Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League score predictions – 9th August

Charlie Nicholas has given his predictions for all of the opening weekend’s Premier League fixtures and it’s fair to say there are some eyecatching scores.

The former Celtic, Arsenal, Aberdeen and Scotland footballer currently works as a pundit for Sky Sports and nearly every weekend appears on the Soccer Saturday show to commentate on games.

See what he went with below and on the next few pages…

LIVERPOOL v NORWICH

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 5-0

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “I don’t think Liverpool have been overly ambitious in the market – they did not need to be. We know they are pretty impressive at the back, though I don’t think they will be as good this year.

“Norwich will be thinking ‘Welcome to the Premier League’. Where will they pitch their defensive base? It is going to be 18 yards from their own goal and they will be thinking of counter-attacking and nothing else?

“Eventually when Liverpool score, what will the final scoreline be? I think Sadio Mane will still be missing but Liverpool will want to make some sort of statement here and put it to Manchester City. The adrenaline and enthusiasm will be there from Norwich, but so will the pressure and mistakes.”

 

TOTTENHAM v ASTON VILLA

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 3-1

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “Aston Villa have done a lot of business. Villa are a big club. Dean Smith likes to play with a nice, attacking style. His number two is based upon a strong defensive unit and John Terry knows what that is about.

“They have a bundle of energy in midfield and decent options up front. They create a lot of chances and miss a lot of chances too. They look promising and I don’t see them being in the relegation battle.

“Harry Kane always tends to start slow and people ask questions. It has taken time for Tottenham to adjust to this stadium and it will take them time to break Villa down, perhaps the 70th to 75th minute. Spurs’ goals will come late on.”

 

NEWCASTLE v ARSENAL

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 1-3

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “The Gunners surprised me with the signing of Nicolas Pepe, they will be very exciting going forward after that. I am glad that Laurent Koscielny has been shipped out, Carl Jenkinson has gone so the ones Arsenal don’t need are going.

“Is David Luiz better than what Arsenal have? Absolutely. On his day he is world-class. On another day he is an absolutely ridiculous defender. It suits Arsenal to a tee! He is better than what Arsenal have so if they do get him, then I see no problem with that.

“I am just looking for an improvement from Arsenal. They have to challenge for the top four after blowing it on a number of occasions last season. Arsenal are not going to challenge for the title. If Luiz comes in I will applaud it and I think they will finish third.

“Steve Bruce is just through the door at Newcastle. Jacob Murphy is going away from St James’ Park and they have made some interesting new signings. He is not Rafa Benitez and he will not play as cautious as him. I see both teams scoring, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ushering in the new season with a goal apiece.”

 

MAN UTD v CHELSEA

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 1-0

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “What an absolute belter of a game to start the campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is trying to get certain players out and certain players in. We will know the formation and style by Sunday. Romelu Lukaku is going and he will have to sell Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez too – he has another three weeks or so to do that.

“Chelsea are under the transfer embargo and so the youngsters will come in. If they lose Luiz, they will have issues defensively. Chelsea will want to go to Old Trafford and walk away with something, with Frank Lampard getting through his first assignment without a defeat to his name.

“Solskjaer wants the crowd to believe they are better. I don’t think United are, so I am going to go for a low-scoring affair. I am looking for Marcus Rashford to be a proper number nine and I see him being the match-winner on the day.”

 

WEST HAM v MAN CITY

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 0-3

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “West Ham have lost Marko Arnautovic, their best player. They have pitched highly for players they want to sign and were threatening in the market, only for it not to materialise. I like Manuel Pellegrini and he did a great job last season, but I don’t think he’s done the business in the transfer window. There are a few players that can play and they will not be in trouble or anything like that. It will take West Ham some time to get into the groove, but Manchester City are ready to rip it up and make a statement once more. Kevin De Bruyne will score here.”

 

Take a look at more of his predictions on the next page.

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