EPL Matchday 8 Predictions

It's back! It's been almost a fortnight since the last Premier League action but it is back with a vengeance this week.  So let's not waste anymore time.  Here are my predictions for EPL Matchday 8.

Saturday

Tottenham v. Chelsea, 7:45 AM: Boy are there some storylines in this London derby.  Chelsea's Champions League triumph last season left Spurs out in the cold for this year's Champions League despite finishing fourth.  So to say that Tottenham has revenge on their mind is an understatement.  If that wasn't enough, Andre Villas-Boas faces off against the club that fired him last season.  Chelsea is still unbeaten and atop the table while Tottenham has won four matches in a row.  It should be higher scoring than the scoreless and 1-1 draws these teams played to last year, but Chelsea and Tottenham will share the spoils yet again tomorrow.  Prediction: Draw 2-2

Fulham v. Aston Villa, 10:00 AM: Fulham wins the weekly third place lottery by getting to face Aston Villa at home this weekend.  Villa is not only struggling, but Paul Lambert is at odds with Darren Bent and it's creating unease around the entire club.  Fulham has been great this season at home outside of a late loss against Manchester City.  They'll take down Aston Villa with ease.  Prediction: Fulham 3-1

Liverpool v. Reading, 10:00 AM: Yet another chance for Liverpool for notch their first win at Anfield in the Premier League.  The Reds were hit by the injury bug during the international break as Fabio Borini fractured his foot and will be out for three months.  That puts even more pressure on Luis Suarez to produce up front.  The controversial striker needs to put the team on his back these next few weeks to try and get Liverpool within striking distance of the top four.  Liverpool will take a step in that direction tomorrow.  Prediction: Liverpool 3-0

Manchester United v. Stoke City, 10:00 AM: The unstoppable force that is the Manchester United offense meets the immovable object, the Stoke City defense.  It will be interesting to see the lineup SAF puts out against the technically sound Stoke City.  If it was me, this would be a match I'd start the vets like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.  Players that have experience and the know-how to dissect Stoke's stingy defense.  This game just smells of a Manchester United win via a penalty kick.  Let's just hope it's not a controversial one.  Prediction: Manchester United 1-0

Swansea City v. Wigan, 10:00 AM: Swansea and Wigan are coming off of draws and are sitting in the bottom half of the table.   Neither team seem capable of playing much defense right now so it should be another exciting, high-scoring match involving the Swans.  I'll go with the weekly goal for Michu and one from Dyer for Swansea and one from Di Santo and Maloney for the Latics. Prediction: Draw 2-2

West Brom v. Manchester City, 10:00 AM: Statement game at the Hawthorns for West Brom.  The Baggies have a chance to prove their strong start isn't a fluke against the defending champions.  City comes into this match banged up in the midfield with David Silva, Javi Garcia, and Jack Rodwell all unavailable.  That will cost City some possession and definitely some flare with the loss of Silva.  Yaya Toure might be forced to play a deeper lying role as well, which will hurt City's attacking prowess.  West Brom will be highly motivated with the champs in town and with City's injury problems, will earn a point at home.  Prediction: Draw 1-1

West Ham v. Southampton, 10:00 AM: Two of the three promoted sides face off at Upton Park.  Some of the shine has disappeared for the Hammers after their 3-1 loss to Arsenal and they also lost Vaz Te for up to three months.  Southampton meanwhile lost their newest and most expensive signing, Gaston Ramirez, for up to six weeks.  The Saints still have enough firepower to score goals with Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana though and will cause plenty of problems for the West Ham backline.  The Hammers have already notched some key wins this season.  It's about time Southampton did the same.  Minor upset in West London.  Prediction: Southampton 2-1

Norwich City v. Arsenal, 12:30 PM: This week's lottery winners and opponent of Norwich City...Arsenal! Although this fixture may not be as easy as it sounds.  The Gunners will be without Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, and Theo Walcott so Arsene Wenger's side will look a little different.  The good news, they still have Santi Cazorla.  The miniature Spaniard has been best player in the league this season and has created more chances in the attacking half than anyone else.  Olivier Giroud is rounding into form and he will receive enough service to score some goals.  Prediction: Arsenal 4-1

Sunday

Sunderland v. Newcastle, 8:30 AM: One of the more underrated derbies in England takes the stage on Sunday.  Sunderland and Newcastle will play for the 144th time in the Tyne-Wear derby and both clubs are coming off a loss.  Newcastle hasn't duplicated their success from last season so far this year while Sunderland have notched only one win.  With neither team playing their best football, best bet is to go with the home team in a derby matchup.  Steven Fletcher will add another goal to his tally sheet.  Prediction: Sunderland 2-1

Queens Park Rangers v. Everton, 11:00 AM: Everton wins the second place lotto prize this week with QPR on the schedule.  However, they'll have to play this match and possibly a few more without the presence of Marouane Fellaini.  Losing Fellaini isn't backbreaking, but the Toffees lose their most dangerous player on set pieces.  David Moyes will rely on Kevin Mirallas and Nikica Jelavic up front instead against a very weak QPR defense.  Everton was denied three points on their last road trip to Wigan.  They won't be this time around.  Prediction: Everton 2-0