It’s been an exciting start to the Premier League season with many upsets, big moments, and surprises. We have a great set of fixtures this weekend and today we’re going over or thoughts going into the weekend.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace
This is the headline fixture for the weekend. Crystal Palace have been in decent form and are currently 8th in the league. Last weekend, their main man, Jean-Phillipe Mateta, scored a brilliant last-minute equalizer to finish his hat-trick. On the other hand, Arsenal have been playing incredibly. They top the league with 19 points, are unbeaten in their last 9 games, and decimated Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their last match. Considering all these factors, I’m going with Arsenal this weekend.
Aston Villa vs. Man City
Both teams have had strong starts to the season. Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 5 Premier League fixtures and are on a 3-game winning streak in the league. Man City are playing well, sitting at 2nd place in the table, and their man at the front, Erling Haaland, has been inevitable this season with 11 goals! 5 goals ahead of the 2nd top scorer in the league, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Aston Villa are at home in this game, and I think that will give them the tools to play well, so I predict this game to end in a draw.
Man United vs Brighton
Manchester United are coming off one of their biggest wins in recent years, a 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield. Brighton is having a mediocre season thus far, sitting 10th in the league. I think Man United will bring that momentum into this weekend and take this one home at Old Trafford.
Leeds vs. West Ham
Neither of these teams has been in great form. West Ham United are currently 19th in the league, and Leeds are 16th. This is a bit of a toss-up, but my gut tells me West Ham will win this one because they have been much more successful in the past few seasons compared to Leeds.
Chelsea vs. Sunderland
Chelsea are currently sitting 5th in the league, coming off their victorious Club World Cup campaign over the summer. Sunderland are in 7th place, which is surprising considering they were in the English third division not even 4 years ago. However, Chelsea at home will most likely be too much for Sunderland to handle.
Newcastle vs. Fulham
Fulham is currently on a 3-game losing streak, and Newcastle historically is a far superior team to Fulham. For me, there is no doubt Newcastle at home will win this one.
Brentford vs. Liverpool
Liverpool is the clear favorite in this match. However, Liverpool is struggling with a 3 game losing streak. Brentford have been solid this season. They drew Chelsea, beat Man United, beat Aston Villa, and beat West Ham. I personally am going with the upset here and picking Brentford at home.
Wolves vs. Burnley
It is hard to say that either of these teams have been in good form. Wolves are sitting bottom of the league with just 2 points, and Burnley are in 17th. This is a big chance for Wolves to take home their first win of the season. However, if the past is any indicator, I think Burnley will walk away with this one.
Bournemouth vs. Nottingham Forest
Bournemouth and Forest have had incredibly contrasting starts to the season. Their standings in the league have pretty much reversed since last season. Bournemouth are impressively in 3rd place, and Forest are in 18th. Nottingham Forest is under new management. They hired a proven manager, Sean Dyche. Dyche had a promising start, beating Porto 2-0. I’m going with a big upset here and taking Forest away from home based on Dyche’s good start and the team’s past success.
Everton vs. Tottenham
Tottenham and Everton have both had decent starts to the season. Tottenham is historically a better team than Everton. However, Everton is at home. These teams are hard to separate, so I’ll go with a draw. But not that this game can go either way.
TL;DR
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace – Arsenal
Aston Villa vs. Man City – Draw
Man United vs. Brighton – Man United
Leeds vs. West Ham – West Ham
Chelsea vs. Sunderland – Chelsea
Newcastle vs. Fulham – Newcastle
Brentford vs. Liverpool – Brentford
Wolves vs. Burnley – Burnley
Bournemouth vs. Nottingham Forest – Nottingham Forest
Everton vs. Tottenham – Draw
