It is another huge weekend of Premier League football and gameweek eight has some mouthwatering fixtures. There is just three points separating first and sixth in the table, after Manchester City lost for the first time this season against Wolves last weekend. At the bottom, Sheffield United and Bournemouth are the teams without a win this season.
Here are five key fixtures from the weekend’s games and our score predictions.
Arsenal v Manchester City
Embed from Getty ImagesIt is the blockbuster fixture of the season, let alone the weekend. After suffering their first defeat of the season, Manchester City come into the game with a point to prove. They won their Champions League match in the week against RB Leipzig, unlike Arsenal who lost against Lens. There is just one point separating the two sides heading into the match.
Arsenal will be concerned about the nature of Bukayo Saka’s injury, with the winger limping off in midweek. Erling Haaland will be hoping to find his goal scoring touch again after failing to score in his last two games in all competitors. It will be a lively atmosphere at the Emirates with both sides looking to perform back at their best.
Prediction: 1-1
Brighton v Liverpool
Embed from Getty ImagesLast weekend threw up one of the most controversial decisions in Premier League history as Liverpool were on the wrong end of the result and the officiating at Tottenham. Their first defeat of the season was marred by VAR debate and an apology from PGMOL. A win in the Europa League during the week has put Jurgen Klopp’s side back on course as they travel to Brighton this weekend.
Brighton have had a sticky week. They were thumped by Aston Villa 6-1 last weekend, but showed resilience to fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Marseille in the Europa League. Brighton’s dip in form could play straight into Liverpool’s hands as they will seek vengeance at the AMEX. Their form against Brighton is poor, with just one win in their last seven meetings.
Prediction: 1-3
Luton v Tottenham
Embed from Getty ImagesTottenham are the first of the top six teams to visit Kenilworth Road, as Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten side travel to Luton. Rob Edward’s outfit suffered a damaging defeat to Burnley in midweek, after their first win of the campaign at Everton last weekend. The Hatters remain outside the relegation zone on goal difference.
Spurs will still be on a high after their last gasp win against Liverpool last week. They sit second in the table and can go top of the league with a win in the lunchtime kick-off. Heung-Min Son has been on sparkling form, with six goals in seven league games. Can he add to his impressive tally this weekend? Luton will be looking to cause an almighty upset and will be banking on their home crowd to make Kenilworth Road as intimidating as possible.
Prediction: 0-2
Manchester United v Brentford
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth sides are lacking form but it has been a shocking week for Manchester United with home defeats in the Premier League and the Champions League. It is another home game for Erik ten Hag who will be desperate to get the fans back onside with victory at Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund’s double in the week was an encouraging sign for United as they look to get back to winning ways.
Brentford have no win in any competition since the end of August, a five game winless spell. Thomas Frank’s side have just one league win so far and sit three points above the relegation zone. The Ivan Toney shaped hole up front may be proving to be more costly than it was initially thought, however this may be a great time for the Bees to play an unsettled United side.
Prediction: 1-1
Burnley v Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea have two wins in a row in all competitions. After dismantling Fulham on Monday night, they will visit Turf Moor full of confidence. Nicolas Jackson is available for selection after serving a one-match ban, but faces competition from Armando Broja who scored against Fulham. Mykhailo Mudryk’s first Chelsea goal was a huge moment for the Ukrainian, can he begin to show the potential that was promised when he first joined the club?
With no win in six for Burnley, a feeling of panic was beginning to arise for the fans, but Vincent Kompany’s side grabbed a vital win in the week against Luton. They have their first win of the season and will be eager to add to it in front of their own fans. Burnley have another tricky fixture to add to their difficult start this season. It should be a fascinating game between two teams looking to build on their wins.
Prediction: 1-2
