Charlie Nicholas’ Premier League score predictions – 23rd August

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

WATFORD v WEST HAM

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “West Ham started slow last season and they have been waiting for a few players to come back. I thought they would have let Javier Hernandez go but they have kept him and I don’t see this being a high-scoring team.

“Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Jack Wilshere have to do more. They need to get a few results to get going.

“Watford have been the big disappointment of the season so far. They were a good side last season but we haven’t seen anything from Gerard Deulofeu yet. It’s time for them to start.”

 

LIVERPOOL v ARSENAL

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “As a former Arsenal player, I’m dreading this game.

“It’s been a good start for Arsenal. They haven’t played fabulously well but they got a dogged win at Newcastle and then beat Burnley, which was a bit of a grind. But how are they going to defend against Liverpool?

“Arsenal have improved a bit defensively but it will take time. David Luiz could make mistakes or he could have a man-of-the-match performance. Sokratis doesn’t offer enough for me and they are still vulnerable in the full-back areas.

“Liverpool are strong favourites for me, but there is some intrigue in seeing Arsenal try and take on Liverpool’s defence at the moment, especially with Adrian in goal instead of Alisson.

“I think Arsenal should play a back four with two protectors in front. I don’t want Granit Xhaka in the team, I would prefer Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. They would give Arsenal energy and defensive qualities. Then I would want Alexandre Lacazette through the middle and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe to provide pace on the counter and make things happen, with Dani Ceballos just behind them.

“I’d have that line-up to give Arsenal a back six and then a front four that could cause Liverpool problems on the counter-attack.

“I think Unai Emery will go a bit more cautious and play Aubameyang with Lacazette on the bench, maybe along with Ceballos. If he does that then Liverpool will win.

“Arsenal have to look at a way to get the first goal and try to hurt Liverpool and put them on the back foot. However, I have a feeling Emery might be a bit more negative.

“Ceballos is very neat and tidy. Against Burnley, he looked a yard sharper than he did on the opening weekend and that’s a promising sign. He looks like a good player for Arsenal and I would start him.”

 

BOURNEMOUTH v MAN CITY

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Last season Bournemouth didn’t have a shot when they played Manchester City at home and lost 1-0. They got a bit of praise for the way they played, but I don’t like to praise a team for playing like that, particularly at home.

“Eddie Howe is not that type of manager. I can understand why you would want to sit in and not open up but they are at home and I don’t expect them to go down this season, so why not see what happens? I am not saying get involved in an end-to-end game but they must try and lay a glove on City.

“City can let goals in if you have a go at them, we have seen that from set-pieces.

“However, City were brilliant for long periods against Tottenham and Kevin De Bruyne was amazing. They have goals, pace, cleverness, and I can only a see comfortable win here.”

 

TOTTENHAM v NEWCASTLE

The score Charlie Nicholas has predicted for this game is: 4-0

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Newcastle lacked ambition and togetherness against Norwich but you can’t just point the finger at Steve Bruce and say it’s because Rafa Benitez has gone, because they started slow last season too. It takes this team a bit of time to get going. Joelinton had no service at all and Miguel Almiron was the same. He is about pace and counter-attacking but couldn’t get in the game.

“I was not impressed with Newcastle, but I think Bruce will be working with them all week to say ‘this isn’t good enough, if we sit in and wait to get beaten then we will get beaten’. They need to have more ambition when they have the ball. The problem is I don’t see them getting enough of the ball to trouble Spurs.

“Spurs will be quite happy with the way they have started. They were lucky to get a draw against Manchester City but I think this will be a comfortable win.”

 

WOLVES v BURNLEY

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

He said on Sky Sports’ website: “Burnley weren’t too bad against Arsenal last week. They were clever and looked back to their old selves. They have good balance and a good attitude.

“Wolves were quite impressive in the second half against Manchester United and look to have goals in the team. Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez is a decent partnership.”

 

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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