Welcome to Last Word On Football’s Premier League preview of Matchweek seven, the latest in our Premier League previews series for the 2019/20 season. This week’s action in English football’s top-flight sees Manchester United face Arsenal, in a vital top-six clash.
Premier League Preview: Matchweek Seven
Premier League Matchweek Seven Key Games
Manchester United v Arsenal
A historic ‘table-topping’ clash of the past now has a very different feel to it. Both are now competing for the top four, instead of being top four certainties.
Manchester United are faced with a number of problems, none more so than who to play up front. Both Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are unlikely, meaning 17-year-old Mason Greenwood could earn his first United start.
The last three games in all competitions have not been spectacular performances by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. They narrowly defeated FC Astana in the UEFA Europa League, before seeing defeat away to West Ham. However, perhaps most humiliating was their Carabao Cup victory over League One side Rochdale, in which they could only win on penalties. As a result, the Manchester United manager will be hoping to see a better performance this time round.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are now undefeated in their last five games. A win over Aston Villa in the Premier League last time out – thanks to a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang winner – was in the middle of cup victories over Eintracht Frankfurt and Nottingham Forest.
This will prove to be a testing fixture for both sides as they battle to fend off the scathing criticism of their recent performances.
Tottenham v Southampton
This a bigger game for Tottenham than it is for Southampton. The home side are now under immense pressure following their Carabao Cup exit to Colchester United.
Mauricio Pochettino is yet to find the right consistency with his side this season. There is plenty of speculation as to whether all is not well within his squad. However, their 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace showed that they are more than capable of performing on their day.
Similar to Tottenham, Southampton are finding it hard to create a consistent run of form so far this season. Last time out in the Premier League saw them lose 3-1 to south coast rivals Bournemouth, however, prior to that saw them win 1-0 away from home to Sheffield United.
Tottenham will be hoping that they can bounce back from their Carabao Cup misery with a convincing win on Saturday. However, they will be under immense pressure to do so.
LWOF Predicts
Sheffield United v Liverpool
Sheffield United take on the unstoppable force that is Liverpool in the lunchtime kick-off in Matchweek seven. However, the Blades have already taken a point from one top-six side this season, can they do it again against Liverpool?
Sheffield United 1-3 Liverpool
Aston Villa v Burnley
While it is still early in the season, Aston Villa need to start picking up points. They were close to an upset against Arsenal last time out and will be hoping to build on that performance at home to Burnley.
Aston Villa 1-0 Burnley
Bournemouth v West Ham
Along with Leicester City, these two sides have been the surprise packages so far this season, as they lie in fifth and sixth retrospectively. West Ham are yet to lose away from home this season in the Premier League and will be hoping to maintain that record when they travel to Bournemouth.
Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham
Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion
Chelsea are now starting to find their feet under Frank Lampard. Their performance against Liverpool last time out was overshadowed by their defeat, and as a result, they will be hoping they can rise up the table with a win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea 3-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Crystal Palace v Norwich City
Crystal Palace were just seconds away from victory last time out, while Norwich City suffered defeat away at Burnley. As a result, both sides will be hoping that they can taste victory again at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace 1-2 Norwich City
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
Tottenham are in desperate need of a victory at home to Southampton. However, the pressure is certainly mounting on them to take three points, and it could prove too much for the home side,
Tottenham 1-1 Southampton
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Watford
Watford will be hoping to bounce back from their humiliating defeat to Manchester City by winning away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Wolves will also be hoping to earn their first win of the season and jump out of the relegation zone.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 Watford
Everton v Manchester City
City have now seen 11 goals in their last two games in all competitions. Meanwhile, Everton have lost their last two games in the Premier League and will face a tough task against the current champions.
Everton 1-3 Manchester City
Leicester City v Newcastle United
Newcastle United are battling their way to Premier League survival through defence performances. Against Leicester City, it is unlikely to be any different, and the Foxes should take all three points.
Leicester City 2-1 Newcastle United
Manchester United v Arsenal
Arsenal will fancy their chances of picking up the victory at Old Trafford against a weak Manchester United. However, a score draw is most likely in what will be an end-to-end affair.
Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal
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