Premier League Pick 3: Round 8.
Season Record: 10-5-6
Another week with one win out of three. I nailed the Arsenal vs Watford match at 2-0. Daniel Sturridge denied a second win with his late goal to tie Chelsea. My Everton vs. Fulham draw prediction was way off with Everton winning 3-0.
Here's hoping to fare better with this week's three picks.
Watford (4-1-2)(13 pts)(6th) v. Bournemouth (4-1-2)(13 pts)(7th)
Saturday
Vicarage Road
This should be an interesting match featuring two surprise clubs of the season so far. Both have identical records and occupy sixth and seventh places. Watford has two losses and a draw after opening the season with four consecutive wins. The 2-0 loss to Arsenal was a harsh result as Watford created numerous chances last week.
Watford does have Miguel Britos, Gerard Deulofeu, Stefano Okaka and Sebastian Proul back from injuries. Marc Navarro has joined Tom Cleverley and Daryl Janmaat in being unavailable.
Bournemouth has no injury concerns. Junior Stanislas was a sub the past two matches and had the game winning, penalty kick goal in last week's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Bournemouth has enjoyed its best start since their promotion.
Watford has only one loss in the past 14 meetings with Bournemouth; (6 wins, 7 draws), and has a slight lead in the series, 40-37 with 36 draws.
Watford is due for a win.
Watford, 2-1
Manchester United (3-1-3)(10 pts)(10th) v. Newcastle (0-2-5)(2 pts)(18th)
Saturday
Old Trafford
Both teams have had very disappointing starts to their seasons and both are coming off losses in the league. Newcastle lost to Leicester City, 2-0 and has only four goals out of their first seven matches. They will still be without striker, Salomon Rondon, (thigh) and Jamie Sterry. Questionable are defenders Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez.
Manchester United is coming off a horrible loss to West Ham and the season has been nothing but chaos. They had a scoreless draw with Valencia in the Champions League during the week. Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard and Marcos Rojo are all out. Ashley Young should be available after missing the Valencia match.
A win is in dire need for both clubs. Manchester United leads the series, 84-42 with 39 draws. Newcastle has only one win at Old Trafford in the past 36 visits. They have played tough against the top tier competition and may get a goal against Manchester United's besieged back line. Can't see it being enough.
Manchester United; 3-1
Liverpool (6-1-0)(19 pts)(2nd) v. Manchester City (6-1-0)(19 pts)(1st)
Sunday
Anfield
Liverpool has its second major test in as many weeks. Their unblemished record was stopped with a draw to Chelsea last week. The Reds lost to Napoli in the Champions League, 1-0. Midfielder, Naby Keita could be fit after back spasms during the Napoli match. Adam Lallana is close to being back.
Kevin De Bryne and Benjamin Mendy both trained this week for City. Ilkay Gundogan has a hamstring problem. Fabian Delph is out.
Liverpool has continued to have Manchester City's number. They eliminated the citizens from the Champions League last year and has only one loss to City at Anfield since 1981. Liverpool leads the series, 104-54 with 52 draws. Can De Bryne come in and make his usual impact? Will Mohamed Salah have a breakout match? Can Sergio Aguero erase that 0 in his goal column at Anfield?
Matches like these have draws written all over them.
2-2 Draw
