Premier League predictions for this weekend: Arsenal march on, Man United stumble and Liverpool finally get a win!
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For many of the Premier League’s leading players, this week has provided a much-needed opportunity to get some rest.
The relentless football train has chugged on in the EFL Cup but with most of the big teams naming weakened sides, the likes of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and David Raya have been able to put their feet up.
They will all be required – Salah more than ever – when the English top-flight resumes this weekend.
Here, we take a look at the fixtures and offer some thoughts on how the games will go.
Table of Contents
SATURDAY
Brighton v Leeds (3pm)
Leeds’ win over West Ham last Friday night felt particularly well-timed after a run of one point from three games. There’s no doubt Daniel Farke’s side will rely on their form at Elland Road to underpin their bid to stay in the Premier League but points on the road would also be particularly useful.
Whether they can take any from the Amex remains to be seen against a Brighton side that still have yet to hit top gear this season. Victory over Newcastle a fortnight ago offered signs of encouragement but their momentum stalled immediately at Manchester United.
The Seagulls have talent but lack consistency. We think they’ll have enough here, though.
Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Leeds
Burnley v Arsenal (3pm)
Who can stop the Arsenal juggernaut? Mikel Arteta’s side continue to look the most likely title winners with flair in attack but, most crucially, a rock-solid defence. Last night’s 2-0 win over Brighton in the EFL Cup meant the Gunners became the first English top-flight team in history to play six games in a month and win them all without conceding.
They are four points clear at the top of the table and with their next two games coming against newly promoted sides – Sunderland are the opposition on November 8 – they will feel comfortable of at least maintaining that gap.
Burnley claimed a place in the Premier League on the back of their own defensive stability. Scott Parker’s men have understandably found it harder among the elite, conceding 17 goals in nine games – only bottom two West Ham and Wolves have shipped more.
Prediction: Burnley 0-4 Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Brentford (3pm)
Palace’s 3-0 win at Liverpool in the EFL Cup will be overshadowed by the hosts’ troubles and discussion around Arne Slot’s team selection but it shouldn’t detract from another fine display from Oliver Glasner’s men. The Eagles are without a win in three in the Premier League and will be determined to build on their midweek success.
Brentford continue to defy the pre-season predictions of doom. Thomas Frank may have departed but the Bees continue to showcase many of the traits they inherited from the Dane. Boss Keith Andrews masterminded a win over Liverpool last weekend and they were far too good for Grimsby in the EFL Cup in midweek.
They may be flying under the radar but Brentford don’t look like a side that will struggle.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Brentford
Fulham v Wolves (3pm)
Fulham have lost four straight in the Premier League, including last weekend’s late defeat at Newcastle. Marco Silva’s men are one of a few teams that need to be careful not to get dragged into the relegation dogfight.
Luckily for them, they couldn’t have handpicked better opponents this weekend.
Winless Wolves are a mess. Fans are blaming the owners and the manager is having a pop at the fans.
Vitor Pereira needs a win here otherwise his job security could reach the point of no return.
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Wolves
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United (3pm)
It’s the million dollar question: have Manchester United finally turned the corner under Ruben Amorim? Saturday’s trip to Forest ought to provide some answers.
United have won four of their last five Premier League games and regained a little bit of their swagger.
Forest were abject at Bournemouth last weekend and it seems unlikely Sean Dyche will bring too many smiles to the City Ground, even if he does achieve his objective of keeping the club up.
Forest do have some good players, though, and this could be a tight game.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Manchester United
Spurs v Chelsea (5.30pm)
Spurs can move up to second in the Premier League, for 24 hours at least, with a win over Chelsea. But, to do so, they will have to turn in a convincing home performance, something that has largely eluded them this season. Frank’s side have not won a league game at home since the opening day but have shone on the road.
Predicting anything with Chelsea at the minute is difficult. Impressive wins over Liverpool, Forest and Ajax were followed by a sobering defeat to Sunderland last weekend when Enzo Maresca was outthought by Regis Le Bris.
Prediction: Spurs 1-2 Chelsea
Liverpool v Aston Villa (8pm)
The defending champions look bereft at the moment. The midweek loss to Palace was their sixth defeat in seven in all competitions with boss Arne Slot’s decision to play a team of kids backfiring. The intention may have been to provide his regular first-teamers with a mental and physical break – and it may well work – but it has heaped the pressure on Saturday evening’s game with Villa. Slot is in no danger of losing his job – who’d have thought we’d be even contemplating that possibility in August – but defeat here will intensify the focus on the Dutchman.
Villa have the chance to capitalise on Liverpool’s uncertainty. They have put their own poor run to one side and appear once again to be a team that can threaten anyone on their day.
This is an intriguing game.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa
SUNDAY
West Ham v Newcastle (2pm)
West Ham start the weekend second from bottom with new boss Nuno Espirito Santo already looking like he’s taken on more than he can chew.
The Hammers lack athleticism and inspiration and it’s shaping up to be a long season.
It’s tough to see them getting anything against a Newcastle side whose physicality is their greatest asset. Yes it may border on thuggish at times – Joelinton’s assault on Spurs’ Mohammed Kudus the latest example – but it’s mightily effective.
They will be too strong and too clever for the hosts.
Prediction: West Ham 0-3 Newcastle
Manchester City v Bournemouth (4.30pm)
City’s defeat at Villa last weekend was perhaps a reminder that they aren’t the all-conquering side of previous iterations. Yes, they are going in the right direction but it will take time for Pep Guardiola to mould this squad into genuine title challengers.
Bournemouth have been impressive for some time now so their superb start to the season isn’t a huge surprise. The Cherries need to enjoy Andoni Iraola for as long as he is around as he is clearly destined for bigger things.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
MONDAY
Sunderland v Everton (8pm)
Sunderland continue to surprise. No longer can the Wearsiders be challenged with the claim that ‘they haven’t played anyone yet’ after the 2-1 win at Chelsea. Organised, athletic and with an ability to carve out late wins, they have taken to the Premier League like ducks to water.
Step forward David Moyes. The man who drained the life out of Sunderland as manager in 2017 will attempt to burst their bubble once again.
The Scot will not receive a warm welcome, unlike homegrown hero Jordan Pickford, playing against his boyhood club for the first time.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Everton