SATURDAY:
ARSENAL V WOLVES
Arsenal haven't been quite as fluid as they were last season with their defence receiving all the praise. But they were back to their fluid best against Lens in midweek. Especially in the second half.
I think they'll definitely make changes here with this game coming just three days after their last one and I'm surprised that they're not playing on Sunday. This is because most teams who play on a Wednesday would usually play on a Sunday.
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil was again not happy with VAR following his sides' defeat at Fulham on Monday and rightly so. Two penalty decisions went against his side and the second one was the one that shouldn't have been given given as Robinson went down too easily.
They're arguably the unluckiest team in the league because of the decisions that have gone against them. They definitely play well enough to get the results but have been let down by the officials on a number of occasions.
Wolves will definitely make it difficult for Arsenal as they're a tough side to play against. But I think the Gunners will find a way with the quality they have.
PREDICTION: 2-0
BRENTFORD V LUTON
Brentford come into this one off the back of consecutive defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal which they won't really be bothered with. They weren't expected to get anything from those games.
They should definitely win here as they're at home and they're usually strong when playing at home.
Luton will definitely be in the game like they have done for the majority of their games this season. Especially since losing to Brighton on the opening day.
But with Brentford having such a good home record, I think the Bees will have just enough.
PREDICTION: 2-0
BURNLEY V SHEFFIELD UNITED
We've arguably had the weakest newly promoted sides in Premier League history this season and I fear that all three of them will head straight back down.
These two were the best teams in the Championship last season and have so far been the worst teams in the Premier League this season.
Burnley have been naïve in the way they've been playing this season and I don't see it changing as Vincent Kompany is willing to stick with his principles.
Sheffield United have the same problems as Burnley in that they concede a lot but don't score many. But they have been in some of the games they've played this season despite not having the quality to compete at this level.
Burnley have been shocking at home so far this season as they've lost all seven of their games at Turf Moor. But I think they'll get off the mark here and keep a clean sheet. Something they've failed to do all season.
PREDICTION: 2-0
NOTTINGHAM FOREST V EVERTON
Both fixtures between these two last season ended in draws and I have a feeling this one will be too.
Nottingham Forest saw their unbeaten start at home come to an end last weekend against Brighton and I hear that the pressure is back on manager Steve Cooper.
They might not be in the best form at the moment, but I wouldn't say that the pressure is on him as Forest are a eight points clear of the relegation zone. Their pre-season objective was survival and so far the haven't been anywhere near the bottom three.
Everton had chances against Man United but their overall performance was poor. I thought they should've showed more fight after being deducted 10 points.
I think they will show a reaction here but with Forest having a good record at home, I think the points will again be shared here.
PREDICTION: 1-1
NEWCASTLE V MAN UNITED
I felt sorry for Newcastle after they conceded that late equaliser against PSG in midweek because they did well to hold on for as long as they did. The penalty decision that lead to the goal should never have been given and how it was given is beyond me.
I asked in my key points of the weekend post if Man United's performance against Everton was going to be a turning point in their season. The answer at the moment is no after they threw away a two goal lead against Galatasaray in midweek.
They definitely went for it on the night but they again couldn't see the game out and their hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League are now hanging by a thread.
The Magpies won this fixture last season and also beat United in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford last month.
They might still have a number of injuries and may feel a little bit tired after putting so much into their game against PSG. But I still fancy them to win this one because they're at home where they have such a good record.
PREDICTION: 2-0
SUNDAY:
BOURNEMOUTH V ASTON VILLA
Bournemouth are beginning to come together under Andoni Iraola and their recent performances can prove that. It was always going to take time for them to get used to his style of play and their recent wins over Newcastle and Sheffield United suggest that they've fully adjusted to it.
Aston Villa come into this one in the top four and two points behind leaders Arsenal. Villa fans can dream all they like about their prospects for the season but I don't see them any where near challenging for the title.
They could challenge for the top four, but I don't see them doing that either as I think being in Europe will catch up with them later in the season.
For the time being though, they're on absolute on fire and I can see them keep up their good form in this one.
PREDICTION: 1-3
CHELSEA V BRIGHTON
Chelsea have struggled at home this season as they've won just once at home all season. But they might fancy themselves to get a result here as they had no European commitments during the week unlike Brighton.
Brighton have struggled with the Thursday-Sunday schedule this season due to a lack of squad depth and the amount of games they've had to play. The latter has resulted in them picking a number of injuries to key players.
They'll be without Lewis Dunk for this one as he is suspended following his red card against Nottingham Forest last weekend and I can see his absence have a huge effect on the Seagulls defensively.
Chelsea aren't the most clinical in front of goal, but I think they'll make the most of Brighton not having Lewis Dunk in their backline.
PREDICTION: 3-2
LIVERPOOL V FULHAM
I thought Liverpool were lucky to come away with a draw against City last weekend as City should've gone into half time two or three goals ahead. But it was still a massive point for them.
The reds will be without Alisson and Diogo Jota for this one with both players having picked up injuries but I don't see either absence affect them in any way.
Fulham got a much needed win on Monday against Wolves which could be a result that kick starts their season which has been a challenging one so far.
They gave a good account of themselves when taking on the big teams last season but I don't see them doing that here as I think Liverpool will be too strong for them.
PREDICTION: 2-0
WEST HAM V CRYSTAL PALACE
This one is a close one to call. Both teams are tough to beat and can also offer a threat on the counter.
West Ham come into this one off the back of being in Europe and might feel a bit fatigued as a result of it. They could also again be without Jarrod Bowen who is still recovering from an injury he picked up over the international break.
Crystal Palace are also missing an influential in Eberechi Eze who is out for a few weeks with an injury he picked last weekend in their defeat at Luton. But they will have Michael Olise available and his return from injury is a massive boost for the Eagles.
I can't see much between these two sides as they're both solid defensively and can both offer a threat on the break. Because of this, I can see them cancel each other out.
PREDICTION: 1-1
MAN CITY V TOTTENHAM
I somehow knew that Man City would turn it around against RB Leipzig in midweek and they did by playing more like themselves. They're a team you should never write off.
They came from 2-0 down to win this fixture 4-2 last season but I don't see that happening here.
Spurs were flying around this time last month but now find themselves outside the top four and on a three match losing run.
Injuries have been the main cause of this and especially the ones in their backline as they're not looking as solid without Romero and Van De Ven. Emerson Royal and Ben Davies had to play at centre back in their absence and neither of them had clearly played together as a partnership.
Spurs will definitely have a go at City but as they're missing several players through injury, I can only see a comfortable City win. Especially if Spurs play their seriously high line which City are more than capable of exploiting.
PREDICTION: 4-1
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