In this three-match preview of the English Premier League round 2, we will focus on the clashes between Leicester City who will play Brighton. Then, Liverpool, who disappointed in a 3:3 draw against Watford, will host Crystal Palace, who registered a poor defeat to newly promoted Huddersfield. In our final game Southampton, who couldn’t manage anything but a draw against Swansea, will battle it out with West Ham, who were helpless against a Manchester United onslaught in their last game.
Leicester vs. Brighton
3-Way: 1: Leicester -123; X: +290 Draw; 2: Brighton +444
Spread -0.5: Leicester -133; Brighton +127
Total +2.5: Over +102; Under -109
Leicester
The 2015-16 Premier League champions were left disappointed in a 4:3 thriller against Arsenal away at the Emirates Stadium. Leicester caused all sorts of problems to a make-shift Arsenal defence, especially in the air from crosses and Jamie Vardy in particular who scored two goals on the day. Unfortunately for Leicester, they were simply outscored in a game that could have gone either way, although on balance their opponents deserved victory despite The Foxes valiant efforts.
Leicester should not feel too disheartened by the result, as they played their counter-attacking game to near perfection going forward. Unfortunately they were just undone by an Arsenal flurry which saw them have a total of sixteen shots over the course of the game. If they perform as they did against weaker opposition, they are sure to get some points on the table.
Manager Craig Shakespeare will be without Nampalys Mendy (malleolar), Robert Huth (Malleolar) and Vincente Iborra (wound) through injury.
Brighton
The Seagulls will have been happy enough with their first Premier League day-out for 34-years in spite of a 2:0 home loss to title-hopefuls Manchester City. There was a clear gulf in class between the two sides, although Brighton did manage to hold-out until the 70th minute when Sergio Aguero finished after a quick forward passing move from Manchester City, followed by an unfortunate own goal by defender Lewis Dunk.
Brighton should just be happy that they got through one the seasons toughest fixtures relatively unscathed; they may have been the first but they won’t be the last to lose at home to Manchester City. Against Leicester City, we will get a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses in the new Premier League season.
To improve their squad Brighton has made significant transfers in the last week, including winger José Izquierdo from Club Brugge for 13.5 million pounds.
Manager Chris Hughton will have a full squad selection.
Leicester vs. Brighton – MATCH PREDICTION
This is a good Leicester squad with some serious attacking potential. Brighton may ask a few questions of their defense but overall I would go for a Leicester win.
MY PICK: Leicester to win (-123)
Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
3-Way: 1: Liverpool -233; X: +459 Draw; 2: Crystal Palace +900
Spread -1.5: Liverpool +110; Crystal Palace -110
Total +3: Over -103; Under -103
Liverpool
Liverpool will have expected better of themselves as they drew 3:3 in dramatic fashion to relegation candidates Watford. Watford struck first at Vicarage Road from a headed cross, then Liverpool replied through Mané with a slick move and finish. It took just three minutes after Liverpool’s goal to trail once again as they went in 2:1 down at half time. Liverpool came back once again and took the lead through two goals in quick succession, a Firmino penalty and a Mohamed Salah tap-in on his debut after his 38 million pounds move from AS Roma over the summer.
With Coutinho missing against Stoke, and his departure looking likely after he handed in a transfer request, manager Jurgen Klopp will be happy to see that they still looked just as dangerous going forward. There are still, however, some major defensive frailties.
Jurgen Klopp will be missing Adam Bogdan (cruciate ligament rupture), Danny Ings (knee operation), Adam Lallana (hamstring), Daniel Sturridge (hamstring), Philippe Coutinho (back), Nathaniel Clyne (back) and Mamadou Sakho (ligament), all through injury.
Crystal Palace
A terrible start to the Premier League campaign for Crystal Palace saw them lose to a side everyone has tipped for relegation, Huddersfield, with a 3:0 scoreline. The scoreline flattered Huddersfield who didn’t necessarily dominate the game as Crystal Palace retained 55% possession with 10 shots to their opponents six; Huddersfield was simply the clinical side.
New manager Frank de Boer will have to take a look at his side’s vulnerability and wonder if his insistence on a three center-backs formation suits his side. Furthermore, with all arrivals over the offseason bean aged 21 and under, perhaps they need an older starter with Premier League experience to steady the ship.
Frank de Boer will be missing Connor Wickham and Jonathan Williams through injury.
Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace – MATCH PREDICTION
I would predict Liverpool’s attack to be too much for Crystal Palace, especially with the fans egging them on to score whenever they go forward. Both defenses look very susceptible so I would go for a very high-scoring game.
MY PICK: Over 3 goals (-103)
Southampton vs. West Ham
3-Way: 1: Southampton -128; X: +293 Draw; 2: West Ham +450
Spread -0.5: Southampton -137; West Ham +129
Total +2.5: Over -106; Under +102
Southampton
A dull 0:0 against Swansea left Southampton the more disappointed side of the two in a game they should have gained three points in. Southampton came close on many occasions but couldn’t break the deadlock despite seven shots on target and twenty-one in total.
Southampton shouldn’t worry too much about the disappointing result in the opening round of the Premier League season, as their team looks like they have enough for a top ten finish, it just didn’t seem to be their day. Furthermore, the next four fixtures look very winnable for The Saints, so they’ll have more opportunity to gain some momentum and points.
Recently, defensive midfielder Mario Lemina has signed for Southampton for 15.3 million euros from Juventus, while keeper Jack Rose has also signed from West Brom on a free transfer as back-up.
Manager Mauricio Pelligrino will be without Alex McCarthy (hamstring) and Shane Long (metatarsal) through injury, while Virgil Van Dijk is out after given special leave following a transfer request.
West Ham
The Hammers will have to look past their last Premier League fixture quickly as they were well beaten by a scintillating Manchester United side 4:0. The best chance for West Ham came from Andre Ayew after he was set up by a clever Javier Hernandez back-heel, but it was fired straight at the keeper. The West Ham defense found it a challenge to deal with a potent United attack, but they weren’t at too much fault despite conceding four goals.
One thing that could have been improved was the service to new signing Javier Hernandez, who was often been making the right runs but the midfield couldn’t seem to connect with him.
Over the last week, West Ham has made just one transfer, which was the sale of Sofiane Feghouli to Galatasaray who failed to make an impact for the Hammers since joining last season.
Manager Slaven Bilic will be without Andy Carroll (groin), Diafra Sakho (back), Mark Noble (groin operation) and Doneil Henry (ruptured knee ligament) through injury.
Southampton vs. West Ham – MATCH PREDICTION
With both teams fighting for the seventh position in the Premier League, I could see this being a close game. However, with the home advantage and the confidence being slightly stronger with Southampton, I would predict a close Southampton win overall.
MY PICK: Southampton to win (-128)
