Premier League Predictions: Carlton Cole vs Essential Football

EXCLUSIVE: It’s almost time for another round of Premier League predictions – and this time, we’ll be joined by an icon of England’s top division.

Today, we’d like to give a warm welcome to West Ham United fan-favourite and former Premier League star Carlton Cole who is sharing his thoughts on behalf of 10bet. He’ll give his predictions on the five biggest games of the weekend, then we’ll provide ours.

Can Essential Football get one over on the Hammers hero? Or will Big Carlton impress on his debut? Either way, here are our predictions for the weekend.

Manchester United vs Manchester City

Carlton Cole: I’ve gone 2–0 City. Just seems right. Although Man United always play well against them at home, I just don’t see it.

They’ll have their interim appointment for the weekend, but will they get a bounce? I can’t see it. They just got beat by Brighton in the FA Cup. Man City are purring at the moment as well.

Cole’s prediction: Manchester United 0-2 Manchester City

Essential Football: We can’t argue with Cole’s logic here. City are in strong form, while United’s never-ending tailspin continues on.

Nevertheless, United will not make it easy for Pep Guardiola’s men. For United, there is no greater ignomy than losing to the ‘noisy neighbours’ at Old Trafford – new interim coach Michael Carrick will understand this better than most. We still think City will win, but it’ll be a scrappy, ugly game at best.

EF’s prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City 

Chelsea vs Brentford

Carlton Cole: I’ve gone for Brentford, funnily enough, because of the disruption down at Chelsea. I’d love to see Liam Rosenior do really well as he takes charge for the first time in the PL, but I think he’s going to lose his first game against Brentford.

Brentford always come out roaring against Chelsea, they love that derby. Chelsea will probably do well, but I think Brentford will come at them. That’s my hot take, it’s a wild card, but it’s my hot take.

Cole’s prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Brentford

Essential Football: Again, we think Cole makes some good points here. Brentford are in sparkling form as things stand – this will be a very, very difficult game Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea.

The Blues are low on confidence, while Brentford are flying – but we think Chelsea should have enough firepower to scrape a draw against the Bees.

EF’s prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United

Carlton Cole: I think West Ham will win this one. When it comes to Spurs, it’s weird, it’s just one of those one-off games.

It could change your season, it could turn things completely around for West Ham, because when you play those one-off games, strange things happen. I’ve got to back West Ham to win away from home.

Cole’s prediction: Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

Essential Football: This one is, by far, the most difficult game to predict this weekend. Both Tottenham and West Ham are in rotten form at the moment – it’s no exaggeration to say that anything could happen.

That being said, Thomas Frank’s back is firmly against the wall at the moment. He desperately needs a result against the Hammers – as such, we think he’ll pull out all the stops to ensure they get it.

EF’s prediction: Tottenham 1-0 West Ham

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal

Carlton Cole: I like Nottingham Forest, I love Sean Dyche, but I just think Arsenal are hard to beat at the moment.

And now they’ve got some of their injured players coming back as well, so that’ll boost them up.

Cole’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal

Essential Football: Sean Dyche’s specialty is grinding out results when overmatched – but Arsenal are a different kettle of fish. They possess both technical prowess and physicality – Nottingham Forest will find this combination very difficult to deal with.

The Trees have a few good players who could upset the Gunners’ backline, but we can’t see anything other than an emphatic Arsenal win here.

EF’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Arsenal

Wolves vs Newcastle United

Carlton Cole: I can only see Newcastle winning there. Wolves have won a few games lately, they beat us (West Ham), but I’ve got to go for Newcastle on this one.

Eddie Howe’s a great manager, understands the game inside out, and I think he’s got that team playing really well. So Newcastle will win this one pretty comfortably.

Cole’s prediction: Wolves 0-2 Newcastle

Essential Football: Wolves’ recent upturn in form could be a deciding factor in this game. Newcastle United’s inconsistency is palpable – you never know what version of them you’re going to get.

Additionally, they’re coming off the back of a gruelling midweek EFL Cup semi-final against Manchester City, while Wolves have been afforded a rest through the week. Don’t be shocked if Wolves pick up a win here – nevertheless, we think the game should peter out to a stalemate.

EF’s prediction: Wolves 1-1 Newcastle

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