Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League score predictions – 9th August

We continue our look at what Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has predicted…

BOURNEMOUTH v SHEFFIELD UTD

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 2-1

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “I would have quite fancied this game with two attacking teams involved. How do Sheffield United get the balance of defending and attacking right? Chris Wilder is brave at Sheffield United. He works hard to get them into the shape, their record tells us that, but he is expansive, the wing-backs will be high, and they will squeeze with lots of energy. Bournemouth are very good at attacking and very good on the front foot. Ryan Fraser has progressed very well and Callum Wilson is essential to them. This will be a cracker. I am going low on goals, but it may well be higher. A few cautious minds in this one.”

 

BURNLEY v SOUTHAMPTON

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

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “This is another intriguing fixture. Certain teams have some insecurities. Burnley had a poor season for the first time in a while last year. They are a strong defensive unit and play two up front which I like to see, but the way they set up may be too predictable. Southampton will be full of energy and ready to go. The youngsters will get a chance and Ralph Hasenhuttl has got the change of style that he wants. Southampton are going to be very decent and I am going to go for an away win. Burnley need to adapt and be able to change their style in a game, something they don’t seem to have, and it could be a very awkward season for them.”

 

CRYSTAL PALACE v EVERTON

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 2-1

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “I think Zaha wanted the Arsenal move, but Crystal Palace have over-valued him. I don’t think Zaha is interested in leaving London despite the transfer request. I have high hopes for Everton, but it needs time for the team to gel. They still have problems at the back and Zaha will be the match-winner against Everton here, the headlines are already written. Which style will Everton play? How positive will Marco Silva’s Everton be? It is hard to pick a starting XI and they have strengthened in the wrong areas for me. It will be Zaha’s day.”

 

WATFORD v BRIGHTON

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 2-0

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “Brighton are not jumping out at me. They will be in trouble this year. You can add Aaron Mooy and Neal Maupay to the fold, but the hardest thing in the game is to buy top-class defenders. This is another tough test for them and unless Graham Potter has a style of play that is going to surprise me, I don’t expect this to materialise very well. Watford have been impressive. I don’t see them threatening the top six, but I think they will finish in the top half. They have done very well to keep Abdoulaye Doucoure.”

 

LEICESTER v WOLVES

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

He said, as mentioned in Sky Sports’ article: “These are two teams that I like watching and two managers that I have a lot of time for. Leicester are at home. Is it drama that Harry Maguire has gone? No. The value they got for him was great. Defenders are replaceable. James Maddison has grown and Brendan Rodgers will make him a better player, not to mention Jamie Vardy, who should be firing this year too. Rodgers could make Filip Benkovic a very decent player, so it is the same as for Leicester really – pass and move, going forward. Wolves will be a strong unit and try the counterattack in this one. There will be goals in both of these teams, but when you start a campaign you don’t go all out. It will be edgy and people will make mistakes at this time of the season.”

 

What do you make of those score predictions?

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