The Premier League returns from the international break this weekend, and it’s back with a bang. Among the fixtures to be played over the next two days are both the North London and Manchester derbies, while an overachieving Brighton and Hove Albion travel to an underachieving Liverpool in what promises to be an intriguing clash.
The following LWOF Staff have been providing their Premier League predictions over the course of the season so far and will try this weekend to make sense of a situation where, in some cases like those of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, teams have not played a league game for almost a month.
Joseph Howes
Jamie Rooke
Dan Hepburn
Joe Blackburn
Jordan Hackett
Premier League Predictions – Matchweek 8
Oh, it's good to be back 😏 pic.twitter.com/uwCNP5JH1u
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 1, 2022
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Jamie Rooke: 1-1
Dan Hepburn: 1-2
Joe Blackburn: 1-2
Jordan Hackett: 3-1
Joseph Howes: 1-1
Arsenal and Spurs are two of the form teams this season, making this a hotly anticipated North London derby. Antonio Conte’s side excels on the counter and with Arsenal focusing on dominating teams it could be a fascinating affair. 2-1 Spurs in a very tight match.
Joe Blackburn
Bournemouth vs Brentford
Jamie Rooke: 2-2
Dan Hepburn: 1-2
Joe Blackburn: 0-2
Jordan Hackett: 1-1
Joseph Howes: 1-1
Brentford have had a strong start to the season, demolishing Leeds United in a 5-2 win at home prior to their defeat against Arsenal. On the other hand, Bournemouth have already lost a manager this season thanks to poor investment and a dire run of form. A 2-0 Brentford win is on the cards.
Joe Blackburn
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Jamie Rooke: 1-3
Dan Hepburn: 0-2
Joe Blackburn: 0-2
Jordan Hackett: 1-2
Joseph Howes: 1-2
The opening of the season has been a struggle for both of these London sides, with Chelsea not hitting the ground running in spite of spending more than the annual GDP of island nations Kiribati and Tuvalu combined. However, Graham Potter is an excellent manager, and could make the difference in this match. Premier League predictions can be tough, but an expert manager with these resources should be hitting the ground running.
Joe Blackburn
Fulham vs Newcastle United
Jamie Rooke: 2-1
Dan Hepburn: 0-1
Joe Blackburn: 0-1
Jordan Hackett: 1-1
Joseph Howes: 1-2
Newcastle United have struggled to get wins over the line this season, picking just the one up with five draws. With them only losing the one game too, they are expected to start collecting three points soon. However, they face a Fulham side well up for the Premier League this season and may find themselves matched once again. Joint second, behind only Erling Haaland, in the league’s golden boot race, Aleksandar Mitrovic is likely to play a key role against his former club.
Jordan Hackett
Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Jamie Rooke: 2-0
Dan Hepburn: 1-1
Joe Blackburn: 1-2
Jordan Hackett: 3-0
Joseph Howes: 2-0
In Robert de Zerbi’s first game in charge of Brighton, they travel to Premier League mammoths, Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side disappointed against Everton as they failed to capitalise on their chances as they walked away goalless, taking their record to 2 wins from their first 6 Premier League games. The east coast side have started brightly at the beginning of this campaign with their last game being a triumphant win against Leicester where a stunning display from Alexis Mac Allister saw him bag two on the afternoon.
It remains unknown how Brighton will shape up and perform under de Zerbi’s watch but it’s doubtful he has been given enough time to work his magic as of yet. A tough managerial debut for the Italian will see him leave Merseyside with a share of the spoils. 1-1.
Dan Hepburn
Southampton vs Everton
Jamie Rooke: 1-0
Dan Hepburn: 2-2
Joe Blackburn: 2-2
Jordan Hackett: 1-0
Joseph Howes: 0-2
Southampton have let themselves down of late, failing to capitalise on a 2-1 win over Chelsea when losing to both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa since. However, they face an Everton side that are yet to score more than once in any game this season. Armel Bella-Kotchap has been a good addition to the Saints’ backline, and he can help them grind out a low-scoring victory at St Mary’s stadium.
Jordan Hackett
West Ham United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Jamie Rooke: 1-0
Dan Hepburn: 1-0
Joe Blackburn: 0-0
Jordan Hackett: 0-0
Joseph Howes: 1-0
Both West Ham and Wolves are far from thriving in front of goal. The chances are this game is decided by an odd goal and given the quality the Irons have on the field, I’m leaning in their direction.
Jamie Rooke
Manchester City vs Manchester United
Jamie Rooke: 3-0
Dan Hepburn: 3-2
Joe Blackburn: 4-0
Jordan Hackett: 2-2
Joseph Howes: 1-2
The Manchester derby has come around. Current league champions Manchester City host Manchester United this Sunday in a highly anticipated match. Erik ten Hag’s men will be looking to continue their run of form following four successive domestic wins, while the Citizens will want to maintain their unbeaten streak throughout this campaign.
Manchester City’s outlet Erling Haaland has proven his devastating nature in front of goal and although Manchester United have been defensively sound, the Norwegian will target Martinez and win their integral battle. Concerns, however, have been expressed about the visitor’s attacking options with Rashford and Martial seemingly unavailable. Manchester City will snatch this one 3-2.
Dan Hepburn
Leeds United vs Aston Villa
Jamie Rooke: 3-2
Dan Hepburn: 2-1
Joe Blackburn: 2-0
Jordan Hackett: 1-2
Joseph Howes: 3-1
Leeds United face Aston Villa this weekend, and it couldn’t be a better time. Villa are missing key players such as Diego Carlos as Patrick Bamford returns from injury and Luis Sinisterra has scored six goals in his last six appearances. A win for the Whites look likely, one of the easier Premier League predictions I’ve had as a Leeds fan.
Joe Blackburn
Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest
Jamie Rooke: 1-2
Dan Hepburn: 1-2
Joe Blackburn: 0-1
Jordan Hackett: 3-2
Joseph Howes: 0-2
19th and 20th in the Premier League currently are Nottingham Forest and Leicester City and the pair will face off on Monday night. One of these poor performers has to pick up a positive result surely. Steve Cooper has a lot of fresh faces at his disposal after a ferocious transfer window and they will combine to kick the Foxes whilst they’re down.
Jamie Rooke
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