Jamie O’Hara’s Premier League Gameweek Two preview
The first round of Premier League fixtures has passed, and Grosvenor ambassador Jamie O’Hara is back to preview the upcoming weekend’s action, with three key fixtures placed under the microscope.
Brighton vs Man United – Saturday 12:30
I really like the look of Brighton; I think Manchester United will struggle against them here. This is a different prospect to their first game against Fulham – United gave them chances out of nothing but were let off the hook. They won’t have it as easy this time, and Brighton will punish them if they gift them chances like they did to Fulham.
I can’t see Erik ten Hag lasting the season – they need to improve, and I don’t think he is the man to take them forward. He’ll be gone by Christmas and then they’ll look to Ruud Van Nistelrooy to take over from him, I reckon. We’ll see, but I’m not convinced by United at all.
I’m going to go for a Brighton win here, they looked very sharp last weekend against Everton and I think they will be too strong for United.
Prediction: Brighton 3-1 Manchester United (14/1)
Aston Villa v Arsenal – Saturday 17:30
This one looks to be a great game, let’s hope Arsenal’s season is dealt a blow early doors! Villa are a bogey team for Arsenal and they absolutely battered West Ham last week – they could have been 4-0 up by half time.
I think this is a good time for Villa to play Arsenal as they haven’t had to begin their Champions League campaign yet, so there’ll be no rotation and they’ll feel well rested.
Arsenal cruised past Wolves last weekend, it was comfortable for them. It was easy but they really should be beating a side like Wolves as comfortably as they did, their team is too good. That’s what’s expected if you are to win the league.
I fancy Villa to win here – they’re at home with a fresh side and no injuries and they did the double over Arsenal last season. I genuinely believe they’ve got Arsenal’s number and they’ll come out on top.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal (23/2)
O’Hara’s Hunch: Aston Villa v Arsenal Bet Builder
- Aston Villa to win
- Over 2.5 goals
- Ollie Watkins to score
Bournemouth v Newcastle – Sunday 14:00
I can see Bournemouth being dragged into a relegation scrap this season after selling Dominic Solanke, who was a proven goalscorer at this level. I know they have brought in a replacement in Evanilson, but he needs to prove he can make the difference at this level.
Having said that, I like Andoni Iraola; he showed last season that he can secure results and get Bournemouth playing some nice football. It’s going to be a tough season for them though, they’ll be around the drop zone, but I think they will just survive as the manager has showed he can get the best out of that squad.
Newcastle will be happy with how they started the season – going down to ten men early in the match and managing to still get the three points, that’s all that matters.
Fabian Schar is a very silly boy; I don’t know what he’s doing. You can’t put your head into another player now, it’s an easy decision for the referee to make whether there’s minimal contact or not.
I think Newcastle win this, I can see them having too much for the Cherries.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Newcastle (15/2)