5 bold Premier League predictions: Coutinho back to form, Stoke beat Chelsea

Another Premier League weekend is almost upon us. Here are five predictions for this week’s action.

The Premier League returns tomorrow after a midweek slate of League Cup matches. Tottenham travel to West Ham to kick off the weekend’s action on Saturday, before Arsenal host West Brom on Monday to finish off matchweek 6. Here are five bold predictions about what will happen.

1. Stoke triumph over Chelsea

Stoke are relying more and more on their home form in order to get points in the Premier League. The Potters have lost two of their three away matches this season, but at home have beaten Arsenal and a held a rampant Manchester United to a 2-2 draw.

This means they’ll be quietly confident as they prepare to host Chelsea at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday. The Blues are still favorites, but Mark Hughes’ side have the quality to hurt their visitors on the break, especially with David Luiz suspended. We’re backing the Potters to upset Antonio Conte’s men.

2. Coutinho returns to form

Philippe Coutinho started for Liverpool in their midweek League Cup tie after making a substitute appearance against Burnley last weekend. After his summer transfer saga, it finally seems the magic Brazilian is ready to get back to his best.

This weekend Liverpool return to the King Power Stadium (where they lost in midweek) and we fancy Coutinho to start the match and make a huge impact on the game. When the attacking midfielder gets going he’s one of the best in the Premier League and hopefully for the neutrals he finds that form this weekend.

Next: 25 best club soccer teams of all time

3. Andre Gray leads Watford to victory over Swansea

Watford broke their transfer record to bring Andre Gray to Vicarage Road from Burnley and while the striker has been playing for the Hornets he’s yet to find the net. Despite this, Watford have been in relatively good form in the league, having only lost one of their first five games.

This weekend they face a trip to Swansea, a team that they can definitely beat. Swansea have only conceded twice in their first five games but Gray needs to break his duck at some point and this weekend he’ll do just that. Once he gets one goal Gray will grow in confidence and don’t be surprised if he gets a double at the Liberty Stadium.

4. West Ham vs. Tottenham ends 10-a-side

West Ham host Tottenham in Saturday’s early kickoff. The Hammers have been in terrible form this season and sit only one place above the relegation zone. Spurs are fifth but their home form is letting them down and gradually putting Mauricio Pochettino under more pressure.

We’re expecting both teams to be really up for this game despite their respective league positions and it could get a little bit feisty. In fact, our bold prediction for this match is that both sides are reduced to 10 men after some rough challenges. Chief candidates for a sending off are Dele Alli, because of his fiery attitude, and Pablo Zabaleta after a few too many wild tackles.

5. Roy Hodgson gets first Crystal Palace points at the Etihad

Roy Hodgson took over at Crystal Palace after Frank de Boer got the boot at Selhurst Park. His first game in charge was disappointing as the Eagles lost at home to Southampton and continued their barren run in front of goal.

Palace have still not scored this season and this weekend they face the incredibly difficult task of an away match against Manchester City. The Etihad is by no means a fortress but City are coming off a 6-0 annihilation of Watford last weekend and they’ll be hungry for more goals.

Hodgson will set the Eagles up to defend and hit Manchester City on the break. Most Crystal Palace fans won’t expect their team to get anything from this match and a goal or two would probably be enough to satisfy the travelling support. However, we have a feeling the Eagles might really frustrate City and come away from the Etihad with a point.