The new Premier League season continues this weekend following a record-breaking goal tally for gameweek two.
Neutrals will be hoping for more of the same this time around, particularly with standout games such as Manchester City vs. Leicester City and Liverpool vs. Arsenal on the bill.
SATURDAY
Brighton v Man Utd (11:30 GMT)
Brighton got an excellent win at Newcastle last week. Just as they did against Chelsea in their first game, they created plenty of chances, which is a really good sign of how they have progressed since last season. They look a lot more dangerous and I fancy them to score a goal.
United are under pressure already but I think their defeat at home by Crystal Palace will act as the kick up the backside they need. I’d be surprised if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side do not produce a much better performance this time.
Prediction: 1-2
Crystal Palace v Everton (14:00 GMT)
It is two wins out of two for both of these sides so far, and they have both scored a few goals as well so something has to give here.
I am going to go for a home win here. I think Roy Hodgson will set up his team to frustrate Everton and nick the game though Zaha.
Prediction: 1-0
West Brom v Chelsea (16:30 GMT)
I expect Chelsea to bounce back from the disappointing defeat last week. Frank Lampard knows it is a work in progress and they have got a few stars to still introduce to the team.
Chelsea will surely bring in Thiago Silva at the back for his first league game – and I don’t see West Brom causing the Blues many problems anyway.
The Baggies have lost their first two games, and conceded eight goals already. Things are not going to be any easier this time, but the only thing I would say in their defence is that in Leicester, Everton and now Chelsea, they have started their season by playing three teams who will probably finish in the top eight..
Prediction: 0-3
Burnley v Southampton (19:00 GMT)
I am a bit surprised by the way Southampton have started the season with two defeats, especially the way they were taken apart by Tottenham last time out.
Saints looked full of confidence with the way they finished last season, but there is a risk all of that could be knocked out of them very early on. They will not want a repeat of last season’s dreadful start to the season.
Burnley also began by losing – against Leicester, after being ahead, but they showed plenty of fight. The Clarets have some injury problems to contend and I’ll go for a draw here.
Prediction: 1-1
SUNDAY
Sheff Utd v Leeds (11:00 GMT)
Leeds are up and running points-wise after seeing off Fulham last week and I think this will be another rock-and-roll type game with lots of chances, and lots of tackling too.
Chris Wilder will be desperate to get his first win of the new campaign and I expect his side to win against the free-scoring Leeds side
Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham v Newcastle (13:00 GMT)
Both of these sides have had one very good performance and result in the Premier League so far this season – and one very bad one too.
I’m going for Tottenham here, though. Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane both feed off goals and, after they combined so well against Saints, I’d expect more of the same this time.
Prediction: 2-0
Man City v Leicester (15:30 GMT)
Manchester City got the job done against Wolves on Monday, in what was a tricky opener for them.
Leicester have won two out of two so far but the injured Wilfred Ndidi is going to be a big miss for them at the back, where he has been filling in for them.
Prediction: 3-1
West Ham v Wolves (18:00 GMT)
Wolves will feel they deserved something out of their game against Manchester City and, if they create as many chances as they did in that game, I don’t think they will end up empty-handed again this time.
West Ham need a win but they will have to try to get one without their manager David Moyes, who is self-isolating after testing positive for coronavirus. He should still be able to speak to his players before kick-off via a video-call though.
The Hammers were actually pretty decent in defeat against Arsenal last weekend, but I think Wolves will be too strong for them.
Prediction: 1-2
MONDAY
Fulham v Aston Villa (16:45 GMT)
Fulham have lost their first two league matches and shipped seven goals already and I think they really have to add quality to their defence or face a very long season.
Aston Villa will fancy the game and made a confident start against Sheffield United, with a win and a clean sheet, and I’m going to go with them to carry on in that kind of form at Craven Cottage.
Prediction: 1-2
Liverpool v Arsenal (19:00 GMT)
Thiago Alcantara came into the Liverpool side for his debut against Chelsea and bossed things without even having a sweat on. He looked quite a player.
I’d expect the Reds to dominate possession in this game too. The Gunners beat Liverpool in July, but that was just after Jurgen Klopp’s side had clinched the title.
I wouldn’t take anything from that game as a suggestion Arsenal could do it again because Liverpool were not playing at anything like 100%. They will be this time, though.
Prediction: 3-1
