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Spurs inflict more misery on Chelsea, Man United knock Leicester off top spot — EPL predictions


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Ahead of the latest round of Premier League fixtures, The National’s deputy sports editor Thomas Woods predicts the outcome of all 10 matches.

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Aston Villa 0 Watford 0

Why? You've got a strong defensive side who probably would be happy with a point visiting a poor home side who have scored the fewest goals in the league. If any team wins this, it is likely to be Watford on the counter-attack.

Bournemouth 1 Everton 2

Why? Everton have pulled off some decent away wins this season, notably at Southampton and West Brom, and they are in top form at the moment. We know Bournemouth can knock it around well, but you cannot count on them scoring twice, as they did in last week's draw at Swansea. They are winless in their past seven.

Crystal Palace 3 Newcastle United 0

Why? Palace were sucker-punched by Sunderland last week, losing 1-0 after dominating. It won't happen again in what is a grudge match for manager Alan Pardew. Newcastle have scored once in four games and that was the 1-0 win at Bournemouth where they were played off the park.

Manchester City 1 Southampton 0

Why? City were woeful in the 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool. The main issues were at centre-back; they have not been the same team without captain Vincent Kompany. However, with Sergio Aguero another game nearer to fitness and Kompany and David Silva possibly back, too, they can shut out a classy Southampton side and grab a win.

Sunderland 0 Stoke 1

Why? The 1-0 win at Palace was a boost for Sunderland, but they are not dominating games or even really getting a foothold in them at all. The visitors are playing well — five wins in seven — and will cause plenty of problems on their way to three points.

Leicester 1 Manchester United 2

Why? Perhaps the trickiest game of the week to call but I'm looking at two things. First, defensive records. Leicester have conceded 20 to United's nine and that will be one of the deciding factors. Second, look back at last season's 5-3 win for Leicester in this fixture. United were 3-1 up in that game and hit the bar, before capitulating. Man for man the Manchester side have more quality and should be able to make it tell.

Tottenham 2 Chelsea 1

Why? Chelsea have not found their form yet, even though they beat Norwich 1-0 last week. The difference between these teams at the moment is perhaps best summed up by their strikers. You have Harry Kane, who has found his scoring boots and is taking chances instinctively, shooting on sight in the box. Diego Costa, meanwhile, seems to be thinking first about winning penalties and fouls. He passed up a decent shooting opportunity last week to fling himself on the floor. He needs to improve.

West Ham 1 West Brom 0

Why? West Ham are one this season's least predictable teams. They need to bounce back from last week's thrashing by Spurs and should get the upper hand against Tony Pulis's team, who have won more away games than West Ham have won home games. This seems like a match for Andy Carroll, who will enjoy the challenge of taking on West Brom's physical centre-backs.

Liverpool 1 Swansea 0

Why? Liverpool's 4-1 triumph at Manchester City last week may be their best performance since Luis Suarez left. The interplay between their forward players was sensational, but they were also afforded a lot of room. Swansea at home is a different challenge; the onus will be on Liverpool, the favourites, to push forward against a side likely to defend with 10 men. This game will see Liverpool come down to earth somewhat, and they may find themselves reverting to Christian Benteke's aerial threat for a winner.

Norwich 0 Arsenal 2

Why? Arsenal slipped up last week on the road at West Brom but it shouldn't happen again against a decent Norwich side who just lack something going forward. However, Arsenal's injuries are piling up and if Alexis Sanchez fails to perform it might be a struggle.