Premier League Predictions: Frustration for Arsenal, United lose Manchester derby, but Liverpool and Chelsea win in style
The first matchweek in the Champions League threw up some intriguing storylines, but the focus now returns to the Premier League and some fascinating fixtures. It’s no surprise to see Manchester City and Arsenal occupying the top two positions, but few expected relegation favourites Hull to be third.
How will the teams fare this weekend? Here’s a rundown of the games and our predictions.
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Saturday September 12th
Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (3 pm)
Villa got their season up and running in midweek with a Champions League win at Club Brugge, and they must now take that form into a local skirmish with Nottingham Forest. Forest will be eager for revenge after Villa dumped them out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage last season. Forest’s latest boss, Oliver Glasner, has made a slow start at the City Ground, and this is a game both sides need to win.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Bournemouth v Brentford (3 pm)
Two of the division’s overachieving clubs meet on the South Coast, with Bournemouth yet to win and Brentford yet to lose. But momentum is arguably with the Cherries following their solid 2-2 draw at Newcastle last weekend, with Brentford somewhat fortunate to get a point at home to Sunderland. We fancy Bournemouth to break their duck in this one.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Brentford
Chelsea v Hull (3 pm)
Chelsea’s attacking riches came to the fore in midweek as they blew Leeds away in a second-half blitz inspired by the introductions of Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. A 2-0 deficit became a 6-3 win in the EFL Cup third-round tie, and Hull will be fearing a Blues side brimming with confidence. The Tigers were knocked out of the competition by Sunderland, but have still defied the sceptics with a brilliant start to the season, which means they travel south in third place in the Premier League. This may be a bridge too far, though…
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Hull
Crystal Palace v Ipswich (3 pm)
It has been a good week for Palace, claiming a pressure-releasing win at Fulham last weekend and backing it up with a routine win over Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup. New boss Pierre Sage will be eager to maintain their upward trajectory against an Ipswich side that has struggled since their opening-day win. Defeats against Manchester United and Liverpool were not unexpected, though, and a trip to Selhurst Park offers the Tractor Boys the chance to get back on track.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 3-1 Ipswich
Liverpool v Fulham (3 pm)
Andoni Iraola is slowly but surely starting to have an influence on Liverpool, and back-to-back wins, over Ipswich in the league and Atletico Madrid in Europe, have provided reasons for optimism on Merseyside. There is little to suggest their improved form will come to an end against a Fulham side that already looks destined for a season of struggle under Alvaro Arbeloa.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Fulham
Tottenham v Everton (5.30 pm)
The bookmakers have moved Roberto De Zerbi into second place – behind Arbeloa – in the market to become the first manager sacked this season after a return of one point from three games. That seems a little premature given it will take time for the club’s new signings to gel, but there is no doubt the Italian could do with a win in this one. Everton is about as solid a Premier League team as it gets and showed their grit once again last weekend with a last-gasp draw against Manchester United. This is a big game for the Spurs. Do they have the character to take all three points?
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Everton
Sunderland v Arsenal (8 pm)
Arsenal registered their fourth win in four games in all competitions this season with another hugely impressive performance at Napoli in the Champions League in midweek. There appears to be little that can stop Mikel Arteta’s side, but the same was said ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Wearside last season. On that occasion, Arsenal arrived having won 10 straight games and not conceded in eight. Sunderland ground out a 2-2 draw, and the Stadium of Light will be bouncing ahead of this late kick-off. Whether that will be enough is a different matter…
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Arsenal
Sunday September 13th
Coventry v Brighton (2 pm)
Coventry’s early-season fixtures looked a little lop-sided: away games at Arsenal and Manchester City around home clashes with Hull and Brighton. There was an acceptance that they would get little at the Emirates and the Etihad, but the idea was that they would pick up points at home. That theory went out of the window with a 2-0 defeat to the Tigers, and there can be no slip-up here against a Brighton side that has failed to repeat the performance they gave on the opening weekend when they thrashed Villa. It’s far too early to say this is a must-win for Frank Lampard’s side, but they need to start accumulating points soon.
Coventry 0-2 Brighton
Manchester United v Manchester City (4.30 pm)
The early uncertainty around the choice of Enzo Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola appears to have dwindled, and Manchester City recorded their fourth successive win with a routine 2-0 success at Porto in midweek. Manchester United continue to look vulnerable at the back, and City have the weapons to exploit those weaknesses.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City
Responsible Gambling
It is vital to stay on top of your gambling habits, especially when betting on an event as exciting as the English Premier League. All top online sportsbooks will offer users a range of responsible gambling tools, such as time-outs and deposit limits. Alternatively, bettors can contact the following support services:
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- GamCare: https://www.gamcare.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Premier League Gameweek 3?
Gameweek 2 runs from Saturday 12th September to Sunday 13th August.
What time is Manchester United vs Manchester City?
The Sunday night opener kicks off at 4.30 pm.
Can I bet on Premier League Gameweek 3 predictions with free bets?
Yes, several UK bookmakers offer free bet welcome offers that new customers can use on Gameweek 3 markets.
City AM is committed to responsible gambling. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford. To gain help, support and advice for a person struggling with gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. If you are worried about your gambling or that of a friend visit gambleaware.org.
