Chelsea VS Luton
This week’s Friday Night Football sees Chelsea welcome newly-promoted Luton to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were disappointing last week as they lost 3-1 at West Ham and they sit 15th in the table as a result. Luton’s last game came two weeks ago when they were thrashed 4-1 at Brighton and they currently occupy 17th spot. Chelsea have won both of their last 2 meetings (both in the FA Cup) and you’d have to go back to 1991 to find the last time Luton bested Chelsea (2-0). For Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino really has to properly get his Chelsea career up and running with a big win in this one. The Blues are ranked joint-11th in GPG (1.0) and they have the 13th best home record in the league (so far). As for Luton Town, I’m intrigued to see how they perform in this one. The Hatters are ranked 13th in GPG (1.0) and 17th in Shots on Target Per Game (3.0).
My Prediction: 2-1
Bournemouth VS Tottenham
Bournemouth lost 3-1 at Liverpool last weekend and they currently sit 14th in the table. Tottenham picked up an impressive 2-0 win at home to Manchester United, and they currently find themselves in 6th. In their previous 12 meetings, Bournemouth have won just twice compared to Tottenham’s 8. Both of last season’s meetings ended with the visiting team scoring in additional time to win 3-2. For AFC Bournemouth, they won’t want to wait too much longer to secure their first victory of the season. The Cherries are ranked joint-11th in GPG (1.0) and they have the 12th best home record in the league. As for Tottenham Hotspur, they’ll be looking to continue their strong start under Ange Postecoglou. Spurs are ranked 5th in GPG (2.0) and 6th in Shots on Target Per Game (6.0).
My Prediction: 1-2
Arsenal VS Fulham
It’s time for another London Derby as Arsenal welcome Fulham to the Emirates. Arsenal picked up a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Crystal Palace on Monday and they are currently third in the league. Fulham were thrashed 3-0 at home by Brentford and they find themselves 13th in the table as a result. In their previous 14 meetings, Arsenal have won 9 times compared to just one win for Fulham. That win came back in 2012 (at Fulham). For Arsenal, they'll be looking to make it 3 wins out of 3 to start the new season. The Gunners are ranked 9th in GPG (1.5) and they’re unbeaten against Fulham in each of their last 10 outings (8W,2D). As for Fulham, they need to try and bounce back after a disappointing performance last week. The Cottagers are ranked 14th in GPG (0.5) and Bernd Leno is ranked 2nd in Saves Per Game (7.0).
My Prediction: 3-1
Brentford VS Crystal Palace
Brentford were superb last weekend as they thrashed Fulham 3-0 (at Craven Cottage) and they are 4th in the league as a result. Crystal Palace lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal in their last game and they currently sit 11th in the table (because some things never change)! In their last 4 competitive meetings, each game has ended in a draw. You’d have to go back to 1977 to find the last time both teams beat one another (and that was within 3 days)! For Brentford, they’re playing with a lot of confidence right now. The Bees are ranked joint-2nd in GPG (2.5) and they’ve been awarded more penalties than any other team so far this season. As for Crystal Palace, they’ll be looking to bounce straight back after losing on Monday. The Eagles are ranked 14th in GPG (0.5), but 2nd in GCPG (0.5) which is impressive.
My Prediction: 2-0
Everton VS Wolves
Everton host Wolves with both teams needing to pick up a victory. Everton were demolished 4-0 at Aston Villa last weekend and they currently sit bottom of the league. Wolves were thrashed 4-1 at home to Brighton and they currently find themselves in 19th place. In their previous 14 meetings, both sides have won 5 times. For Everton, it already feels like they can’t afford to lose this game. The Toffees are ranked 20th in GPG (0.0) and 16th in GCPG (2.5). As for Wolverhampton Wanderers, this feels like a big game for them. Wolves are ranked 14th in GPG (0.5) and 8th in Shots on Target Per Game (5.5).
My Prediction: 0-1
Manchester United VS Nottingham Forest
Manchester United disappointingly lost 2-0 at Tottenham last week and they currently sit 12th in the table. Nottingham Forest picked up a positive 2-1 victory at home to Sheffield United last time out, and they currently find themselves inside the top half of the table (10th). In their previous 4 meetings, Manchester United have won them all without conceding a goal. Notts Forest’s last victory over Man United came all the way back in 1994 (1-2). For Manchester United, they need to put in an impressive performance in this game to convince people that they’re good enough to compete for the title. United are ranked 14th in GPG (0.5) and 3rd in “Big Chances Created” (6). As for Nottingham Forest, there’s not much pressure on them heading into this one which is probably a good thing. Forest are ranked 9th in GPG (1.5) and they haven’t won a competitive away game since the 4th of January.
My Prediction: 3-0
Brighton VS West Ham
League Leaders Brighton welcome West Ham to the AMEX for Saturday Night Football! Brighton were superb last weekend as they fully dismantled Wolves in a 4-1 victory. West Ham did really well to beat Chelsea 3-1 last time out, and they currently sit 7th in the table (which is pretty good). In their previous 14 meetings, Brighton have won 6 times compared to just two wins for West Ham. It’s worth mentioning that West Ham have never beaten Brighton in the Premier League. For Brighton and Hove Albion, they won’t be looking to slow down any time soon! The Seagulls are ranked 1st in GPG (4.0) and Solly March is currently the Premier League’s Top Goalscorer with 3 Goals (so far this season). As for West Ham United, they’re playing with confidence after a positive start to the new campaign. The Hammers are ranked 5th in GPG (2.0), but they haven’t kept a Clean Sheet in any of their last 4 competitive matches (11 if you include Friendly’s).
My Prediction: 3-1
Burnley VS Aston Villa
Burnley were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in their return to the Premier League, and they currently sit inside the relegation zone as a result (18th). Aston Villa have had a pretty good week as they thrashed Everton 4-0 at home in the league before they demolished Hibernian 5-0 in the Europa Conference League. Villa currently occupy 9th spot. In their previous 9 meetings, Burnley have won 22% of the time compared to Aston Villa’s 33%. For Burnley, they need to try and show a bit more than what they did on the opening night of the season. The Clarets are ranked 19th in both GPG (0.0) and GCPG (3.0). As for Aston Villa, they’ll be aiming to keep their high-scoring week going. Villa are ranked joint-2nd in GPG (2.5) and there’s been a total of 15 goals in their 3 matches so far this season (10-5 to Villa on aggregate).
My Prediction: 2-3
Sheffield United VS Manchester City
Sheffield United lost late at Nottingham Forest last week (2-1) and they currently sit 16th in the table as a result. Manchester City beat Newcastle 1-0 at home last time out and they are currently second in the league. In their previous 5 meetings, Man City have won them all without conceding a goal. Sheffield U’s last victory against Man City came back in 2008. For Sheffield United, they have to make sure they stay in this game as long as possible (and maybe even pick up a result) to help build up some confidence. The Blades are ranked 14th in GPG (0.5) and they have the 4th worst home record in the league. As for Manchester City, they’ll be looking to make it 3 wins out of 3 to start their latest Premier League Title defence. City are ranked joint-5th in GPG (2.0) and they’re the only team that is yet to concede in the Prem this season.
My Prediction: 0-2
Newcastle VS Liverpool
The Main Event of Gameweek 3 sees Newcastle welcome Liverpool to St. James’ Park. Newcastle lost 1-0 at Manchester City last weekend and they currently find themselves in 8th as a result. Liverpool won 3-1 at home to Bournemouth last time out and they are currently 5th in the table. In their previous 24 meetings, Newcastle have won 4 times compared to 14 wins for Liverpool. Newcastle’s last victory against Liverpool came back in 2015 (2-0). For Newcastle United, they’ll want to get back to winning ways straight away here. The Magpies are ranked joint-2nd in GPG (2.0) and 2nd (on their own) in “Big Chances Created” (8). As for Liverpool, this feels like a game that’ll tell us a lot about this Liverpool side. The Reds are ranked joint-5th in GPG (2.0) and they’re unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Newcastle (9W,4D).
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