EPL Week 10 - Saturday Preview - Part 2
West Brom v Manchester City @ The Hawthorns
After a flying start to his reign Pep Guardiola is suddenly in need of a win as his City travel to West Brom clinging to joint lead of the Premiership. Having failed to win in the Premier League since their visit to Swansea back in September, City are winless from their last three Premier League matches, and have gone 6 games without a win in all competitions. While it is hardly time for panic stations, City have hit the wall a bit of late, and will face a test against a typically well organised West Brom side. West Brom have been the draw kings of the Premier League so far this year with 4 draws from their opening 9 matches. Whilst they were played off the park at times by Liverpool last week, they only went down 2-1 to leave them sitting 12th on the Premier League ladder on 10 points. The Baggies have a horrible record against Manchester City having lost their last 9 straight against them. The last time the sides met at The Hawthorns in August 2015 City ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
Verdict - Manchester City 2 West Brom 1
City have a great record against West Brom and I think they can continue that here, although I expect Tony Pulis's men to give them a hell of a fright. Expect West Brom to drop very deep and try and catch City on the counter attack.
Crystal Palace V Liverpool @ Selhurst Park
Eleventh placed Palace host high flying Liverpool at Selhurst Park in the late game on Saturday Afternoon. Palace are on a winless run of three games including putting in a poor performance in being swept aside 3-1 by Leicester City away from home last week. The game marks an opportunity for striker Christian Benteke to get one back on his old club after his dismal spell at Liverpool was cut short last season. Liverpool are joint top of the table with Arsenal and Manchester City after another strong performance in beating West Brom 2-1 at Anfield last weekend. The Reds have been scoring at will under Jurgen Klopp, having been unbeaten in their last 7 games, banging in 16 goals in the process. Despite winning at Selhurst Park last year 2-1, Liverpool have a dubious record at the venue having lost in 4 of their past 7 matches at the atmospheric old ground. It will still hold bad memories for many Reds' fans as they suffered an astonishing 3-3 draw, throwing away a 3-goal lead and with it any hope of the title back in May 2014.
Verdict - Liverpool 3 Palace 2
Hopefully this game can be a thriller with both teams playing attacking football. I like Liverpool this year and, despite them not being as formidable away from home, I think they can keep banging in the goals and just hold off a plucky Palace side.