Well, what a difference a week makes. The sun has seemingly re-emerged and, although it may be temporary, there are once again glimmers of hope that we’ve regained some competence. What an atrocious month October was — let’s bury it in the past where it belongs. It’s Friday: kick your feet up, act like you’re working until it’s safe to sneak out of the office, grab a pint, and enjoy some Matchweek 11 predictions.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United
12:30, Saturday, 8 November – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Both sides will be disappointed following last weekend’s results. Spurs lost at home to Chelsea in a match that saw Frank’s side generate 0.1 xG from three total shots, while United travelled to a Forest in turmoil and failed to come away with a win. The last time these two met was the Europa League Final in Bilbao, which produced one of the more enjoyable results for me personally in recent memory. Once more, please.
Prediction: 2–1 Spurs
First Goalscorer: Brennan Johnson
Everton vs Fulham
15:00, Saturday, 8 November – Hill Dickinson Stadium
Given Sunderland’s recent run of form, Everton’s point on Monday at the Stadium of Light looks a good result. It’s been over a month since the Toffees last won in the league, and it’s beginning to feel as though some positive results are needed to prevent Brendan Rodgers being appointed as the next Everton manager. Fulham battered Wolves at the Cottage last weekend (as expected), but I think they’ll find Saturday afternoon to be tough sledding. I can see Everton coming away with all three points.
Prediction: 2–0 Everton
First Goalscorer: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
West Ham United vs Burnley
15:00, Saturday, 8 November – London Stadium
My conscience won’t allow me to write beyond three sentences on this match — but I did tell you all that West Ham would beat Newcastle last weekend, and I was branded as “insane and morbidly depressed”, so have that. Both sides have been incredibly difficult watches thus far, but I think Nuno just may have something brewing in the concrete vat that is the London Stadium.
Prediction: 2–0 West Ham
First Goalscorer: Tomáš Souček
Sunderland vs Arsenal
17:30, Saturday, 8 November – Stadium of Light
Would be too good to be true and too much of a fairytale, so I won’t even allow myself to fantasise about it.
Prediction: 3–0 Arsenal
First Goalscorer: Gabriel (corner inside five minutes)
Chelsea vs Wolves
20:00, Saturday, 8 November – Stamford Bridge
Immuno-compromised Victorian child vs plague.
Prediction: 5–0 Chelsea
First Goalscorer: Whoever the first chance falls to
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth
14:00, Sunday, 9 November – Villa Park
This has all the makings of a decent game of football. The Etihad proved to be a bridge too far for the Cherries, although they made a good show of themselves. Emi Martínez graciously gifted the Egyptian King and Liverpool their confidence back at Anfield in a 2–0 loss to the Reds. Both sides have shown they’re capable of playing some really pleasing football, and this could fly under the radar as one of the better watches of the weekend.
Prediction: 2–2
First Goalscorer: Antoine Semenyo
Brentford vs Newcastle United
14:00, Sunday, 9 November – Brentford Community Stadium
If Brentford are involved, I’ve got absolutely no clue. They’re an impossible side to predict- even more so at home. Based on how poor Newcastle were in London last weekend, I’ll back lightning to strike twice.
Prediction: 2–1 Brentford
First Goalscorer: Dango Ouattara
Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion
14:00, Sunday, 9 November – Selhurst Park
It’s M23 Derby Day, and the Seagulls and Eagles are separated by only a point in the table. Both are coming off wins last weekend and seem to have regained their footing after some wobbles in recent weeks. Last year’s edition of this fixture saw three sendings-off, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see the same again on Sunday. I think this will be an enthralling game, and Palace just about edge it in South London.
Prediction: 2–1 Palace
First Goalscorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
14:00, Sunday, 9 November – The City Ground
Forest looked far and away the best they’ve been in the league so far during spells last weekend against United. A wrongly awarded corner and an absolute screamer robbed them of two points, but it was a performance that will have filled Sean Dyche with confidence (or maybe not, given his lunatic of a boss). Leeds come into this match five points better off than Forest in the table, but I’m fairly confident that gap will close come full-time on Sunday afternoon.
Prediction: 2–0 Forest
First Goalscorer: Dan Ndoye
Manchester City vs Liverpool
16:30, Sunday, 9 November – Etihad Stadium
There are several fixtures each season that I absolutely dread, and this is almost always very close to the top of that list. Long periods of suffering are all but guaranteed, but given our last two outings, I think we may just about be able to cope. City have been on fire of late as well; but it’s the hope that kills you.
Prediction: 2–1 Liverpool
First Goalscorer: Florian Wirtz
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