The weekdays are flying by for Premier League fans now they have gotten used to weekend football again, and with all the top flight teams having played three times now, I can begin to see how teams might perform this season.
Southampton vs Manchester United
The first game of the Premier League weekend comes at St Mary’s as Southampton meet fellow mid-table hopefuls Manchester United for the early Saturday kick-off. Southampton picked up all three points in an impressive win at Brighton last weekend, and I expect them to push on from that first win in style here against a United side that look bereft of confidence. United were of course on the end of a late defeat to Crystal Palace, something I incidentally, and perhaps sarcastically, predicted in last week’s terrible tips article, and this game comes at a poor time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. United to miss a host of chances, and Southampton to nick a later winner.
Southampton 1-0 Manchester United
Chelsea vs Sheffield United
Frank Lampard picked up his first win as Chelsea boss last week at Norwich, and he faces another promoted side this weekend, as Sheffield United visit Stamford Bridge. The Blades have made things difficult for sides in their opening games but may struggle in their first test against potential top six opposition. The home side should be confident, and I expect them to put a few past the away side on this occasion.
Chelsea 4-0 Sheffield United
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
There would be nothing to sum up Crystal Palace more if they were to lose this game, after stunning Manchester United away last week. Most Premier League fans will know that Palace perform away and struggle at home, and I think that Villa, fresh from their 2-0 victory over Everton last Friday, can be hopeful of making it two wins from two.
Crystal Palace 0-3 Aston Villa
Leicester vs Bournemouth
This stands out for me as one of the games of the weekend. Both teams play attractive fast-paced football and I think this game will have plenty on offer. Leicester picked up their first win of the season away at Sheffield United last weekend, whilst Bournemouth disappointingly lost out to Manchester City. I honestly can see a goal-fest in this one, so it’ll probably finish goalless.
Leicester 0-0 Bournemouth
Manchester City vs Brighton
This could be painful for Graham Potter. Having made a positive start to his Brighton managerial career, they were unfortunate to lose against Southampton following more VAR controversy, and a red card for striker Florin Andone after a disgusting tackle. Potter may be hoping for a few more tackles like that against City, as should they get enough players sent off the game would be abandoned and a 3-0 win awarded to City and frankly that looks the most promising option for the away team in terms of their goal difference. City have sparkled so far, and they could honestly hit eight against Brighton in this one.
Manchester City 7-0 Brighton
Newcastle vs Watford
In possibly the biggest shock of all time, managerial genius Steve Bruce masterminded his Newcastle side to a 1-0 away win at Spurs last weekend, ruining my fantasy football hopes in the process. Watford meanwhile sit bottom of the league with zero points thus far, and in true Newcastle fashion, I expect their first points of the season will come at St James’ Park on Saturday. Probably the opposite of a game for the neutrals.
Newcastle 0-0 Watford
West Ham vs Norwich
West Ham were another team to pick up their first three points of the season last weekend, and they look to have finally signed the man to replace Hammers legend Andy Carroll in the form of Sebastien Haller. The Frenchman bagged two goals at Watford last time out and will be hopeful of another couple against the Canaries at the London Stadium this Saturday. Norwich, despite their defeat to Chelsea, possess another danger man in Teemu Pukki, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him continue his run of form in this one. Two sides who I think will finish in similar positions this season, so a draw it is.
West Ham 2-2 Norwich
Burnley vs Liverpool
Two sides who have had differing results but will probably be equally happy with their starts this season. Burnley comfortably dispatched Southampton at home and very nearly grabbed all three at Wolves last weekend. Liverpool, meanwhile, sit top of the league with a 100% record so far, but I fear this could be the end of their impressive run at Burnley. Virgil Van Dijk rarely has to deal with a man that possesses the pace, skill and form of Ashley Barnes, who I’ll back to score the only goal in this encounter.
Burnley 1-0 Liverpool
Everton vs Wolves
Super Sunday kicks off at Goodison Park as Everton take on Wolves in a game that may give us an early impression of the team more likely to challenge for a European spot this season. Everton were pretty shocking in their visit to Aston Villa last Friday, whilst Wolves have had three consecutive draws to start their season, saved only by a last-minute penalty from Raul Jimenez against Burnley last week. These two sides are pretty similar, and while on paper this looks like it could be a cracker, I think they will cancel each other out, and end in a bore draw.
Everton 1-1 Wolves
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
The final game of the weekend sees Arsenal take on Spurs in the North London Derby at the Emirates. Arsenal have been promising but not too clinical in their performances thus far, but have reason to be confident following Spurs’ iffy beginning to the campaign. Nicholas Pepe got his first start at Anfield last week, and I expect him to show Arsenal fans what they paid for with a starring role in this game against a Spurs team that already look like they might struggle for a top four spot.
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham Hotspur
