We are now a month into the new Premier League season and the league table is beginning to take shape and has a familiar look to it. Manchester United are top of the pile having enjoyed a fine start to the season and the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford is sure to spur them on this season. Liverpool and Chelsea have both impressed too and are only behind them on goal difference. Everton round-up the top 4 having made a fine start to the season under Rafa Benitez despite many criticising his appointment before the season started. At the other end of the table, well Norwich are unsurprisingly bottom having lost all 4 games so far although have had some tough fixtures to contend with. Arsenal finally won a game and scored a goal at the fourth time of asking but look as though they will be way off the pace once more this season. We are now approaching the winter period where fixtures come thick and fast and is often the time when teams pull away at both the top and bottom end of the table. Looks like an exciting season ahead and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds! Anyway, 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!
Newcastle v Leeds
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Friday 17th September – 8:00PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
We kick off on Friday night as Newcastle host Leeds in what is already looking like a very important fixture with both sides making poor starts to their respective Premier League campaigns. Neither side is yet to taste victory this season and although still early in the season this game feels imperative for the morale of both clubs going into the future.
- No secret that Newcastle isn’t a happy camp where the majority of fans despise both the owner and the manager. They didn’t spend much money which hasn’t helped matters either with Joe Willock their only major incoming.
- They have collected just a single point from four matches to sit 19th in the table, while they have already conceded 12 times, which is the worst defensive record in the top flight this term.
- Injury problems still exist at the club with Dubravka, Elliot Anderson and Shelvey still out while Callum Wilson remains a major doubt. Joe Willock will face a fitness test too having picked up a knock in the defeat to Man United last weekend.
- Worrying display last time out by Leeds as they lost 3-0 at home to Liverpool. What is more concerning is if Liverpool had their shooting boots on they could have easily won by 6/7.
- They were mighty impressive last season in the first season back in the Prem as they finished 9th, it is now key that both Bielsa and the players don’t suffer from second season syndrome and continue to progress as a club.
- As for the game, well Leeds are looking a little short on defensive options. Robin Koch and Diego Llorente are both major doubts through injury. Pascal Struijk is suspended following the unfortunate tackle that led to the terrible Harvey Elliot injury last weekend.
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Verdict & Prediction
Tough game to call in reality with both sides short on confidence and very poor defensively. This is actually the two worst defensive teams in the league so far coming head to head here so I fancy goals. Leeds though for me have more quality and without Wilson, Newcastle are lacking a genuine goal threat. 2-1 Leeds win for me in this one
Newcastle predicted 11: Darlow; Fernandez, Lascelles, Schar; Manquillo, Willock, Hayden, Almiron, Ritchie; Joelinton, Saint-Maximin
Leeds predicted 11: Meslier; Dallas, Ayling, Cooper, Firpo; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Phillips, Roberts, Harrison; Bamford
Wolves v Brentford
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Saturday 18th September – 12:30PM Kick Off
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Live on BT Sport 1
The early KO on Saturday brings us to Molineux where Wolves host newly-promoted Brentford. The hosts finally got the win that their fine performances this season have deserved with a 2-0 win away at Watford last weekend. Bruno Lage has urged his team not to be a soft-touch and if they can add some more aggression to their game then that could be the missing ingredient. As for the Bees, well they lost their first league game of the campaign with Brighton scoring a last minute winner. However they will be pleased with their start to the season and currently sit 10th in the standings.
- Lage has named the same starting XI for Wolves’ last three league games, but two of his substitutes played key roles in the win over the Hornets.
- There is potential for changes here though as two subs made all the difference in the win against Watford with Hwang Hee-Chan and Daneil Podence proving to be the game-changers from the bench.
- Local sources though expect Lage to stick with the same team with performances very good so far and Wolves actually ranking 3rd in the league in the xG standings so far this season.
- Thomas Frank has said both he and his players won’t dwell on the disappointment of conceding last minute in the 1-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend.
- Frank has said he is very happy with the start his side have made and they are determined to continue along that positive pathway.
- On the team news front, Frank Onkyenka could return to the starting XI having made his comeback from a coronavirus-enforced absence as a substitute against Brighton. Josh Dasilva remains a long-term absentee
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Verdict & Prediction
Both sides will come into this in a confident mood due to their fine team performances. Wolves really haven’t got the results they deserved and on another day could have easily won against both Manchester United and Spurs in thoroughly impressive displays. The return of Jiminez has boosted them massively and I fancy them to come out on top in this one with a 2-0 win.
Wolves Predicted 11: Sa; Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Neves, Moutinho, Marcal; Trincao, Jimenez, Traore
Brentford Predicted 11: Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock; Canos, Onyeka, Norgaard, Janlet, Henry; Toney, Mbeumo
Burnley v Arsenal
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Saturday 18th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
Big game at the wrong end of the table as 18th host 16th here and you feel the result of this game for Arsenal in particular could have massive bearings for the rest of the season. The Gunners have made a terrible start and just about got over the line against Norwich last weekend with a nervy 1-0 win. Burnley meanwhile have accrued just 1 point and I do feel they will struggle this season due to a general lack of quality in their squad.
- After months and months of speculation, Sean Dyche finally put pen to paper on a new deal at the club which will see him remain as manager until at least 2025. Everyone at the club, including the fans, seem pretty happy with this news.
- Despite Turf Moor traditionally being touted as a ‘hard place to go’ , Burnley have actually failed to win any of their last 12 Premier League games on home soil – losing five of their last six.
- Record signing Maxwell Cornet, brought in from Lyon could make his home debut here in what would likely be the only change from the recent defeat to Everton. Kevin Long, Dale Stephens and Connor Roberts are all likely to remain out due to injury.
- Never has a win been more needed than it was by Arsenal last week following their worst ever start to a top-flight season. They weren’t exactly convincing but it didn’t matter as they got the 3 points against Norwich.
- This has taken them off the bottom of the table and with no European football to contend with this season, in the long run they could profit from the extended break they get over a lot of other teams in the league.
- Rob Holding and Mohamed Elneny miss out through injury and Granit Xhaka is suspended. Otherwise Arteta has a full strength squad with which to choose from.
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Verdict & Prediction
I won’t go as far as saying the win over Norwich was a turning point but you got the sense it has certainly lifted the mood immeasurably at the Emirates. The return of White, Aubameyang, Gabriel and Partey to fitness has massively boosted them too and I fancy them to get the 3 points at Burnley here. 2-0 win for the Gunners is my prediction
Burnley Predicted 11: Pope; Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Cornet; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Brownhill, McNeil; Wood, Barnes
Arsenal Predicted 11: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Lokonga; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
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Saturday 18th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
Next up, Anfield for another 3pm kick off as Liverpool host Crystal Palace. The reds have made a fine start to the Premier League season and look in decent touch. They continued their fine domestic form into Europe in midweek with an impressive come from behind 3-2 win against AC Milan. Palace meanwhile were absolutely fantastic last weekend in their 3-0 home win over London rivals Spurs and will be relishing the prospect of a trip to Anfield.
- It was a tough slog in midweek but Liverpool deservedly got the win over AC Milan to get their Champions League campaign off to the perfect start. Klopp rotated his troops somewhat as he handed much needed breathers to both Van Dijk and Sadio Mane who are sure to return to the 11 here.
- Harvey Elliott continues to recover from the horrific injury he suffered in the win over Leeds and Roberto Firmino has yet to fully recover from a hamstring niggle and is expected to miss out once more. Divock Origi is also a doubt having come off clutching his leg against Milan in midweek.
- Other than that Klopp should have a full strength squad from which to choose from.
- Palace fans got their first real taste of the exciting brand of football they could expect under the management of Patrick Vieira with a fantastic display in the 3-0 win over Spurs last weekend.
- After scoring two goals from the bench on debut against Tottenham, Odsonne Edouard has surely earned a starting berth for the visit of Anfield. Elsewhere Conor Gallagher has firmly established himself as a fan favourite in midfield following his all-action displays in midfield.
- Other than that Vieira will surely stick with the same XI which performed so well in the win against Spurs last weekend.
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Verdict & Prediction
Palace were exceptional against Spurs and I am sure will be absolutely buzzing going into this one. However, it doesn’t get much harder than playing away at Liverpool with the fans back in the terraces. With a fresh VVD and Sadio Mane expected to return to the starting XI I expect the hosts to see off Palace in what will likely be a hard-fought win. 3-1 Liverpool is my prediction for this one.
Liverpool Predicted 11: Allison, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane
Crystal Palace Predicted 11: Guaita, Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Gallagher, Milivojevic, Kouyate, Ayew, Edouard, Zaha
Manchester City v Southampton
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Saturday 18th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
Four wins in a row, 17 goals scored and normal service resumed seems to be the way of things at Manchester City going into this weekend’s game against Southampton. They have rediscovered their goal scoring touch after a slow start to the season and look irresistible going forward. Southampton meanwhile come into tonight on a 3 game unbeaten run in the league but are yet to win which seems them sit only 14th in the table. Saints on their day can beat anyone as they proved last term, beating Liverpool at home and holding Chelsea to a hard-fought draw at Stamford Bridge.
- Strange comments from Pep Guardiola have riled a number of City fans this week after he seemed to openly say his team aren’t well enough supported. Following the 6-3 win over Leipzig on Wednesday night he urged more fans to come to the game against Southampton on Saturday.
- City fans have said Pep should stick to managing the team and his comments haven’t gone down too well with many of the fans. Pep has admitted his team will be tired due to the hectic schedule and wants more fans at games to spur his team on.
- There are doubts surrounding the fitness of centre back duo John Stones and Aymeric Laporte. Should they both miss out once again as they did in midweek against Leipzig then Nathan Ake will fill in. It has to be said since signing from Bournemouth he hasn’t been particularly convincing and City look vulnerable with him in the backline. Worth also mentioning that Ake sadly lost his Father on Wednesday night which may put his involvement in this game in doubt.
- The Saints have proven hard to beat in recent weeks but will face a totally different prospect in this one as they head to the home of the Premier League champions.
- No real injury issues of note to speak of for Hassenhuttl who if he wishes can stick with the same XI that drew 0-0 with West Ham last weekend.
A little encouraging stat I found to give Saints fans some hope going into this one. Southampton have scored in 16 of their last 17 away league games against their upcoming hosts, so while you may well lose, you do always seem to score!
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Verdict & Prediction
City are battering past whoever it is they play just now and I don’t hold out too much hope for Southampton in this one. The potential absence of Stones and Laporte should offer the Saints some hope and I fancy them to get on the scoresheet actually but most probably on the back of a heavy loss. My prediction is 4-1 to the hosts and a long trip home for the travelling Southampton fans.
Manchester City Predicted 11: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Cancelo; Fernandinho, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Jesus, Torres, Grealish
Southampton Predicted 11: McCarthy; Livramento, Stephens, Salisu, Perraud; Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Elyounoussi; Redmond, Armstrong, Djenepo
Norwich City v Watford
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Saturday 18th September – 3:00PM Kick Off
It may be early in the season but this fixture even after just 4 games played in the league feels like a real relegation six-pointer. Norwich are rock-bottom with 4 losses from 4 and just 1 goal scored and 11 conceded. Watford are faring slightly better but are now on a run of 3 losses in succession after their surprise opening day win against Aston Villa. Do get the sense this is a massive game for both sides and I expect a tight, tense affair at Carrow Road.
- Should Norwich lose today that would be their 15 successive Premier League loss which runs back into their last spell in the top-tier back in the 2019/2020 season.
- The Canaries are now the only team in the league who are yet to get a point this season and will see the game against newly-promoted Watford as the ideal opportunity to get some points on the board.
- Few injuries for the hosts to contend with Zimmerman, Byram and Giannoulis all expected to remain out.
- There will be late fitness tests for the trio of Ben Foster, Dan Gosling and Joao Pedro and all are defined as 50/50 prior to the game today. Kiko Femenia is expected to miss out once more.
- Watford are on a run of three straight league defeats prior to today and will be anxious to get back on track against the league’s basement club.
- Watford have actually won each of their last four league meetings against Norwich which should give them some belief going into this one.
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Verdict & Prediction
Tough game to call given the poor form of both sides and the importance of the fixture. Both managers will feel that this game represents the perfect opportunity to put a crucial win on the board but feel it could end in a stalemate. 1-1 draw my prediction at Carrow Road.
Norwich Predicted 11: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Omobamidele, Williams; Gilmour, Lees Melou, McLean; Rashica, Pukki, Cantwell
Watford Predicted 11: Bachmann; Cathcart, Troost-Ekong, Sierralta, Rose; Louza, Etebo, Sissoko; Sarr, Hernandez, Dennis
Aston Villa v Everton
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Saturday 18th September – 5:30PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
The late kick off on Saturday takes us to Villa Park for what I expect to be a belter of a fixture between a very talented Aston Villa who host an in-form Everton. I think almost everyone, including myself, was impressed with what Villa did in the summer. Yes they sold Grealish but they replaced him with exceptional talent in the shape of Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia. As for Everton, well on paper at least they had a very underwhelming window spending just £2m on the capture of Demarai Gray who was brought to the club alongside Andros Townsend and more recently Salomon Rondon. In all honesty, I didn’t hold out too much hope for them but credit must be given to Rafa for the start they have made having taken 10 points from their opening 4 fixtures.
- Villa currently sit 12th in the standings with 4 points from their 4 games which while not the best start gives them something to build on. They have struggled with injuries a bit at the beginning of the season and are starting to welcome back a number of important players.
- Argentinian duo Emi Martinez and Emi Buendia are expected to return to the squad following international duty which is a huge boost for the hosts. Bertrand Traore is also back to fitness meaning it is just Trezeguet and Keinan Davis who remain on the treatment table.
- Villa are unbeaten in their last 4 games at Villa Park but must sort out their defensive woes with just 2 clean sheets in their last 16 league games prior to this one.
- Losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a substantial period of time (3 weeks) was not what the doctor ordered at Everton who are flying just now under Rafa Benetiz.
- The capture of Salomon Rondon should help ease that burden somewhat but no doubt Everton will miss their prolific number 9. Elsewhere Fabian Delph is expected to remain out with a shoulder problem but James Rodriguez could make his long-awaited return having trained normally for the past week or so.
- The Toffees have also scored at least two goals in each of their four league games so far this season – boasting 10 in total, a tally only bettered by Man United and Manchester City. The absence of DCL is sure to harm that scoring run though and I feel they will really miss him.
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Verdict & Prediction
Everton are absolutely flying but I do feel that the absence of DCL is going to hurt them over the next couple of weeks with him a vital cog in their style of play. Villa are strong at home and welcome back Martinez and Buendia which is a huge boost. I think Villa will come good as the season progresses but with the form Everton are in it is difficult to predict them losing at the moment with a score draw the most likely result for me, 2-2.
Aston Villa Predicted 11: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Douglas Luiz, McGinn, J.Ramsey; Bailey; Watkins, Ings
Everton Predicted 11: Pickford; Coleman, Mina, Keane, Digne; Allan, Doucoure, Gomes; Townsend, Richarlison, Gray
Brighton v Leicester
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Sunday 19th September – 2:00PM Kick Off
The seagulls impressed many with their style of play last season under the talented Graham Potter and they have certainly made a strong start to this campaign with 9 points from their 4 games played. As for Leicester, well it has been an inconsistent start with wins over Norwich and Wolves cancelled out by defeats to West Ham and Man City. Should be an exciting game between two footballing sides on the South Coast on Sunday afternoon.
- The last minute winner from Trossard earned Brighton all 3 points away at Brentford last weekend to continue their excellent start to the season.
- Brighton look in very safe hands with Graham Potter at helm and the very intelligent Tony Bloom as owner who is renowned for being exceptional in the transfer market.
- A few doubts in defence for Brighton in this one with Dan Burn, Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster all struggling with injury/fitness.
- Leicester were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw in midweek to Napoli but will be mightily disappointed to have let a two goal lead slip.
- They also lost Jonny Evans through injury who will reportedly be assessed over the next “24 to 48 hours”. Brighton will be hoping to capitalise on the likely fatigue that some Foxes players will be enduring after what was an intense game against the Italian giants.
- Elsewhere Ayoze Perez remains suspended following his red card against West Ham. James Justin, Wesley Fofana and Nampalys Mendy remain out through injury. Rodgers shuffled his starting lineup against Napoli in the Europa League but is expected to go back to his full strength 11 in this one.
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Verdict & Prediction
Brighton are a very capable side and I can’t speak highly enough of Graham Potter. Leicester could be a little tired after their slogging match against Napoli on Thursday night and despite their superior squad I think this will be a very tough game for the Foxes. Score draw seems like the most likely scenario in this one. 1-1 draw
Brighton Predicted 11: Sanchez; Veltman, Duffy, Dunk, Cucurella; Lallana, Bissouma; Trossard, Mac Allister, March; Maupay
Leicester Predicted 11: Schmeichel; Pereira, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Ndidi, Tielemans; Daka, Maddison, Barnes; Vardy
West Ham v Manchester United
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Sunday 19th September – 2:00PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
Really excited for this one as two top quality sides in fine form face-off at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Hammers made the perfect start to the European tour with a thoroughly impressive win in Croatia as they won 2-0 at Dinamo Zagreb. Not such happy hunting for Man United however who suffered a shock defeat away at Young Boys on Tuesday night which Solskjaer will be hoping is nothing more than a minor blip.
- Sixth placed finish for West Ham last season and in the end just two points off the top 4 which highlights what a spectacular job David Moyes continues to do at the helm.
- Will be a tough task against an in-form United who have the prolific Cristiano Ronaldo to call upon. West Ham will be without their top scorer as Michail Antonio is suspended which is a huge blow. Antonio has scored four times and registered three assists in four league appearances for the Hammers.
- Fatigue may be something that West Ham will have to deal with too as United have had two days extra rest and recuperation going into today which could prove pivotal.
- I watched the game against Young Boys and following the sending off of AWB, United didn’t even manage another shot on target. I thought they were really poor and that display must have been a worry for Ole.
- Back to Premier League action though here where they have made a very fine start to the season. Ronaldo has settled in perfectly as was expected with 3 goals in 2 games and will lead the line once more for the Red Devils.
- United are now unbeaten in their last 28 Premier League away matches, which is the longest run without a loss on the road in English league history but it doesn’t get much tougher than a trip to East London at the moment with West Ham in fantastic nick.
I would quite fancy West Ham here if they had Antonio leading the line but his absence is absolutely massive for the hosts. With that in mind and following a tough Thursday night trip to Croatia I could see the extra recovery days proving pivotal and United coming away with a hard-fought win here. 2-1 United
West Ham Predicted 11: Fabianski; Dawson, Zouma, Ogbonna; Coufal, Rice, Soucek, Cresswell; Fornals, Bowen, Benrahma
Manchester United Predicted 11: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Greenwood, Fernandes, Pogba; Ronaldo
Tottenham v Chelsea
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Sunday 19th September – 4:30PM Kick Off
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Live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
The final game of the weekend is probably the pick of the bunch as Spurs host Chelsea in what will likely be a feisty London Derby. After a flying start to the Premier League season with 3 straight wins, Spurs have gone off the boil in the last week or so with a disappointing 3-0 loss away at Palace followed up by a 2-2 draw at Rennes in midweek. Chelsea meanwhile continued their flying start to the season with a 1-0 win over Zenit in midweek to make the perfect start to their UCL defence. At the time of writing, Chelsea sit 2nd and Spurs 7th in the league but just one point separates the two such is the tightness of the table at the top end of the standings.
- Spurs boss Nuno lamented his team’s luck with injuries as he lost two more players through injury with both Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn picking up injuries at Rennes on Thursday night which will likely rule them out of this one.
- Tanganga will be suspended following his red card against Palace and Eric Dier is also missing. Son will reportedly face a late fitness test but is expected to be pushed to start in what is a massive game for the hosts.
- Spurs will be happy to be back on home soil where so far this season they have scored five goals and conceded none in their three home victories so far this term, and they have won 11 of their last 13 games on familiar territory in all competitions.
- They were far from their best in midweek but they know they can always rely on big Rom for a goal this season and the Chelsea number 9 delivered to score the only goal of the game as they beat Zenit 1-0.
- The Blues travel across the capital having lost just one of their last 15 away matches in all competitions, while they have scored in each of their last six Premier League matches on the road.
- Christian Pulisic appears to be the only absentee for the visitors here with Reece James returning from suspension and Ngolo Kante reportedly returning to fitness now and should be available.
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Verdict & Prediction
Chelsea look like a well oiled machine just now and there appears to be no signs of them slowing down. Spurs meanwhile have looked woeful in both the defeat to Palace and weren’t great again in France on Thursday night in their 2-2 draw with Rennes. Spurs will make it hard but I can’t see how they cope with Lukaku and co and I fancy Chelsea to win this one 2-1.
Spurs Predicted 11: Lloris; Emerson, Sanchez, Romero, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Skipp; Gil, Alli, Son; Kane
Chelsea Predicted 11: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku
