Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League score predictions – 16th August

We continue our look at what Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has predicted…

ASTON VILLA v BOURNEMOUTH

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “I thought a lot of people got excited about the Aston Villa situation at Tottenham, hanging on and hanging on throughout. Are they going to be this team? I don’t think that is the way they should play. Jack Grealish is a huge talent and I am a massive fan, but Villa need to play him higher. He is not a deep-lying player. It takes you two to three years to understand it at the top level.

“I like what Dean Smith has done – Villa are not threatened by relegation but Grealish is the Duracell battery. You can play Grealish and John McGinn in front of a holding midfielder, and if you do that I believe they can make the top eight and threaten for Europe. If Smith gets this right, it could be that good.”

 

BRIGHTON v WEST HAM

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “What a result for Brighton at Watford last week. West Ham turned up scared against Manchester City and were punished. Declan Rice is not a superstar footballer. He is a very talented and progressive player who will get better, but West Ham are about creative ability and making chances, which Rice does not do. It will take Jack Wilshere time, too, but despite that I am going to go for an away win.”

 

EVERTON v WATFORD

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Watford have kept Abdoulaye Doucoure because he is a good player, and then he goes and scores an own goal last week! With Everton, it is like the boiler that has been renewed. Is it going to work and are people going to press the right buttons? If Marco Silva didn’t get the results coming out of the back of last season he could have gone.

“They went big in the market and invested up front. Have they got strikers yet? Is there anything in there that could spark them into life? They have given the manager every resource he could get. Where are they going to play Alex Iwobi? I see a team that is going to be creative but weak at the back.

“Watford’s disaster last week could be a wake-up call and they don’t need to attack so could sit in. I am looking forward to seeing how Everton get back to business but I am sitting on the fence.”

 

NORWICH v NEWCASTLE

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “This is an absolute belter. Norwich knew Liverpool was a free-swing. It could have been more for Liverpool. Teemu Pukki getting a goal was good for him. His movement is very good.

“Newcastle were giving themselves high-fives for clearing balls last week and I didn’t understand that. I cannot congratulate someone for being vulnerable defensively. Steve Bruce is not as not organised and thorough as Rafael Benitez. He doesn’t play that game. He will be saying: ‘have we shown much going forward?’

“You always thought Arsenal were going to win the game. Bruce is quite good at manipulating teams especially away from home. Miguel Almiron looks quick and will be the star here.”

 

SOUTHAMPTON v LIVERPOOL

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “I am not convinced by Liverpool this season. Are they going to be good enough for second? Yes they are. Liverpool cannot and will not be as good defensively – Alisson is out already, too. Southampton will be looking at different things and how to exploit this Liverpool team.

“Virgil van Dijk still makes mistakes and is an elegant, beautiful footballer to watch, but he is expected to win headers and play how he does. I think Southampton, after the rotten result, will be at it here.”

 

What do you make of what Charlie Nicholas has predicted?

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You can also see what he had to say about each match and the odds by clicking HERE.

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