Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool
Winner: Liverpool
It appears to be all hands on deck at Selhurst Park in preparation for a relegation scrap, and the last thing they need right now is a relentless Liverpool to show up to town. Liverpool have conceded just two goals all season, while Crystal Palace have scored the second-least amount of goals in the Premier League all season — five in six games. Luis Diaz by himself has the same amount of goals all season. Liverpool should comfortably run out winners here.
Arsenal vs. Southampton
Winner: Arsenal
Southampton are still searching for their first win of the season and is languishing in 19th just in front of Wolves. Their exciting ascent back into the Premier League from the Championship looks doomed to go right back down again. They have scored just three league goals all season, and have failed to beat fellow relegation contenders Everton and Ipswich Town in recent matches — both ending 1-1. Arsenal meanwhile will feel buoyed after blowing past PSG with ease, and the title candidates should beat Southampton.
Brentford vs. Wolves
Winner: Wolves
Wolves are in 20th, but watching their performances you would think they would be much higher. They have been rather unlucky in their matches, and if there are any teams who we would bet to climb out of the relegation zone, it’s them. Their opponents have a shot conversion rate of 20 percent, which is an outlier compared to other teams in their region, which typically hover around 10 percent. This points to a problem of more variance going on with the goals they are conceding, but experts are backing Gary O’Neil to right the ship. In fact, this weekend we are calling them to do it. Wolves will record their first win of the season against Brentford.
Leicester vs. Bournemouth
Winner: Bournemouth
Despite promising signs of life against Arsenal, where they were 2-2 at the Emirates until two stoppage time goals from Arsenal to claim victory — Leicester have looked tepid this season. They have faced the most amount of shots in the league and seem keen to soak up pressure and let teams come at them. Meanwhile, Bournemouth loves to attack — posting the 3rd most attempted shots in the entire league so far this season, behind Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. If the Cherries are in the mood, which it sure seems like they will be, we can see them winning here.
Manchester City vs. Fulham
Winner: Manchester City
Funnily enough, these two teams have identical amounts of wins and draws in their last five games across all competitions — two wins, three draws. Manchester City haven’t started the season with the blistering pace that we’ve become accustomed to over the years, drawing 1-1 against Newcastle and 2-2 against Arsenal. In a title race, every point is precious. Fulham are visiting the Emirates and aren’t short on confidence, being unbeaten across 90 minutes in seven games running. However, Marco Silva is 0-13 in his career against Pep Guardiola, and we see that record continuing.
West Ham vs. Ipswich
Winner: West Ham
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui hasn’t had the easiest time with the Hammers so far. This time, we back him to get his first home win as West Ham manager. However, Ipswich are a solid team this season, and they have shown against Aston Villa and Liverpool that they can be a genuine threat. It will be a big test for West Ham and Lopetegui, who are winless in their last four in the Premier League, alongside a big 5-1 loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
Everton vs. Newcastle
Winner: Newcastle
Everton finally recorded their first win of the season 2-1 against Crystal Palace last weekend, and Newcastle United similarly defied the odds by triumphantly drawing 1-1 against Manchester City. In short, both teams will be eager to attack each other here. Newcastle has seven goals in their last five matches, and Everton have not kept a clean sheet in their last five matches. Newcastle should be running out winners here.
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest
Winner: Chelsea
Enzo Maresca is beginning to click for Chelsea. It hasn’t been perfect, but the fact they are two points off league leaders Liverpool suggests things at Chelsea are much smoother than the furore initially suggested. However, the defensive prowess that Nuno Espirito Santo has Nottingham Forest playing at is impressive, only conceding five goals in six games, the same amount as Arsenal. While Chelsea are still the favorites, Forest may not give them as easy of a time as Brighton did.
Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
Winner: Aston Villa
If it’s too soon to call the situation at Manchester United a crisis, then it may already be too late to save their season. Aston Villa are coming off a heroic 1-0 victory and performance against German giants Bayern Munich. While they may have expended a large amount of emotional and physical energy to accomplish that result, Unai Emery has proven his ability to manage game load before. If United can keep it unpredictable and take advantage of any potential fatigue from Villa, they have a shot. Otherwise, we think Aston Villa will continue their impressive form.
Brighton vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Winner: Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have been on fire lately, scoring 13 goals in their last five matches, winning all five in the process. This blistering form is contrasted by Brighton experiencing a blimp, conceding six in their last three and only winning one in the last five matches. To Brighton’s advantage, both teams prefer playing high-line, fast-paced attacking football. This match could easily be a high-scoring affair, but Tottenham’s hot form has us thinking they have the edge.
