Liverpool 2-1 Everton
What a game to start the weekend, the Merseyside Derby! Liverpool just keep coming up with late winners, we saw it again the other night against Atletico. That’s the sign of a top side though, just ask Fergie!
Everton look revitalised this year, I’ve really enjoyed watching them. Grealish, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, that’s three lads that can really hurt and cause problems.
It’s rare for Everton to go to Anfield with a bit of confidence and momentum, but I think they will here. I’m still going for Liverpool though, 2-1.
One to watch: He played an hour or so against Atletico, and I’d imagine Isak will be in from the start here. Surely, he won’t get his first goal for the club in the derby, will he?
Burnley 0-1 Forest
I thought Burnley showed a lot of fighting spirit, a lot of character in that game against Liverpool. I know they lost late on, but Scott Parker will take the positives form that moving forward.
It’s been a difficult start for Ange. Losing away to Arsenal can happen but that capitulation in the cup the other night, I couldn’t believe that. He needs the win here to settle into his new job.
I’m going for Forest, just.
One to watch: Chris Wood scored plenty for Burnley back in the day, could he bag the winner here?
Brighton 1-2 Spurs
Brighton have been quite up and down this season. I’ll be honest, I don’t quite know what to make of them. They looked excellent at home to City but haven’t been great aside from that.
Aside from that defeat to Bournemouth, it’s been a great start for Tottenham and for Thomas Frank. It was by no means a classic, but it was important that they started the Champions League campaign with a win, just to keep that momentum going.
I think we’ll see a good game, plenty of chances, but I’m picking Spurs.
One to watch: Xavi Simons looks like he’ll be a good fit in this side. He’s a very talented boy and if they can get the best out of him, what a signing he could be.
West Ham 1-2 Palace
Every week feels like a massive game for West Ham and for Graham Potter. It looked like they turned a corner against Forest but they were shambolic in that second half against Spurs. Another defeat here, and things could really get ugly.
It was a frustrating one for Palace at home to Sunderland, they had more than enough chances to win the game. They’ve kept this long unbeaten run going though, and they’ve got an excellent record on the road.
I’ve got to favour Palace here I’m afraid.
One to watch: Pino has come in Villarreal as something of an Eze replacement and we’ve seen glimpses so far of real quality.
Wolves 1-1 Leeds
A big game for both, even this early into the season. Wolves have struggled, but they have had some tough fixtures to start with, and they’ll be looking to try and get some points over the next few weeks.
Leeds have been alright, but I really worry where the goals come from in this side. They’re organised, hard to break down, but they just don’t look like scoring at times.
I’m going for 1-1 but this could even be goalless.
One to watch: Strand Larsen had a lot of transfer uncertainty in the summer, and Wolves will need this lad at his best to start picking up points.
Man United 2-2 Chelsea
I think we’ll see a very entertaining game at Old Trafford. United were shambolic at times at the back against City but they do look dangerous at times going forward, particularly through Mbeumo. Another defeat here though would seriously put pressure on the club and of course, the gaffer.
I find Chelsea a very hard club to evaluate this season. They’ve spent a fortune over the last couple of years, and you watch them and look at the players and I still think they look a bit off from seriously challenging. They weren’t great at Brentford and conceded some poor goals in Munich.
United will almost always concede, I can’t see a clean sheet. I’m going for a 2-2 thriller.
One to watch: Cole Palmer has looked more like himself in the last week, that was a lovely goal against Bayern. Back in Manchester, he’ll be up for this one.
Fulham 2-1 Brentford
An interesting one to finish with on Saturday night. Fulham huffed and puffed against Leeds but it didn’t look like the goal was going to come, and then the Leeds lad goes and heads the ball in his net! Talk about a lucky break.
I think Keith Andrews has made a good start to life in management at Brentford. That was a morale-boosting draw at home to Chelsea and backed it up with a penalty shootout win over Villa.
I don’t see much in this, but Fulham should get the job done at home.
One to watch: Alex Iwobi has developed into a classy footballer under Marco Silva, he’s vital to this Fulham side.
Sunderland 1-0 Villa
An interesting game here. Sunderland have been good at home so far, winning both their games. Those fans are so up for every game and every side that comes up here will find it difficult.
I can’t really put my finger on it, but something isn’t right at Villa right now. They just aren’t scoring or even looking like it. I do think Harvey Elliott will bring some spark, but they really need a win.
I have to go for Sunderland in current form.
One to watch: Xhaka so far has looked like great business. He gives this side so much class and experience in the centre of the park.
Bournemouth 2-1 Newcastle
What a start this has been for Bournemouth, despite all the ins and outs over the summer. Iraola does such a great job here. This could be another fantastic season for the club.
Newcastle gave it a real go against Barcelona but they just ran out of steam towards the end. They do miss a little bit of cutting edge up top, it’s hard not to think what might have been if they still had Isak in the side.
I’m going for Bournemouth, that Barcelona game is bound to have taken something out of Newcastle.
One to watch: I keep picking Semenyo but he’s one of the form players in the league!
Arsenal 2-1 Man City
It’s been a great week for Arsenal; they look back to their best. Going to Bilbao and winning is never easy, but they did just that. That’s the perfect start to their campaign and they’ll be bang-up for this one.
As for City, they cruised to the win over Napoli, but they did face 10 men. It was hardly a classic but a decent win nonetheless.
I’m interested if the fact City played on Thursday and Arsenal on Tuesday will have any impact. I just think Arsenal might edge this, but it’s so hard to call.
One to watch: There’s been so much discussion about Gyokeres, and how he’ll play in these big games. He didn’t do much away to Liverpool but he could be the difference in this one.
