The Premier League table is really starting to take shape with us now 5 games into the new season. The big boys are all amongst it at the top as you would expect with Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United all tied on 13 points at the top of the table. Next up is Brighton who sit 4th and are finally getting the results their performances deserve and Man City are only ffth after their surprising 0-0 draw with Southampton last weekend. Elsewhere, Arsenal are now into the heavy heights of 13th place after back-to-back 1-0 wins which will ease some of the pressure on Mikel Arteta. The bottom three isn’t overly surprising with Norwich, Burnley and Newcastle currently in the drop-zone and in all honesty I wouldn’t be surprised to see those 3 face the chop come May. I have put together a few things you should know regarding all 10 of the games this weekend that should help you with your own bets as well as my prediction on how I expect the game to go, hope you enjoy!
Chelsea v Manchester City
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Saturday 25th September – 12:30PM Kick Off
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Live on BT Sport
Some game to kick off the weekend isn’t it? As the two favourites for the title this season go head to head at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have been a juggernaut so far this season only dropping points at Anfield where they drew 1-1 having played almost the entire second half with 10 men. City have had a bit of a mixed start having lost away at Spurs on the opening day and most recently could only draw 0-0 at home to Southampton.
- 5 games, 4 wins, 0 losses with 12 goals scored and just 1 conceded. Chelsea really are going to take some beating this season. The current champions of Europe will face the current champions of England in what should be a Saturday lunchtime cracker.
- Early team news suggests that Chelsea are at near enough full strength for this one. Number Edouard Mendy is expected to return to the starting XI following a bruised rib leaving Christian Pulisic as the only notable absentee from the squad.
- Chelsea have a very healthy recent record against City, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two with their last win the 1-0 victory in the Champions League final back in May.
- City recovered well from their disappointing 0-0 draw with Southampton at the weekend by winning 6-1 in midweek in the Carabao cup against Wycombe.
- Phil Foden marked his return to fitness with a very well taken goal which will be very pleasing for Pep with the Englishman a very important member of his first-team squad.
- Similarly to Chelsea, City look to be at pretty much full strength with Zinchenko and Stones the only reported doubts as both continue to struggle with injury.
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Verdict & Prediction
Not even the bookies can call this one with both Chelsea and City almost an identical price to win the game. For me this is the two best teams in the country clashing horns and one of these sides will be champions in May which makes this game absolutely massive. In a way, given the magnitude of the game I feel both may settle for a draw here and maybe scared to chase the win and I fancy it to end 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Predicted 11: Mendy; Silva, Rudiger, Christensen; Azpilcueta, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku
Man City Predicted XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake, Cancelo; KDB, Fernandinho, Foden; Jesus, Sterling, Grealish
Manchester United v Aston Villa
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Saturday 25th September – 12:30PM Kick Off
Alongside the Chelsea game in the early KO we have another belter at Old Trafford as Man United host Aston Villa. Despite their disappointing result away at Young Boys in the UCL, United have started the Premier League season well and could go top this weekend with a win here. Villa meanwhile after a mixed start to the season so far, were fantastic at the weekend in their convincing 3-0 win over Everton and will be in high spirits going into this one.
- A Jesse Lingard goal and a last minute David De Gea penalty save saw United get all 3 points away at West Ham at the weekend in a very impressive win.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has continued his electric start to life back at United with 4 goals in his 3 appearances averaging a goal every 71 minutes so far this season.
- With the return of Alex Telles and Victor Lindelof to fitness, United are only really missing Marcus Rashford and Edison Cavani from the first-team setup and should be at pretty much full strength for this one.
- Villa put in their performance of the season so far as they brushed aside Everton at the weekend infront of an electric Villa Park crowd.
- Leon Bailey was electric as he was introduced from the bench and his 20 minute cameo in which he scored and completely changed the game showed the sort of impact he can have.
- He is a doubt here though having sustained an injury in the leadup to the goal. John McGinn is also a slight doubt having hobbled off after he felt dazed following a head collision and it waits to be seen whether he will be fit for this one.
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Verdict & Prediction
Think this has the potential to be a very entertaining fixture with two sides who like to play on the front-foot and are encouraged to play attacking football. United seem to have a new ruthless streak installed in them since signing Ronaldo and I fancy them to edge Villa out in a goalsy encounter. 2-1 United win
Man United Predicted 11: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Varane, Shaw; Fred, McTominay; Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Greenwood; Ronaldo
Aston Villa Predicted 11: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey; Buendia, Ings, Watkins
Leicester City v Burnley
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Saturday 25th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
To the King Power next as we head into the 3pm kick-offs Leicester host Burnley with both sides in desperate need of 3 points to boost confidence after poor starts to the campaign. After an impressive transfer window, I like many others expected big things from Leicester this season and although it is still early they are yet to really get going so far this season. Burnley meanwhile have picked up just 1 point from their 5 games played and sit firmly in the relegation places heading into this one.
- 12th in the Premier League after 5 games is probably not where the Foxes expected to find themselves. £60m spent in the summer with some very impressive business and Leicester certainly have a very impressive squad on paper.
- I do expect them to find form and I feel they have been rocked a little by the early season injury to Wesley Fofana who is comfortably the best defender at the club.
- Defensively they have been having issues all season. Alongside Fofana there are injury issues with both Jonny Evans and James Justin who are both expected to miss out once more here.
- Burnley weren’t bad by any means in their weekend defeat to Arsenal but once more they were let down by their lack of clinical edge in front of goal.
- This is a problem that has existed for some time now and if not rectified I think could see the Clarets relegated this season. They scored just 33 times last season and have managed just 3 from their opening 5 games so far this campaign.
- The 4-1 league cup win over Rochdale in midweek could well have boosted the confidence of the players with a win and some goals certainly much-needed even if against weaker opposition. Jay Rodrguez in particular will be buzzing having scored all 4 on the night.
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Verdict & Prediction
Sean Dyche continues to achieve well over the odds at Burnley given his limited transfer kitty and pretty average looking squad. Feel like this season could be the one where they face the drop but you can never write off Dyche or Burnley so we will have to wait and see. I don’t see the Clarets getting anything this afternoon away at a supremely talented Leicester outfit. They are sure to come good and I feel this game will be the start of their renaissance as they seal a comfortable 2-0 home win.
Leicester Predicted 11: Schmeichel; Pereira, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Ndidi, Tielemans; Perez, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy
Burnley Predicted 11: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor; Cornet, Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Rodriguez, Wood
Everton v Norwich
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Saturday 25th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
Despite the season being just 5 games old, you really have to worry for Norwich who just can’t buy a win at the moment. It is now 15 straight losses in the Premier League taking into account the last time they were in the league which is a very worrying statistic. A 3-0 midweek League cup drubbing by Liverpool will have done little to improve the mood at Carrow Road. Everton made a flying start to the Premier League but were brought down to earth with a bang last weekend as they were humbled 3-0 at Villa Park.
- No surprise to see Everton fail to score or even create much at Villa Park at the weekend given the injury issues at the club just now, particularly in forward areas.
- Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and Cenk Tosun are all injured and James Rodriguez completed his move to Qatar this week leaving them short in attacking options ahead of this one.
- They will also be disappointed to have been eliminated from the league cup in midweek having lost on penalties away at QPR on Tuesday night.
- After five games, their record read: five defeats, two goals scored and 14 goals conceded. They strengthened somewhat in the summer but have been unable to replace Oliver Skipp and Emi Buendia who were both instrumental in their promotion campaign.
- The exit of Buendía has hurt the most . The Argentinian created 93 goal scoring chances from open play in the Championship last season, more than any other player, and 18.9% of Norwich’s total.
- The positive for Farke is there are no injuries or suspensions of note this weekend meaning he can play his strongest possible 11 in a bid to get a result at Goodison Park.
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Verdict & Prediction
Neither side are exactly in the best of form or moods going into this one with Everton missing numerous key players and Norwich looking a bit of a mess. Not expecting a classic on Merseyside but Everton should still have enough to get past a Norwich side who look likely to face immediate relegation back to the Championship. 1-0 Toffees my prediction for this one.
Everton Predicted 11: Begovic; Godfrey, Mina, Keane, Digne; Townsend, Doucoure, Allan, Iwobi; Gray, Rondon
Norwich Predicted 11: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Kabak, Williams; McLean, Gilmour, Lees Melou; Rashica, Pukki, Sargent
Leeds United v West Ham
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Saturday 25th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
Another side who haven’t quite got going so far this season is Leeds United. Marcelo Bielsa and his team will be keen to ensure they don’t suffer from second-season syndrome and will be keen to earn their first Premier League win as soon as possible. West Ham in comparison have had a fine start and will be bitterly disappointed they weren’t able to earn at least a draw against Man United last weekend with Mark Noble missing a last minute penalty. The Hammers have made a fine start in Europe too, winning their first Europa League game with relative ease as they saw off Dinamo Zagreb 2-0.
- Both Bielsa and Dan James have said in recent days that Leeds need to be far more clinical in front of goal if they are to have a successful season.
- The Yorkshire giants wasted some great chances in the first half against Fulham on Tuesday night and almost paid for their profligacy after the break. They finally managed to win the EFL Cup third-round tie on penalties, but Fulham came close to taking the lead on a few occasions in the second half.
- It won’t help that they are suffering from an injury crisis with as many as seven first team players classed as big doubts for the game. That includes four of Leeds’s top players in Raphinha, Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Jack Harrison. In addition Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk and Harrison will almost definitely miss the match.
- West Ham will still be reeling in the manner in which they lost to Man United at the weekend. Their performance deserved at least a point and the missed last minute penalty will have really hurt them.
- The return of Michail Antonio from suspension will also be a huge boost for them with the striker suspended for the visit of Man Utd. He is sure to come straight back into the starting XI, especially given his form this season with him scoring 5 goals and adding 3 assists in just 5 appearances so far this campaign.
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Verdict & Prediction
Leeds are struggling a little this season and if they have as many absences as are predicted then they could well struggle against a very good West Ham side. Antonio returns which is a huge boost for the visitors and I struggle to see how a defensively depleted Leeds cope with him at the moment. Fancy this to be a bit of a belter as is often the case when you watch Leeds with West Ham edging out a narrow win 1-2.
Leeds United Predicted 11: Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Cooper, Firpo; Phillips; Raphinha, Roberts, Klich, James; Rodrigo
West Ham Predicted 11: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Antonio
Watford v Newcastle
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Saturday 18th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
A big game at Vicarage Road where two teams who are expected to fight against relegation this season clash horns. Watford have made a good start to life back in the Premier League and their win against Norwich last weekend opened up a healthy 4 point gap between themselves and the bottom 3. It isn’t looking so rosy at Newcastle where the Magpies have picked up just a couple of points from their opening 5 games. Feels like this is a massive game, particularly for Newcastle to potentially kick-start their season.
- Massive three points against relegation rivals Norwich City last weekend has placed Watford in a good position going into this weekend’s fixture. Should they win against Newcastle they could potentially move 7 points clear of the drop zone.
- They will be slightly disappointed to have been eliminated from the Carabao cup in midweek losing 3-1 at home to Championship outfit Stoke City. However it was a much changed side fielded by Xisco and the main focus for the club is remaining in the Premier League.
- From what I have read, Watford look to be at near enough full strength. They will be looking again to Ismaila Sarr to continue his fine start to the season with the winger having notched 3 times in the league this season.
- Pretty toxic atmosphere at St James Park last Friday, especially when they went behind to an early Leeds goal. Ut took just 3 minutes for the fans to turn on Bruce and his team.
- The Newcastle boss has acknowledged he is finding it hard but won’t quit and even said his family think he is crazy for staying in a job where he is so evidently disliked by the majority of the fanbase.
- On the team news front, Newcastle are expected to be without Callum Wilson once more which is a huge blow. Allan Saint-Maximin will likely continue in the striker role and continues to be the only real bright spark in what has been a bleak start to the season for the Toon army.
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Verdict & Prediction
Tough game to call as two inconsistent sides go head to head. Watford have looked the better side this season and without Wilson Newcastle are still lacking a goal threat. Fancy Watford to just about edge this one 2-1.
Watford Predicted 11: Foster; Cathcart, Troost-Ekong, Kabasele, Rose; Sissoko, Kucka; Sarr, Cleverley, Dennis; King
Newcastle Predicted 11: Darlow; Manquillo, Clark, Lascelles, Schar, Ritchie; Almiron, Hayden, Longstaff, Joelinton; Saint-Maximin
Brentford v Liverpool
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Saturday 25th September – 5:30PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
The evening kick off takes us to West London where two sides who have massively impressed so far this season go head to head. Alongside Chelsea, I would say Liverpool have been the most impressive side in the Premier League so far this season. They have gone under the radar somewhat due to their slightly underwhelming league campaign last season (where they finished 3rd) but with the return of VVD, Gomez and Matip from injury look like they really mean business once more. The Bees have been similarly impressive and made a brilliant start to their first season back in the big time since 1947. Their win at Wolves last weekend took them up to 9th in the table and I fancy them to give it a real go here against Liverpool.
- Such has been the defensive quality of Brentford this season, only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have conceded less than they have so far this season in the Premier League.
- This isn’t by a stroke of luck either. Only Manchester City have a better overall xGA average than the 0.86 boasted by Thomas Frank’s side which shows what an effective defensive unit they have been so far this season.
- Despite making 11 changes in midweek for their Carabao cup game against Oldham. Brentford still went out and won 7-0 which shows both the quality and strength in depth they have within the squad. Brentford look a really happy and together group just now and I fancy them to have a good season.
- Unbeaten in the Premier League and perfect starts in both the Champions league and more recently the Carabao cup in midweek mean it has been a very productive start for Liverpool this season.
- Six wins and a draw from their opening seven games both home and abroad, Liverpool are one of three sides sitting on 13 points from a possible 15 so far, and they will witness one of Chelsea or Manchester City drop points in the day’s early kickoff.
- We could see the return of both Bobby Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold here who have been missing recently through injury/illness. Neco Williams, Harvey Elliot and Thiago are the only confirmed absentees for this one.
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Verdict & Prediction
No doubt it will be a tough game for Liverpool against a very capable and well managed Brentford side. However, I think the Reds look different class at the moment and are simply breezing past everyone in their path. Salah will likely prove the difference maker once more and I fancy the visitors to win 0-2 in this one.
Brentford Predicted 11: Raya; Ajer, Pinnock, Jansson; Canos, Norgaard, Ghoddos, Janelt, Henry; Mbeumo, Toney
Liverpool Predicted 11: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Jota, Mane
Southampton v Wolves
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Sunday 26th September – 2:00PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
On we go to Sunday’s fixtures then where we start on the south coast as Southampton host Wolves. The Saints will be buzzing having picked up a very unexpected point at the Etihad last weekend as they held Man City to a goalless draw. Meanwhile the same problems are persisting at Wolves, performances have been decent but they just can’t seem to get results at the moment.
- Hasenhuttl’s Saints are unbeaten in their last four league fixtures having picked up goalless draws in their clashes with the Hammers and the current champions, before beating Sheffield United on penalties in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
- They haven’t actually lost since their opening day defeat at Everton but must now start turning draws into wins if they want to accelerate up the table. They sit 15th prior to the fixtures kicking off this weekend and will target all 3 points against Wolves.
- Sam McQueen, Will Smallbone, Theo Walcott, Stuart Armstrong, Jack Steohens and Shane Long look likely to miss out here through injury.
- Wolves showed great fighting spirit in the week coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in their league cup against Spurs. Ultimately they lost on penalties but the manner of the fight and the desire the players continue to show will please Lage.
- Performances have generally been good this season but results just haven’t come as of yet. They are clearly missing the creativity of Pedro Neto who prior to his knee injury was probably Wolves player of the season last campaign.
- Neto, alongside Jonny Otto appear to be the only high profile players that are missing for the visitors.
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Verdict & Prediction
Southampton have shown great resilience, particularly in recent weeks picking up impressive points against both West Ham and Man City. Another tough test today against Wolves who are better than their current league standing suggests and I fancy this one to be a bit of a stalemate. 1-1 draw.
Southampton Predicted 11: McCarthy; Livaremento, Salisu, Bednarek, Walker-Peters; Elyounoussi, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Redmond; Adams, Armstrong
Wolves Predicted 11: Sa; Semedo, Saiss, Coady, Kilman, Marcal; Neves, Moutinho, Trincao, Traore; Jimenez
Arsenal v Tottenham
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Saturday 19th September – 4:30PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
Another massive game this weekend to finish our weekend as Arsenal host Spurs in a North London Derby which almost always guarantees goals and drama. Neither side have exactly looked great this season but Arsenal enter this with a bit of momentum following three straight wins and no goals conceded. Spurs following a promising start to the season have really fallen off in recent weeks but will be pleased to have seen off Wolves in the league cup in midweek.
- Although the football isn’t exactly scintillating, you have to credit Arteta and the players for bouncing back following a truly horrific start to the season.
- The return to fitness of a number of key players, most notably Thomas Partey and Gabriel have made a huge difference and the team look much more cohesive than they did at the beginning of the season.
- Granit Xhaka returns from suspension meaning Arsenal have a fully fit squad to select from here.
- They made hard work of it in midweek by surrendering a 2-0 lead but Spurs will be pleased to have reached the last 16 of the League Cup with their penalty shootout win over Wolves.
- There’s no clarity as to whether Tottenham attackers Bergwijn and Moura are close to a return but from what I have read it seems likely they will be missing for this one.
- Harry Kane is yet to score in the league this season which by his standards is a bit of a drought. He has a fantastic record against Arsenal and I would not be surprised if he got off the mark for the season with a goal here.
Arsenal have the momentum and with a fully fit squad available, I expect them to edge this one. Son and Kane will be a huge threat on the counter and I fancy Spurs to score but Arsenal will have the fans behind them and have a good record against Spurs in NLD’s, particularly at home. 2-1 Arsenal win is my prediction for this one.
Arsenal Predicted 11: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Pepe, Aubameyang, Saka
Tottenham Predicted 11: Lloris; Royal, Romero, Dier, Reguilon; Hojberg, Ndombele, Dele; Son, Kane, Gil
