We’re already starting to see who the runners and riders could be in the Premier League after two games played. Again, Matchday 2 was loaded with expected results and a number of twists, so expect more of the same excitement in Matchday 3. As always, you can follow all the action and get involved via Premier League betting at BetVictor.
Saturday, August 30
Chelsea vs Fulham
There’s no finer way to kick off the weekend’s Premier League action than with a West London derby at lunchtime on Saturday. Chelsea looked back to their destructive best against West Ham last time out. Fulham were once again able to rescue a point but will need to offer more if they’re to take anything away from Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United vs Burnley
Manchester United looked good against Arsenal, and there were times their attacking play came to life against Fulham. However, they’re still not turning their work at the top of the pitch into goals and have only taken 1 point from 6. Burnley head to Old Trafford after defeating fellow newly promoted outfit Sunderland, and they’ll be confident. But if United get it right, they could have too much for Scott Parker’s side.
Sunderland vs Brentford
After opening day success against West Ham, Sunderland came crashing back down to earth with defeat at Turf Moor. And the opposite can be said for Brentford, who were terrible on the opening day away at Nottingham Forest but then were surprise winners against Aston Villa at the weekend. The team that reacts the best could edge this one; if Sunderland can bounce back and use the passionate home support, they have a chance, but Brentford could build on their 1-0 win over Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur look transformed under Thomas Frank. They’ve brushed both Burnley and Manchester City aside with ease, as the team have understood the Dane’s tactical demands. While Bournemouth looked good in defeat at Anfield and then picked up their first win of the campaign over Wolves, it’s hard to make a case for Andoni Iraola’s side being able to deal with what Spurs will throw at them at the top of the pitch, especially with Richarlison in form.
Wolves vs Everton
Wolves were tipped to struggle before the season kicked off, and while defeat to Manchester City was probably expected, they’ve now also lost to Bournemouth. It is still early days, but the signs aren’t promising. They welcome Everton, who lost in their opening fixture but bounced back with a solid win over Brighton at the weekend. Jack Grealish looks to have transformed the Toffees, and he’s proven too much for Wolves in the past.
Leeds United vs Newcastle United
Leeds returned to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Everton, but were then on the end of a 5-0 rout away at Arsenal last weekend. They welcome a Newcastle side who battled back from 2-0 down with ten men against Liverpool to make it 2-2, only for the reigning champions to find a last-minute winner. That gruelling contest, Anthony Gordon’s red card, and the several key injuries they picked up could give Leeds the upper hand.
Sunday, August 31
Brighton vs Manchester City
Brighton are probably feeling a bit sorry for themselves after their opening fixtures of the season. They saw a win slip through their fingers when Fulham levelled late in the day in their first game of the new campaign, and lost at Everton, with Danny Welbeck missing a penalty. Manchester City, on the other hand, are hit and miss. Great at Wolves but poor against Spurs. Could this be the right time for the Seagulls to play them?
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham could be a match that is more about the managers than anything else. Forest’s Nuno has made interesting comments in the media of late, while Graham Potter has overseen a 3-0 defeat and a 5-1 hammering in West Ham’s opening two fixtures. Forest aren’t at their best either, so both teams could do with winning, and it could have a knock-on effect for the managers, even at this very early stage of the season.
Liverpool vs Arsenal
The fixture of the weekend is at Anfield, with Liverpool welcoming Arsenal to Merseyside. Arne Slot’s side were 2-0 up away at Newcastle with a man advantage, but allowed the Magpies back into the game after conceding two from set-pieces. Luckily, they scored a winner at the death, but the goals they’re letting in will give free-scoring Arsenal a lot of confidence. If the Gunners are in the groove, they will score, but can they score more than Liverpool?
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Aston Villa haven’t got off to the best of starts this season, with their lack of attacking threat and goals an issue. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are doing ok to say they’ve just seen Eberechi Eze leave for Arsenal. Unai Emery’s side could see this as the ideal time to play Palace as they look to recruit new faces after seeing Eze, a match-winner, leave. Palace will no doubt be resolute at the back, and keen to show they’re not a one-man band.
The Premier League remains the best and most-watched football division in the world. There are always eye-catching performances from teams and players, storylines to follow, and shock results. You can continue to get involved in the action by visiting the sports betting at BetVictor.
