By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester City take on Newcastle
- Tottenham play Manchester United
- West Ham United face Chelsea
UK – Manchester City lifted the Super Cup this week but they face tough competition in the Premier League this weekend as they face Newcastle United.
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Manchester City vs Newcastle, Saturday August 19, kick-off 20:00
Manchester City won the Super Cup this week by defeating Sevilla on penalties. After their loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, it is a great boost for Pep Guardiola‘s side to have already lifted silverware this season. Albeit if many supporters believe these competitions to be glorified friendlies.
A big blow for Guardiola’s side is the news that Kevin de Bruyne is expected to be out for 10 weeks due to a knee injury. This could force City to ramp up their efforts in signing Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United.
Newcastle are currently the Premier League leader after they defeated Aston Villa 5-1 on the opening day. It may still be early days but Eddie Howe‘s side will have ambitions to finish higher than the fourth position they achieved last season.
With the Magpies having Champions League football, they have managed to tempt some top players to the club. Sandro Tonali who arrived this summer from AC Milan needed just six minutes to score his first goal for the club last weekend. This match may only be in Matchweek 2 but it is a chance to see if Howe’s team can challenge City for the title.
Score prediction: Manchester City 1-2 Newcastle
Tottenham vs Manchester United, Saturday August 19, kick-off 17:30
Tottenham Hotspur without Harry Kane, who has joined Bayern Munich, played out a 2-2 draw with Brentford last Sunday. They were clearly missing their former captain and had to rely on defenders Cristian Romeo and Emerson Royal to score their goals.
Spurs may now be missing England’s captain but they do still have Brazil’s striker Richarlison to lead their line. However, Ange Postecoglou will need to strengthen their centre-forward options before the transfer window closes. One positive of the match against the Bees was James Maddison providing both assists for Tottenham’s goals. Maddison was making his competitive debut for the side after he joined them from Leicester City this summer.
Kane was often linked with a move to Manchester United and the transfer may have come to fruition had the player left on a free transfer at the end of next season. Instead, the Red Devils’ line will be led by Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane joined the club from Atalanta this summer in a deal worth £64 million.
Eric ten Hag‘s side managed a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night. However, they were lucky to take all three points after Wolves were denied a clear penalty when Andre Onano collided with Sasa Kalajdzic. Ten Hag will be hoping for a more convincing win this weekend.
Score prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Manchester United
West Ham vs Chelsea, Sunday August 20, kick-off 16:30
West Ham United are in a post-Declan Rice era but they have replaced him well with the additions of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez. Both players are expected to make their Hammers debut this weekend against Chelsea. However, David Moyes‘ side will be hoping not to lose any more of their top players, with Paqueta being linked with a move to Manchester City.
The Hammers earned a point against Bournemouth last week with Kurt Zouma taking over the captain’s armband from Rice. Jarrod Bowen scored a fantastic goal which was reminiscent of his strike that won West Ham the Europa Conference League last season.
Chelsea released Rice from their youth team ranks when he was just 14. The midfielder was often linked with a return to Stamford Bridge before his move to Arsenal. However, the Blues have now signed an alternative to Rice in Moises Caicedo from Brighton for £115 million.
Mauricio Pochettino made a solid first impression in last week’s draw with Liverpool. The former Tottenham boss needs to build on this to make sure he keeps the fans onside. Both teams earned 1-1 draws in Matchweek 1 but the Blues will be expected to get the three points this Sunday.
Score prediction: West Ham 0-2 Chelsea
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