The Premier League is back from the international break, and there is enough drama for fans to get into with derbies and rivalries lined up for this weekend.
As expected, this week is not just football, but about pure, unscripted theatre on grass.
The storylines are already set with struggling giants trying to steady themselves, new signings itching for a debut, and managers under pressure to prove themselves.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in football generally and the Premier League in particular, it’s that beyond the obvious headlines, there are the human subplots that keep this league irresistible.
From subplots of Jack Grealish facing Aston Villa in Everton colours. Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are in the ‘bomb squad‘ and training on a separate pitch while Chelsea marches on without them. Sunderland is back in the big time, daring to dream they can upset the old guard.
Not forgetting the big one, the Etihad is set to host the 197th Manchester derby. This features two ‘wounded’ Manchester teams with bragging rights hanging in the balance.
Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim both know that a win here does more than add three points, as it shapes the conversation for weeks to come.
Let’s dive into the Manchester derby prediction and nine other fixtures:
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, 12:30pm)
Although Arsenal looked blunt in attack and rarely threatened at Anfield before the international break, the Emirates remains a fortress where they can overwhelm lesser opposition.
Nottingham Forest arrive with new manager Ange Postecoglou in the dugout for the first time, but this is hardly the ideal debut fixture.
Postecoglou will want his side to play bold, attacking football, but Arsenal’s pace out wide can punish Forest if they push too high.
This game will most likely be won in the midfield as the likes of Rice, Zubimendi, and Odegaard will battle Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White and the third wheel, depending on Postecoglou’s choice.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Forest
Bournemouth vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm)
Bournemouth’s last outing before the break, they beat Spurs 1-0, but were seemingly wasteful in front of goal. Brighton, meanwhile, produced a shock of their own by beating Manchester City.
The Cherries’ defence has grown into one of the most organised in the league, and Brighton’s erratic finishing could be exposed again.
This game has all the makings of a score draw, but it depends on both teams coming to play their expansive game.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Brighton
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland (Saturday, 3pm)
Palace have become surprisingly efficient under Oliver Glasner, as they are capable of grinding out results even with injuries to Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr.
Meanwhile, Sunderland, back in the Premier League, is riding momentum after home wins over West Ham and Brentford. This clash is a true test of their resilience away from the Stadium of Light.
This may be a cagey affair as Sunderland might be too careful and Palace not coming out enough with injuries to Sarr, who has been a bright spark in attack, but Palace have enough firepower to take the win at the Stadium of Light.
Prediction: Palace 2-0 Sunderland
Everton vs Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)
This game is all about Jack Grealish hosting his old club in Everton colours at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
He’s been reborn since leaving Manchester City, pulling the strings and reminding everyone of his quality. Everton, however, meets a ‘struggling’ Villa side desperate to finally get their season on track with below-par performances so far.
Villa’s attack has looked toothless, but Unai Emery’s men won’t stay goalless forever. With the introduction of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, they may just have enough to trouble Everton.
One thing is almost sure: Everton will score, but it remains to be seen if Villa will reciprocate.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Aston Villa
Fulham vs Leeds (Saturday, 3pm)
Fulham are still finding rhythm under Marco Silva this season, but they showed flashes of their attacking depth against Chelsea. Leeds, meanwhile, look toothless in attack and lack the squad depth of their hosts.
With both teams struggling for form, a low-scoring game is on the cards.
The Cottagers will need the likes of Iwobi, Muniz and youngster Josh King to step up for this one.
Prediction: Fulham 2-0 Leeds
Newcastle vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)
Newcastle’s start has been frustrating with the way they’ve competed well but still seek their first win.
Wolves sit at the bottom and look very shaky. Jorgen Strand Larsen, the striker Newcastle tried to buy, seems to be out for this one.
Newcastle’s new attack needs to click sooner rather than later, and this feels like the game where their intensity pays off, but they will be without the services of Anthony Gordon, who is suspended and new signing Yoane Wissa, who is out injured.
Wolves will fight, especially with the addition of Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare, but Newcastle should finally taste victory.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Wolves
West Ham vs Tottenham (Saturday, 5:30pm)
West Ham’s fans are still surprised by their team’s super performance at Forest. That result papered over cracks, though, and Tottenham’s last away performance, beating City, proved they’re capable of handling tough atmospheres.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs may have stumbled against Bournemouth, but this feels like a reset opportunity.
The Hammers’ fragile defence nd home confidence could be shattered by a ruthless Spurs with the introduction of Xavi Simons to join a well-stacked attacking line of Richarlison, Kudus, Johnson and Solanke.
Prediction: West Ham 1-3 Tottenham
Brentford vs Chelsea (Saturday, 8pm)
The west London derby is never short of drama, and this one promises no less.
Brentford love nothing more than turning their home ground into a chaos ground, where goals seem to rain down almost by instinct.
Chelsea, fresh from hammering West Ham 5-1, seems to have enough firepower to win, but will have one eye at their opening UCL game against Bayern Munich.
It’s the kind of clash where form takes a back seat, and chaos usually steals the show.
Brentford lost their most potent attacking threats in recent times with Mbeumo and Wissa leaving, while Chelsea might introduce the likes of new signings Facundo Buonanotte and Alejandro Garnacho for this one.
Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Chelsea
Burnley vs Liverpool (Sunday, 2pm)
Burnley put up a brave fight in their close defeat at Old Trafford, but facing the champions is another matter entirely.
This seems like the wrong time to face Liverpool as Arne Slot’s side are yet to really hit top gear, but three wins from three prove their ruthless edge remains intact.
Alexander Isak may debut from the bench, adding more firepower to a side already stacked in attack. Burnley’s Turf Moor spirit won’t be enough to keep Liverpool at bay for 90 minutes.
Prediction: Burnley 0-4 Liverpool
Manchester City vs Manchester United (Sunday, 4:30pm)
This is the game one for the weekend, and the 197th Manchester derby arrives with both sides under pressure.
Pep Guardiola’s City are struggling after back-to-back defeats, while Ruben Amorim is still trying to mould United into a force.
Both managers know this game could define their early season.
City’s Etihad dominance gives them the edge, but United’s counterattacking threat, with Bryan Mbeumo key, will cause problems, although they will be missing the attacking threats of Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount.
City, on the other hand, will miss the likes of Omar Marmoush, Ryan Ait-Nouri and Ryan Cherki.
It is expected to be a tight affair, as both were individual brilliance that makes the difference.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United.
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