably Pardew's job is under threat but invariably his team collect enough points to keep him around. Ironically this weekend, Steve Bruce's Hull City may be playing against fate.
As noted by the Daily Mail's Sam Cunningham, Bruce—a boyhood Newcastle supporter—has been mired in speculation over whether he will replace Pardew as Toon manager.
Oh, you crafty schedule makers you.
One might be wise in thinking Newcastle will somehow fumble this game, but just when we think the Magpies are drowning, the plot makes another dramatic twist.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Hull City
Players to Watch: Remy Cabella, Mohamed Diame
Swansea City vs. Southampton
6 of 11
When: Saturday 20 September, 15:00 BST (10:00 a.m. EST)
Where: Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales
Currently in Champions League positions, both Swansea City and Southampton have started their seasons on the front foot.
The Saints began like a diesel engine—losing to Liverpool and drawing with West Bromwich Albion—but are now cruising after beating West Ham United and Newcastle United by an aggregate of 7-1. The Swans, on the other hand, began with three wins, then ran into the prospective buzzsaw named "Chelsea."
Meeting in Wales, both squads have points to accumulate and a point to prove. Southampton swept last year's ties, but this Swansea side should be teeming with confidence—regardless of Week 4's result.
Ivorian international Wilfried Bony is yet to score this season, expect that to change should he start over Bafetimbi Gomis, and can Graziano Pelle continue his goalscoring feats? All to be seen Saturday afternoon.
Prediction: Swansea City 2-2 Southampton
Players to Watch: Wilifired Bony, Graziano Pelle
West Ham United vs. Liverpool
7 of 11
When: Saturday September 20, 17:30 BST (12:30 p.m. EST)
Where: Boleyn Ground, London, England
Brendan Rodgers electing to rest Raheem Sterling vs. Aston Villa was a questionable decision for many. With a Champions League match in mid-week the logic was understood, but at just 19 years of age—and considering Daniel Sturridge's injury woes—one would think Sterling could handle the workload.
The toothless Reds (18 shots, only one on target) lost to Villa 1-0—hence, Rodgers' decision being roundly criticised.
Being hot and cold so far this Premier League campaign (WLWL), Liverpool are due for a win should the pattern hold; hosts West Ham United will be keen to give Rodgers a streak he would rather decline.
Allowing Hull City to score twice on Monday, the Hammers keeping a clean sheet vs. Liverpool feels an ominous task. While not normally associated with a Sam Allardyce outfit, this match could be a "game of the week" contender if allowed to flow.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-2 West Ham United
Players to Watch: Enner Valencia, Jordan Henderson
The Weekly Balo: Balotelli—per the Liverpool Echo's Laura Connor—is believed to have donated a "five-figure sum" to the Manchester Dogs' Home, which was unfortunately beset with a fire tragedy.
An avid dog lover, the Italian striker being an anonymous contributor to the relief effort would not shock.
Leicester City vs. Manchester United
8 of 11
When: Sunday 21 September, 13:30 BST (8:30 a.m. EST)
Where: King Power Stadium, Leicester, England
Level on five points, Manchester United and Leicester City find themselves on distinctly separate missions.
The Foxes are merely trying to establish themselves as Premier League constituents, whereas the Red Devils—after spending upwards of £150 million in the summer transfer window—are seeking to reclaim the form enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson. Three points for each side would, without doubt, help their respective efforts.
In his first departure from the 5-3-2 formation, Louis van Gaal may have taken the Ferguson ethic to heart, employing the Scot's vaunted 4-4-2 vs. Queens Park Rangers. Having a stable of world-class centre-forwards and the formidable Angel Di Maria, the same tactical alignment should be seen in Leicester.
Do not anticipate another 4-0 result in the Mancunian side's favour, but anything other than United taking three points would be a relative shock.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City
Players to Watch: Jeffrey Schlupp, Juan Mata
Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Bromwich Albion
9 of 11
When: Sunday 21 September, 13:30 BST (8:30 a.m. EST)
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
Six points from two games, then one point from the next couple—all so Tottenham. Their draw with Sunderland in the last round smelt of the London side we are accustomed to, regardless of the manager.
Mauricio Pochettino has many of Tottenham's 2013 signings playing better, but one man yet to find his form is Roberto Soldado. The likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Kane have seemingly placed the Spanish striker third on Pochettino's depth chart; whether Soldado can usurp his competition may be worth monitoring throughout a season complete with Europa League duties.
Falling 3-0 to Swansea City in their last outing, West Bromwich Albion are one of five EPL sides yet to win a match. With new players and management yet to gel, visiting White Hart Lane looks a perilous adventure for the Baggies to traverse.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 West Bromwich Albion
Players to Track: Erik Lamela, Craig Gardner
Everton vs. Crystal Palace
10 of 11
When: Sunday 21 September, 16:00 BST (11:00 a.m. EST)
Where: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
Romelu Lukaku had not scored a goal for his actual club since 2011; opening his account last week vs. West Bromwich Albion, the Belgian has commenced the process of justifying his £28 million transfer fee.
Compiling only two points before Week 3, Everton need all the goals they can find, not because scoring is difficult, but the method they use to register goals leaves them exposed at the back.
Therein lies the problem for Crystal Palace. Neil Warnock will know, like Leicester City before him, the Toffees can be had, but in attempting to "play football" Roberto Martinez is receiving exactly what he wants—an open game.
Look for the Londoners to seed possession and mount counters. If after an hour Palace are losing, the game could become terrifyingly expansive.
Prediction: Everton 3-1 Crystal Palace
Players to Track: James McCarthy, Mile Jedinak
Must-Watch Match of the Week: Manchester City vs. Chelsea
11 of 11
When: Sunday 21 September, 16:00 BST (11:00 a.m. EST)
Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Chelsea's positive start already has some asking the question whether they can run away with the Premier League—we get our first answer to the question Sunday. Traveling to Manchester, Jose Mourinho & Company are sure to realise the disparity in class between Burnley or Leicester and the defending champions.
Manchester City, who have not won a competitive match since 25 August, return to the site of their Stoke City loss immediately looking to rectify and reestablish their oft-stellar home record.
The Blues beat Manuel Pellegrini's side in both EPL meetings last season, City then eliminated Chelsea from the FA Cup. Six goals were split equally in 2013/14's trilogy, so a draw appears plausible—but the 2014/15 form chart suggests Chelsea have the ever-so slight edge this weekend.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Chelsea
Players to Track: Joe Hart and anyone who has played for Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea Bus Watch: On relative ice so far, Chelsea—after being unable to keep clean sheets in three consecutive matches—should commandeer their bus from yesteryear; however, the attacking prowess of Manchester City should breach Chelsea's block at least once.
*Don't forget to give your input on this weekend's action in the comments below.
