Brentford vs. Manchester United
12:30, Saturday, September 27th, GTech Community Stadium
11th in the league, United travel to London to take on early relegation candidates Brentford in the early kickoff on Saturday. It’s a ground United won’t have fond memories of, having shipped 4 on 2 separate occasions in the last 4 seasons. Unfortunately, I don’t know if this current Brentford side is capable of scoring 4 more goals before the end of October. Stale draw.
Prediction: 1-1
First Goal Scorer: Bryan Mbeumo
Manchester City vs. Burnley
15:00, Saturday, September 27th, The Etihad
If you had told Kyle Walker 2 years ago that he’d be returning to the Etihad to play for an opposing team, he probably would have raised an eyebrow. If you then told him that opposition would be Burnley, he’d have cackled at you. City seem to be in a bit of a groove—if you discount the late equaliser conceded at the Emirates—and Burnley are, well, Burnley.
Prediction: 2-0 City
First Goal Scorer: Erling Haaland
Leeds United vs. Bournemouth
15:00, Saturday, September 27th, Elland Road
Bournemouth drew Newcastle in one of the dullest games I’ve ever watched last weekend while Leeds defeated a languishing Wolves side. Elland Road is always a tough place to go, but I reckon Bournemouth have just enough quality to come away with something for their troubles.
Prediction: 1-1
First Goal Scorer: Antoine Semenyo
Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool
15:00, Saturday, September 27th, Selhurst Park
No matter the circumstances, Selhurst Park will forever stir horrific memories. I absolutely hate going there, even if we’ve experienced relative success over the last few seasons. It’s never comfortable—then again, none of our games have been comfortable so far this season. I expect this one to be no different. At least we don’t have to worry about Eze anymore?
Prediction: 2-1 Liverpool
First Goal Scorer: Alex Isak
Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
15:00, Saturday, September 27th, Stamford Bridge
After last week’s horror show against United, Chelsea desperately need to pick up 3 points to get back on track in the league this weekend. This may be easier said than done, as they’ll be doing so without Cole Palmer for at least the next 3 weeks. Brighton showed themselves well against Spurs in a draw last weekend, but I think the Blues find a way—just.
Prediction: 2-1 Chelsea
First Goal Scorer: Joao Pedro
Nottingham Forest vs. Sunderland
17:30, Saturday, September 27th, The City Ground
I truly have no idea what to expect from Forest anymore with Ange at the helm. They could score 6, they could concede 6, they could split the difference. Sunderland have made a strong start to the season but away from home they’ve struggled. I think Big Ange turns some heads this weekend.
Prediction: 4-0 Forest
First Goal Scorer: Chris Wood
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
20:00, Saturday, September 27th, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Wolves are yet to win a game this season, which seems to be Spurs’ Achilles heel over the last few seasons. That being said, Wolves are genuinely so poor the only side that’s made them look semi-competent thus far has been Everton in the Cup midweek. While it would be incredibly funny for Spurs to continue this trend of underperformance against inferior opposition, there’s no chance it happens this weekend.
Prediction: 3-0 Spurs
First Goal Scorer: Brennan Johnson
Aston Villa vs. Fulham
14:00, Sunday, September 28th, Villa Park
Given how both sides have started this season, I can’t see this game producing many fireworks. Villa have scored just one goal in 5 league games, while Fulham’s pragmatic approach looks likely to further stifle an already stale attack. Might be the worst one of the lot.
Prediction: 0-0
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
16:30, Sunday, September 28th, St. James’ Park
After the smoke from the pyrotechnics and debris from the outrageous celebrations following Gabriel Martinelli’s equaliser had cleared at the Emirates, Arsenal dropped points and still sit 5 behind the Champions. This fixture has been a nightmare for Arteta and co. in recent seasons, and I’d give anything to watch that continue on Sunday. I think it just might.
Prediction: 2-1 Newcastle
First Goal Scorer: Anthony Gordon
Everton vs. West Ham United
20:00, Sunday, September 28th, Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton return to the Hill Dick after outplaying Liverpool for a 20-minute span in the second half at Anfield (toss it in the clock cabinet) and losing 2-1 last weekend. The Toffees then followed this up by going to Molineux and laying an egg in the third round of the League Cup on Tuesday evening. You probably couldn’t ask for a better team to play given the current situation, as Graham Potter’s face continues to find its way onto the shoulders of war criminals and Instagram influencers alike at an astonishing rate.
Prediction: 2-1 Everton
First Goal Scorer: Potter’s face on Joseph Stalin
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