Leeds 1-0 West Ham
Wow, this feels like a massive game for both. Leeds haven’t been great in the last few weeks but at home, they’re always a different animal. They’ll be fired up for this one, knowing a win would put them seven points above the Hammers, which is a lot even at this early stage.
As for West Ham, deary me I thought they were terrible on Monday. They looked so off it, so devoid of any energy or threat. I suppose the only positive is that it could have been more. If Nuno didn’t know it already, he does now, he’s got a big job on his hands here.
I’ve got to pick Leeds.
One to watch- A big game for Calvert-Lewin, these were the games he was signed to be the difference in.
Cheslea 2-1 Sunderland
Chelsea are in a good place at the minute, they’re building up a head of steam. Maresca will want to keep that going, momentum is so important in football. They didn’t start too well against Forest but they got better as it went on.
It’s been an amazing start for Sunderland, no one could have seen this coming! Winning four of their first eight is just fantastic and will give them so much belief and freedom not having to look over their shoulders.
I’m picking Chelsea but I won’t be shocked if Sunderland give them a scare.
One to watch- Caicedo has just been brilliant this season, and he’s been adding goals to his game. There hasn’t been many better in this position.
Newcastle 2-1 Fulham
I thought Newcastle were terrific against Benfica. I do think they’re getting better with each passing game, but Eddie will be worried about the number of injuries they’re picking up.
Fulham gave Arsenal a good game last week, but they always do! They just didn’t quite have enough to hurt them but a point might have been a fair result on the night. They don’t tend to do as well on the road though.
I think Newcastle edge this.
One to watch- I thought Woltemade’s goal last week was sublime, so classy. I do like watching this lad!
Man United 2-2 Brighton
This could be a thriller. United rode their luck at times at Anfield but they showed character and yet again, it was big Harry Maguire to pop up with a vital header. That’s two wins in a row, and something to build on but the way United have played over the last few seasons, who knows what we see from them here!
Brighton needed that win over Newcastle, that should give them a lift. They’ve been in decent form over the last few weeks and their record against the so called top sides is good.
I definitely think we’ll see plenty of chances, plenty of goals. I’m picking the draw.
One to watch- It has to be the in-form Welbeck, his record against his old side is brilliant!
Brentford 1-2 Liverpool
As bad as West Ham were, I thought Brentford were excellent the other night and all credit to them. They’ve shown a lot of character this season and they give every side a game at home, this will be far from easy for Liverpool.
Liverpool got back to winning ways in Frankfurt but some of the defending from their hosts was questionable at best! That was a big win though and should give them a bit of a boost.
City went here and narrowly won 1-0. I can see a similar type game for Liverpool.
One to watch- Ekitike has been the pick of the new signings and was terrific the other night against his old side. The pace this lad has is frightening at times.
Wolves 1-0 Burnley
There’s no question about it, this is a must-win for Wolves. I don’t care if this is only the ninth game of the season, this is a six-pointer! Wolves are still waiting for there first league win and that’s a huge psychological burden.
Burnley have done alright and got a couple of decent wins at home. It’s been a different story for them on the road though.
This will be nervy; I’ve got no doubts about that. I’m going for Wolves.
One to watch- Wolves probably need more out of Strand Larsen. The lad had a very decent first season last year, but he hasn’t really got going this season.
Arsenal 2-0 Palace
Arsenal are the form team in the league, and by some distance it seems. The squad just seems in a really good place right now.
That was such a great game last week between Palace and Bournemouth and they could have won it. Mateta scored three and then missed a sitter at the death to win it! Obviously, they deal with the Thursday-Sunday demands here, that’s never easy.
I rate Palace so highly, but I can’t see anything but an Arsenal win.
One to watch- Eze facing his old side! It would be typical if he was to find the net in this one.
Aston Villa 1-2 Man City
Another intriguing clash. Villa have looked more like themselves in the last few weeks. That was a great win at Spurs last week, and what a goal to win it! They’ve given City some close games under Emery, so this will be a good game.
City do look like they’re getting stronger with each passing game though, and Haaland just shows no signs of slowing down.
City to win this one, just!
One to watch- I try not to pick Haaland every week, I’m going with Foden. I thought he played well against Everton and he’ll want to stand out in this one with Rogers on the other side and a rival in that England squad!
Bournemouth 1-0 Forest
Bournemouth are such a good watch again this season. Don’t get me wrong, I do think they need to tighten up at the back at times, but they always have such threat going forward.
It’s all change at Forest, Ange out and Dyche in! I’ve got to say, I’ll miss Ange in the league, he was a great character. I do think they needed to make the change though and in Sean Dyche, they’ve got such a safe pair of hands.
I think Dyche will definitely make Forest harder to beat, but I’m still going with the Cherries!
One to watch- It has to be young Junior Kroupi, this boy looks like such a talent!
Everton 2-1 Spurs
Last up, and a tricky one to call. Everton made it difficult for City last week, but truth be told, they never looked like winning that one. They’ve been good at home so far though and they’ll fancy this against a Spurs side that are a little out of form.
Spurs made such a great start to the season, but they’ve been out of sorts in the last few weeks and all of a sudden, they could do with a good win. I didn’t think they were great against Villa, or in Monaco the other night.
2-1 Everton.
One to watch- He obviously couldn’t face his parent side last week, and Everton missed Jack Grealish. He’ll want to get back to business here.
