It’s been a tough, if expected, return to the Premier League for the Saints whose points tally is yet to get off the mark. Things ain’t so rosy for Man U either and a home win would see Southampton climb above their visitors in the table. Dear oh dear. Away win.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION vs IPSWICH TOWN (1500)
From appalling starts to an outstanding one, at least as far as the Seagulls go. Ipswich have been served some tricky fixtures to start with, and Brighton will be no less of an opponent. Just one likely outcome here. Home win.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs LEICESTER CITY (1500)
Despite just the single point on the board, Palace look strong and should be way too good for the visiting Foxes. Home win.
FULHAM vs WEST HAM UNITED (1500)
A lot of people will understandably have this down as a draw, but with a hat full of fixtures now in the bag our new signings should have started to settle and form a decent functional first team. Fulham too have a decent side, so this is likely to be close. But with a strong defence – Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman – and Bowen, Paqueta and Kudus marauding towards the other end, there’s something about West Ham that threatens as few Irons sides have done in recent times. It will be interesting to see if Carlos Soler plays and what he can produce. Away win.
LIVERPOOL vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST (1500)
Every point is valuable for Forest and they’ll be satisfied with the five they’ve notched up so far. They’ll struggle to add to that this afternoon, though, as Liverpool have their eyes firmly on top slot. Home win.
MANCHESTER CITY vs BRENTFORD (1500)
Will City’s legal troubles affect their approach to this game? Tempting to think it might, but unlikely. The Bees have started well but this encounter will be a bridge too far. Home win.
ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON (1730)
Poor old Everton. Bottom of the table (again), without a point and a sword once again dangling over their heads. Another tough season beckons.
BOURNEMOUTH vs CHELSEA (2000)
Two sides on the up. You’d have to fancy Chelsea, but cannot dismiss a strong Cherries side. The fence? Not today. Away win.
*SUNDAY*
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs ARSENAL (1400)
How much will the Arse miss Rice and Odegard? A good deal, you’d expect. And with home advantage, what more could Spurs wish for? But Arsenal are more than Rice and Odegard – just ask their accountants – and a local derby could spring any result, particularly if the hosts dominate midfield. So Draw it is.
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs NEWCASTLE UNITED (1630)
It’s been a tough start for Wolves with one point and a goal difference of minus six after three games, while the Barcodes are unbeaten in fifth. Still, the hosts should be better than that and will hope to turn around their fortunes soonish. Can’t see it happening today though. Away win.
OVER TO YOU…
SOU vs MNU
BHA vs IPS
CRY vs LEI
FUL vs WHU
LIV vs FOR
MCY vs BRF
AVL vs EVE
BOU vs CHE
TOT vs ARS
WOL vs NEW
