SATURDAY:
NEWCASTLE V ARSENAL
Newcastle's midweek win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup was probably their best performance of the season so far. Their pressing was good and they caused them a number of problems.
That should should give them the confidence to kickstart their season following their recent dip in form.
I was surprised that Bukayo Saka started Arsenal's draw with Liverpool last weekend as I didn't think he would be risked. But the risk payed off as he played well and scored a very good goal.
St James' Park has been a tough place to go to for Arsenal in recent years and I think they'll expect another tough game in this one.
I might've gone for an Arsenal win had Martin Odegaard been available. But as he's out for another week, I can see the Gunners dropping more points here.
PREDICTION: 1-1
BOURNEMOUTH V MAN CITY
This game will be the last of Bournemouth's tough mini run of games, from which they've so far collected four points, more than I was expecting them to.
Their last home game saw them beat Arsenal and how they played that day will give them plenty of confidence heading into this one.
Man City have however enjoyed some heavy wins over Bournemouth in the past, including their 6-1 win at the Etihad last season. But this fixture last season was a closer game.
This one might be another close affair as City are without a number of key players through injury, including Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne.
But they do have the likes of Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden available alongside Erling Haaland. I can see all three of them contribute in some way.
Bournemouth will look to have a go at City, but I think the champions will find a way to win.
PREDICTION: 0-2
IPSWICH V LEICESTER
Ipswich must've been kicking themselves for letting a two goal lead slip against Brentford last weekend, and for conceding very late on after bringing themselves level a few minutes before.
Kieran McKenna will need to pick his side up off their feet ahead of this one as their defeat last weekend will have dealt a major blow to their confidence.
Leicester fielded a weakened side against Man United in the Carabao Cup in midweek and got severely punished for doing so. I could understand why they did, but I think they could've gone stronger given the opponents they were facing.
Both of games between these two in the Championship last season ended in draws with Ipswich needing to score late equalisers to snatch a point from both games.
I think the Tractor Boys will get themselves over the line this time and earn their first win back in the top flight. Especially as they're at home where they've looked competitive this season.
PREDICTION: 2-1
LIVERPOOL V BRIGHTON
These two met in the Carabao Cup in midweek at the AMEX in what was a very good game. Both teams had good chances, but Liverpool just about deserved the win.
Liverpool made a number of changes for the game in midweek, but they did bring one or two of big hitters off the bench to help them see the game out.
Brighton have already taken 7 points off three of the big six this season in Man United, Spurs and Arsenal. The latter of who they got a draw against.
Fabian Hurzeler's side will definitely have a go here as they're a side who like to play on the front foot. But I do see Liverpool exploiting their high line like they did in midweek. Especially with the pace they have out wide.
PREDICTION: 3-0
NOTTINGHAM FOREST V WEST HAM
Nottingham Forest have won this fixture in each of the last two seasons and I'm backing them to do the same again. Especially with the current form they're in.
Chris Wood is on fire at the moment and I said after their win at Leicester that he's the most in-form striker in the Premier League right now. I think he'll bag another goal in this one.
West Ham got a much needed win against Man United last weekend, where they were very fortunate as their penalty was never a penalty.
The result however could give them the confidence to kickstart their season, which is yet to get going.
But I don't see them following it here as I fancy Forest to keep up their good form they're currently in.
PREDICTION: 2-0
SOUTHAMPTON V EVERTON
Southampton were given a scare by Stoke in the Carabao Cup in midweek and especially in the second half, where Stoke had the majority of the chances.
I thought the Saints were going to get battered by Man City last weekend. But fair play to them for staying in the game and keeping the score down.
Everton have looked more like themselves since losing their opening four games by being difficult to beat, which has helped them concede fewer goals than they did at the start of the season.
This game is a tough one to predict. Southampton's home record is poor whilst Everton's record at St Mary's isn't brilliant either.
I think I'll sit on the fence and go for a draw.
PREDICTION: 1-1
WOLVES V CRYSTAL PALACE
Wolves have a favourable run of games coming up and their draw at Brighton, where they came from behind to rescue a point, might be the turning point in their season.
They've been competitive in most of their games this season, but they haven't had the results that their performances deserve.
Crystal Palace finally got off the mark last weekend against Spurs which will do their confidence the world of good. This result could be the turning point in the season like Wolves' draw at Brighton could be the turning point in theirs.
Their performance was certainly more encouraging as they had the better chances and the better side overall. Eberechi Eze in particular was very good.
Because of Wolves being at home, I think they'll take the points and carry the momentum into their next number of games.
PREDICTION: 1-0
SUNDAY:
TOTTENHAM V ASTON VILLA
Spurs must be the most inconsistent team in the league right now. One week they have a great result and the next they have a poor one.
They were poor against Crystal Palace last weekend but were very good in their win against Man City in the Carabao Cup in midweek. It will be interesting to see what kind of performance they put in here.
Aston Villa went out of the Carabao Cup to Palace in midweek, which will feel like a big disappointment for Unai Emery's side as he might've seen that competition as an opportunity to win something.
Emery has won all but one of his four league games against Spurs as Villa boss and he'll fancy his side to bag another one in this game.
Spurs do have players missing through injury, including Micky Van De Ven who picked up a knock in midweek, but I think they'll come out on top here as they're at home.
PREDICTION: 2-1
MAN UNITED V CHELSEA
Man United put in a very good response against Leicester in midweek in Ruud Van Nistelrooy's first game as interim manager. But some people may have been asking where that performance has been for the last year.
Ruben Amorim has just been named as the next man in the dugout at Old Trafford. Although he is an exciting up and coming manager, I'm not sure if he's the right man for United. I don't know if anyone is if I'm being honest.
I would've 100% gone for a Chelsea win had I made this prediction a week ago. But now I'm not so sure because of the way United responded in midweek.
The blues made changes against Newcastle in midweek, and the players they rested will be back in for this one. Including Cole Palmer who scored a hat trick the last time these sides met.
Chelsea arguably have a better balanced midfield than United in Caicedo and Lavia, who have developed a strong partnership. But their record at Old Trafford is not the best.
Both teams will go for it and especially United following their performance against Leicester. But I think the points will be shared.
PREDICTION: 2-2
MONDAY:
FULHAM V BRENTFORD
Fulham have one of the best home records in the league this season whilst Brentford have one of the worst away records.
The Bees have lost all four of their away games this season, but in all fairness to them, they were against Liverpool, Man City, Spurs and Man United.
Fulham have lost just once at home all season, that defeat coming in their last game at Craven Cottage against Aston Villa.
Because of their strong home record and Brentford's poor away form, I fancy Marco Silva's side to win this one.
PREDICTION: 2-1
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