Chris Knows: Manchester United vs Bournemouth Prediction & More

Premier League football returns after the midweek continental commitments with a whole host of interesting matches. We’ve looked closely at Manchester United vs Bournemouth, Aston Villa vs Manchester City, Liverpool vs Brighton and Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United.

Last week was a mixed bag for my predictions, with success coming with Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score anytime @ 5/4 and Brighton to win both halves against Crystal Palace @ 11/4.

Manchester United vs Bournemouth

A European calamity took place on Lake Como for Manchester United, with Michael Carrick’s side meekly surrendering to a 4-1 defeat. The mood within the club is incredibly low, and it’s hard to see where the club’s next victory is coming from. The visit of Bournemouth is an opportunity for the team to put things right, but there is so little confidence in that group; few are prepared to bet on those lines.

Mainoo, Sesko and Lisandro Martinez are all out for Sunday’s match, with Carrick having very few options within his squad.

It’s difficult to see this match having a lot of goals, given the lack of confidence amongst Manchester United’s players. A draw seems plausible.

Aston Villa vs Manchester City

Aston Villa were excellent in their midweek Champions League win, but will need to be even better to come away with points from a clash with Manchester City.

Every match involving City is played under a cloud at this moment, but their team has done a remarkable job of shutting out the noise and continuing to churn out the results such an expensively assembled squad should.

Villa are one of the best-coached teams in the league, and after their traditional slow start to a campaign, they are looking in fine shape heading into this match.

I think it will be a tight, tactical battle with the midfield likely making a huge difference. This could be where City’s mammoth summer spend could give them an edge.

I like the look of a BTTS draw here.

Liverpool vs Brighton and Hove Albion

We’re yet to see the best of Liverpool under Andoni Iraola, and the weekend presents another tough challenge for the Spaniard.

Brighton and Hove Albion are in an exceptional run of form and are making Premier League matches look easy. Every player understands their role and how best to be effective on the pitch.

The comprehensive dismantling of Crystal Palace came as no surprise, and I just can’t see them losing at Anfield on Sunday.

They are equipped to win that fixture, although there are still some inconsistencies in their defensive structure, which Liverpool have the talent to take advantage of.

I would again urge people to play it safe with this game; a BTTS draw is a market I would take advantage of here, whilst also perhaps singling out one of Rio Ngumoha or Luka Vuskovic to score at any time.

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United

Crystal Palace were humiliated by Brighton last weekend. The Eagles are already facing a poor start to the season that is putting new manager, Pierre Sage, under huge pressure.

Reports have already emerged suggesting that Palace are actively looking for a replacement coach, and a defeat to Newcastle at the weekend could prove a fatal blow to the Frenchman’s tenure.

Newcastle have been inconsistent this season and face difficulties of their own. In truth, this could be a match where both sides are a little too afraid of defeat to go for the victory. On paper, though, this is a prime opportunity for Newcastle to kick-start their campaign.