Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
Newcastle are coming off a 2-1 loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a game where they sorely missed Anthony Gordon, who is set to be out until mid-November with a muscle injury. The forward just recently signed a new contract with the Magpies amid rumors of transfer interest from Liverpool, and the Newcastle faithful will be relieved to know the saga has been put to rest. However, his absence is the reason that we can see a difficult game for Newcastle, who will play host to title contenders Arsenal. Arsenal are looking to get back on track following a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at home, and with defender William Saliba returning from suspension, Arsenal will be the favorites in what is set to be an entertaining matchup. Arsenal historically have enjoyed success at St. James Park, winning 18 of their last 21 league matches there since the early 2010s. However, with recent improvements of Newcastle under manager Eddie Howe, there have been a few struggles for the Gunners including a 2-0 loss in 2022.
Result prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal
Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
An epic 2-0 victory over Arsenal failed to buoy Bournemouth to a win over Aston Villa last weekend, where they drew 1-1 thanks to a dramatic last-minute equalizer from Evanilson. Still, a draw away to Aston Villa these days, especially as underdogs, has become a notable achievement. The Cherries were widely expected to lose to Aston Villa, suggesting that things are finally beginning to click for manager Andoni Iraola.
Manchester City beat Southampton 1-0 at the Etihad last weekend, which was an underperformance by their standards especially against likely relegation candidates. In a title race, gaining the three points is all that matters. City will be facing a Bournemouth side that is energized by their recent results, which will make this a tricky fixture for the Citizens. Although this fixture last year was a heavy 6-1 loss for Bournemouth, this season is a different team with a renewed energy.
Result prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester City
Ipswich vs. Leicester
As the league table is beginning to take shape, it’s becoming increasingly clear that 18th-place Ipswich is in genuine danger of relegation unless a turnaround happens quickly. 15th-place Leicester aren’t safe themselves, with there being a five-point gap between the two. Last weekend, Ipswich lost in heartbreaking fashion to Brentford at the last minute, 4-3. Leicester City also had a tough time out against Nottingham Forest losing 3-1, thanks to an inspiring display from Forest striker Chris Wood. While Leicester has had positive performances, having to increasingly rely on an aging Jamie Vardy will not be sustainable.
Result prediction: Ipswich 2-1 Leicester
Liverpool vs. Brighton
Liverpool face Brighton for the second time in four days after they faced off in the EFL Cup midweek. Liverpool’s 2-2 result away against Arsenal will surely be viewed with some sense of positivity, as the margins in the game could have easily swung either way. Alexis Mac Allister is set to face his former club after transferring to the Reds from Brighton.
Brighton have had a fantastic start to the new season, winning four games, drawing four, and losing only one. Although they had a disappointing 2-2 draw against Wolves, they had two incredible results with victories over Newcastle and Tottenham the weeks prior. Even more good news for Brighton is the fact that Liverpool is traditionally a team they’ve experienced joy against, having beaten them in the FA Cup and just a few weeks prior to that winning 3-0 in the league. Since then, however, both sets of teams have hired new managers with new styles of play. Regardless, this will be a tricky fixture for the Reds.
Result prediction: Liverpool 3-2 Brighton
Nottingham Forest vs. West Ham
These two teams are experiencing different situations in their campaigns. West Ham is desperately holding on to their mid-table status, and a win over the weekend vs Manchester United was thanks to a dubious referee decision meaning they were incredibly fortunate to run out winners. Meanwhile, it seems like Nottingham Forest are in the ascendancy and are facing an ambitious run into European qualification. They have only one league defeat this season and are coming off successive wins vs Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Additionally, Forest has a great record against West Ham at home, winning all three of their last games there. With this considered, we can see Forest claiming the three points here.
Result prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham
Southampton vs. Everton
Southampton find themselves dead last in the Premier League table after giving a good defensive performance against Manchester City at the Etihad, although ultimately losing 1-0. Southampton now look primed to go right back down into the Championship, and an upcoming match against fellow relegation candidates Everton will be huge for the Saints in their bid for survival. Southampton have lost seven of their first eight Premier League games, and Everton are unbeaten in their last four and have kept a clean sheet in their last two. Southampton will find it difficult under a buoyed Sean Dyche side — especially one that looks like has finally hit their stride.
Prediction result: Southampton 1-3 Everton
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Crystal Palace
This weekend sees a host of relegation candidates face off against each other. As a prime example, look no further than 19th-place Wolves hosting 17th-place Crystal Palace in what is surely the biggest relegation match of the weekend. Wolves are still looking for their first victory of the season, but they look primed to go on a run that could see them out of the relegation zone. They drew 2-2 against Brighton last time out, and narrowly lost 2-1 to Manchester City.
Prediction result: Wolves 1-0 Crystal Palace
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur have been expected to finish in the top 4 this season, and so far find themselves languishing in 8th after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace last weekend. Aston Villa meanwhile are currently in 3rd and have continued their fantastic form that saw them finish in the Champions League places last season — where they are also experiencing a surprise run. Spurs badly need a win here in order to get back on track under Ange Postecoglou, and frankly, we’re not sure they can pull it off, especially considering their wishy-washy form in the Premier League. Their most impressive win so far was 3-0 against a weak Manchester United side, and their failure to gain any significant momentum despite their generous fixture list is a worrying sign for Spurs.
Prediction result: Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa
Manchester United vs Chelsea
The marquee match-up of the weekend has seen a major twist in that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been sacked just before this match, meaning interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will man the dugout for the Red Devils. Whether or not the fabled “new manager bounce” will impact the result remains to be seen, as it is always a wild card on how a team plays following the sacking of a manager. Regardless, Chelsea, and specifically Cole Palmer, are clicking under Enzo Maresca. They beat Newcastle United 2-1 last weekend thanks to a Palmer strike, and will now face the tests of Manchester United and Arsenal in quick succession. The atmosphere at Old Trafford may be more down than usual, considering the uncertainty surrounding the club which could actually play into Chelsea’s hands
Prediction result: Manchester United 1-3 Chelsea
Fulham vs Brentford
Brentford and Fulham are 9th and 10th in the table, respectively, both sitting on a goal differential of 0. The head-to-head between these two is also just about dead even, with both teams winning two games out of the last five, and one ending in a draw. We can see the game play out in a similarly tight manner and expect this to be an entertaining affair.
Prediction result: Fulham 1-1 Brentford
