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AFC Bournemouth vs. West Bromwich Albion

On paper, Bournemouth have secured some very exciting talent in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere a certain stand-out.

However, on the pitch, there’s been little to no impact from all of them as the Cherries are still winless this season. But I just wonder if the mere presence of Wilshere could change that.

I mean, his last few seasons aside, Wilshere is still one of England’s most hyped-up players (and rightly so, I guess). He’s a natural talent with all the potential in the world to become a real hero for his country, surely if I’m a player in that Bournemouth dressing room I’m looking to raise my game and perhaps even learn from him, despite the fact that he still has his whole career ahead of him.

West Brom were involved in one of those completely fruitless Premier League games – against Middlesbrough – that make you wonder: “Why did I buy a ticket, again?”

Video analysts could hardly even put some highlights together. We all understand that with their main aim being survival and Tony Pulis being a results-focused manager, it may not bother them for too long but surely the fans and league deserves much better, right?

I’m going to back Bournemouth to win for the first time this season. Whenever they meet each other, I always compare Eddie Howe and Tony Pulis’ playing styles. Howe allows his team more freedom of expression on the ball whilst Pulis is an old-fashioned long-ball type of man who sets his sides up not to lose.

I just think Howe’s style will prevail again, as they did last season at the Hawthorns, the Baggies defence will be coconut-stubborn but if Bournemouth show persistence and some quality in the final third, I think they’ll just have enough to win this one.

Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

Stoke City vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Stoke are one of the sides who are still without victory this season and it all goes back to what I said in my last piece about them having a tough start to the campaign, it doesn’t get any easier with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur.

To be blunt, I haven’t been very impressed by Spurs so far. I know they’re still unbeaten but they’re not going to win too many games if they continue playing like they did in their opening three matches.

On all three occasions, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have struggled to put away their opponents. They’ve only scored three league goals thus far and none of them have come from their strikers – who failed to even get a single shot on target against Liverpool.

Perhaps it’s only just a slow start and they’ll get going soon enough but the White Hart Lane faithful will hope that it really is soon enough, especially as they return to the Champions League after this game at the Bet365 Stadium.

I’m going to predict that they just edge it. Stoke are obviously a tough opponent on their day and I do think they’ve got a decent chance in this match but I think the quality of Spurs, which needs to be displayed, will lead them to victory.

Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Middlesbrough vs. Crystal Palace

Middlesbrough will be proud of the fact that they’re the only one of the newly-promoted trio to remain unbeaten thus far.

I think they’ve already showed that they’re not going to be an easy opponent to play against and what impresses me is that they don’t just focus all their energy on defending but have got some players in that squad who can express themselves going forward as well as score a goal or two.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace are not only still looking for a win this season but their fans desperately need a good performance. They’ve managed to keep winger Wilfried Zaha so hopefully he gets his head back in the side because he’s a decent player and a key part of Alan Pardew’s plans.

Had Boro not made the kind of start they’ve made to this season, I would’ve probably backed Palace to win this one, as they can be good on their travels. But I see it ending in a draw. Boro won’t be short of confidence and will often try their luck – in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to win this one.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-1 Crystal Palace

Sunderland vs. Everton

Sunderland fans haven’t been given much to shout about this season but I think their last meeting with Everton will just be on their minds heading into this one.

The Black Cats were as dangerously motivated as I had ever seen them last season as they blitzed past the Toffees 3-0 at the Stadium of Light, a result that guaranteed them safety.

Today I ask myself, is that what it takes to motivate them? I mean, over the past few seasons, Sunderland’s biggest results have always come when they’re in serious danger of relegation, almost like a warrior who needs to know he’s going to die before he can pull out his sword. Do they need to be put in that situation again before they can produce something special? Perhaps so.

Everton would’ve learned from that defeat and will be looking to earn consecutive wins after Stoke ‘keeper Shay Given more or less helped them to a win at home in the last round. All of a sudden they look like a united force again. Everton lost defender John Stones during the summer and had looked certain to lose top striker Romelu Lukaku but he reportedly rejected a move away to Juventus in the summer so that will please the Goodison faithful.

Also, I’ve been impressed with winger Kevin Mirallas. Last season under Roberto Martinez his Everton career looked over but Ronald Koeman has placed his faith in him and has already been well rewarded.

That united front in the team will be vital in helping them win matches in the future and I think they’ll start here against Sunderland.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Everton