Last week’s Premier League predictions went so well, that we thought we’d give it another shot, hoping to once again be forced to turn down claims that we can see into the future.
Fresh from European clashes, this week’s fixtures will likely be tighter affairs than last time out, but still expect plenty of goals, as shown in our Premier League predictions below.
Premier League Predictions: Matchday Five
Newcastle United v Leeds United
The table suggests this game will be close, but, on the contrary, this should be the fixture to kickstart Leeds United’s season. The Yorkshire club have struggled to make the same impact as last season, with Marcelo Bielsa’s praise over his free-flowing football quickly turning to criticism. Having already faced Manchester United, Everton, and Liverpool in three of their first four league games, however, it’s no wonder they sit 17th.
As for Newcastle, as sombre and as hopeless as it may sound, they look like a side ready for the drop. You look around every other Premier League side, perhaps Norwich City aside, and you sense some-kind of positivity – whether it be the optimism of the fans or the standout of a player. The fans have had enough of Steve Bruce – as many Premier League clubs would by now – and are finally losing hope over a takeover. A Friday night visit of Leeds will only compile their misery.
Newcastle United 1-3 Leeds United
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brentford
Last week, Brentford enjoyed a last-gasp blow at the hands of Leandro Trossard of Brighton & Hove Albion, and they should expect a similarly close game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who finally scored their first goals of the Premier League season to ease past Watford last time out.
Both sides will play with plenty of attacking intent, Wolves, in particular, look much-improved in that department under Bruno Lage. By the time the whistle blows for full-time, however, Francisco Trincao’s influence will have proved too much for the travelling Bees.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 Brentford
Burnley v Arsenal
Finally picking up their first three points of the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Norwich City last time out, Arsenal travel to a struggling Burnley side. The Clarets looked on course for victory against Everton last Monday, before a freakish few minutes spun the game on its head to hand the Toffees a 3-1 win.
For the first time under Sean Dyche, Burnley look increasingly vulnerable for the drop. For the sake of their survival, they’ll be hoping to, at the very leat, repeat last season’s 1-1 draw at Turf Moor. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta will know the importance of consistency and, therefore, just how crucial it is for Arsenal to ease Burnley to one side.
Burnley 0-0 Arsenal
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Fresh from a stunning 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace will be hoping for a repeat performance against Liverpool at Anfield. The Eagles will know just how much more quality the Reds have at their disposal compared to Spurs, however, especially after last season’s fixtures.
If you cast your minds back to the last campaign, you’ll remember that Liverpool, without Virgil van Dijk, dismantled Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park, before confirming their top-four status on the last day of the season with a 2-0 win. Having rested players in his side’s dramatic 3-2 win over AC Milan, Jurgen Klopp will be expecting all three points this weekend to extend Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season to five games.
Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Southampton
A trip to the Etihad is never easy, but, for Southampton, it proves to be a dreaded experience. Last season, the Saints lost 5-2 against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad. With the mood City are likely to be in, fresh from scoring six past RB Leipzig in a 6-3 victory, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be in for a difficult afternoon.
Southampton will be boosted by the confidence gained in a 0-0 draw against West Ham last time out, but will know the challenge that awaits. After losing 9-0 against Leicester City and Manchester United in the last two seasons, they may just be hoping to leave the Etihad with their dignity intact.
Manchester City 5-0 Southampton
Norwich City v Watford
In what is a crucial six-pointer between relegation candidates, Norwich City host Watford in a desperate mood. The Canaries have become the punchline of several jokes, as they arrive at the Premier League party before leaving quicker than the hiding guests can yell surprise. And, by the looks of their start to this season, they’re in for another campaign to forget.
As for Watford, since starting so well with a shock win over Aston Villa on the opening day, they have failed to secure another victory, losing to the likes of Wolves and Brighton. If they fail to pick up the three points against Norwich, then Xisco Munoz may well find himself in the firing line, as the Watford hierarchy prepare to swing open the revolving door of managers once more.
With both sides struggling, do not be surprised to see a flurry of goals in an exciting score draw.
Norwich City 2-2 Watford
Aston Villa v Everton
Aston Villa v Everton pits the side many expected to fly this season against the side that has actually managed a flying start to the season. The Toffees have looked a better collective that last season, now under former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, and have risen into the top four, level on points with those above them.
Meanwhile, clearly still adjusting with new players and without Jack Grealish, Aston Villa have earned just four points from a possible 12, having lost against Chelsea last time out. Back at home, Dean Smith will hope to kickstart the campaign against Everton, but the Toffees will more than prove a tough nut to crack.
Aston Villa 1-1 Everton
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
