PL Matchweek 2 Preview & Predictions: United, Liverpool, Arsenal, And City To Win; Chelsea To Suffer Against Spurs
Swansea Vs Manchester United
Reuters / Rebecca Naden
Manchester United will travel to Wales to face a weakened Swansea that has lost its star player Gylfi Sigurðsson to Everton. Understandably, Jose Mourinho’s team, which is top of the league after Matchweek 1, is seen as clear favorite to win this match against Paul Clement’s Swansea.
Manchester United fans will be excited to see the new look midfield pairing of Matic and Pogba, which helped the team run riot in their opening fixture of the Premier League. Romelu Lukaku will also be the centre of lots of attention after scoring a brace on his Premier League debut for Manchester United.
Team News:
Swansea are expected to miss their main striker Fernando Llorente and veteran midfielder Leon Britton, who are not fully fit yet. Nathan Dyer and Ki Sung-yueng are also far from making a return from their respective injuries. For Manchester United, the defensive trio of Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo will be unavailable.
Prediction: Swansea 0-3 Manchester United
Liverpool Vs Crystal Palace
Liverpool will be keen to make amends to their disappointing start to the Premier League season after they drew away to Watford in their opening fixture. The Reds have the perfect opportunity to grab 3 points, as they host a shattered Crystal Palace, who were humiliated at home by the promoted Huddersfield.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who scored a beautiful free-kick goal in Liverpool’s win in their Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim, will be the one to watch from Jurgen Klopp’s team. The blazing fast attacking trio of Salah, Firmino and Mane is guaranteed to create great problems for the already traumatized defence of Crystal Palace.
Team News:
Liverpool will definitely be without their two key midfielders in Adam Lallana and Coutinho. Lallana is out injured for at least 2 months, while Coutinho is involved in possible transfer after handing in a transfer request. Clyne and Danny Ings will also not make the squad because of their injuries.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will miss two important players in Bakary Sako and Wilfried Zaha, who are out injured. Cabaye, Pape Souare, James Mcarthur and Connor Wickham are all among the doubtfuls.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Crystal Palace
Stoke Vs Arsenal
Reuters / Tony O’Brien
The Gunners will travel to Stoke, who have been one of their bogey teams in the recent past. Yet, Arsene Wenger’s men will be favorites and full of confidence, after mounting a sensational comeback in their 4-3 win over Leicester at home in Matcheweek 1.
Arsenal fans will be buzzing to see more of their new signings Kolasinac and Lacazette, who were very impressive in their first Premier League match of the campaign. Granit Xhaka is another player who will be expected to shine, after the Swiss provided 2 key assists in Arsenal’s comeback against Leicester. For Stoke, new signing Jese will be the topic of interest, as he is expected to start for the home team.
Team News:
Other than Julien Ngoy, everyone is expected to be available for Mark Hughes to pick his team from. Arsenal, on the other hand, will miss their star player Alexis Sanchez, who is not fully fit yet. Santi Cazorla (long-term injury) and Koscienly (Suspended) are the two other players who won’t be available for selection. Jack Wilshere is also not expected to be involved just yet.
Prediction: Stoke 1-3 Arsenal
Tottenham Vs Chelsea
Reuters/Tony O’Brien
The stand out fixture of the Matchweek 2 will be played between the Premier League winners and runners-up of last year. Tottenham will host an out-of-sorts Chelsea at Wembley in a match that is expected to pile on further misery on Blues boss Conte, whose team lost 3-2 at home to Burnley last week.
The formidable attacking trio of Harry Kane, Alli and Eriksen is expected to make a weakened Chelsea suffer in their home territory. With the suspension of two key players in Cahill and Fabregas, Conte will have the tough task of fielding a capable team against a ruthless opponent in Spurs.
Team News:
Lamela, Danny Rose and Nkoudou will not make the team for Tottenham because of injuries. Right-back Kieran Trippier is also a major doubt for the home side. For Chelsea, Fabregas and Cahill won’t feature because of their red cards last week. Eden Hazard, Pedro and Bakayoko are all doubtfull, but might be forced into the team because of the situation.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
Manchester City Vs Everton
Pep Guardiola’s team will host Everton at home in a fixture that promises to give a measure of the two massively strengthened teams during the transfer window. Still, Manchester City are considered favorites to win this match with the quality of their squad.
Exciting new signing Bernardo Silva could make his first start of his career with Manchester City in this match. The new sweeper goalkeeper Ederson is another player who has got the fans excited with his ball playing ability from the back. For Everton, much like City, new goalkeeper Pickford has got the fans going with his quality with feet. Defender Michael Keane has also made instant impact since joining from Burnley.
Team News:
Midfielders Gundogan and Delph, and new signing Mendy are not expected to be included in the matchday squad of Manchester City because of fitness issues. Ronald Koeman will also miss a number of players in Funes Mori, Barkley, Coleman, Bolasie and Mccarthy. New striker Sandro Ramirez is also doubtful for the fixture.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Everton
Written by Shorya Panwar 
Has 20+ years of experience managing Schalke in Football Manager 2017. Believes wing-backs are the most complete footballers in the modern/evolved football. Writes weird stuff on his personal blog.