It’s gameweek 3, and while there is no Friday night game this week (it feels strange, right?), there are still loads of great games for us to mull over this weekend. Here are the predictions for Gameweek 3
Saturday
Chelsea vs Fulham
Prediction – Draw
Chelsea are likely to be Cole Palmer-less for this London derby, and while that meant nothing against West Ham last week, Fulham will provide a much tougher test at Stamford Bridge. I’d don’t expect them to lose, but Fulham have been able to grind out results in the first two games against Brighton and Man United, where they could have easily won or lost either. I’d expect more of the same here.
Man United V Burnley
Prediction – Draw
On paper, this should be a straight forward win for United. Then again, it should have been that against League Two Grimbsy Town. Amorin has had a terrible start to the season, and his press conference this week where he said he sometimes considers leaving United was mind boggling. The only reason they don’t lose here is that it’s Burnley, and despite a great result last week vs Sunderland, their away form in the Premier League when they’re here is just as bad as United’s form in general. This could be 4-0 United, or 1-0 Burnley. So I’ll stick with a draw.
Sunderland vs Brentford
Prediction – Brentford Win
Reality check for Sunderland fans; you’re not going to stay in the Premier League this season. Reality check for Sunderland fans; you won against West Ham on the opening day, but they’re probably going to be playing you home and away again next season (if they continue the way they are going!) Keith Andrews got a much better performance from his players last weekend, earning a good win vs Villa. And with Jordan Henderson fit and around the place, they’ll have enough to see off Sunderland.
Spurs vs Bournemouth
Prediction – Spurs win
ALL ABOURD THE HYPE TRAIN LADS!!!!!!! Spurs are winning the league! Well, no, they’re not. But my 5th place prediction doesn’t sound too bombastic, even if it’s just after 2 games. Paulinha is looking like the bargain of the summer so far, and makes Spurs instantly more solid. Vicario was immense last week against City as well, so they could stifle a free attacking Bournemouth side. Semenyo will get you a hat full of lovely fantasy points this season, just not this weekend. ALL ABOARD THE HYPE TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wolves vs Everton
Prediction – Everton win
Was I the only one just a tad jealous of Everton’s shiny new stadium last week? No? Great. But that’s not the only shiny new thing for Everton this year. Jack Grealish looks reborn, and if you’ve had a listen to this weeks podcast, you’ll find that over here at Statr, we’re all in agreement. The lad looks like he’s playing free of any responsibility, and a maverick needs that kind of environment. Wolves had a good win in mid week in the Cup, but I can’t see them having near enough to see off Everton here.
Leeds vs Newcastle
Prediction – Newcastle win
Leeds were a dumpster fire after 20 mins against Arsenal last week (sorry Dermot!), putting up no real resistance after the first goal went in. Newcastle, on the other hand, should have won against Liverpool on Monday night, had it not been for a moment of madness from Anthony Gordon, and a moment of genius from 16 year old Rio Ingumoha. Eddie howe’s team showed a fight and togetherness that they will needs in spades this season, and it looks like they have a shiny new striker in Nick Woltemade. Yes, the’ll be missing Tonali and Joelinton, but Ramsey is a more than capable option in their absence. Away win. Moving on…
Sunday
Brighton vs Man City
Prediction – City win
This one is tough to call. On one hand, Brighton have had a poor start to the season with 1 point from 2 games, and haven’t looked especially brilliant in either game. On the other side, City flattered to deceive against Wolves and were caught napping against Spurs. What swings it for City is the feeling that there has to be a reaction to a loss so early in the season, right? And of course, there’s the Rodri factor…
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Prediction – Forest win
Will this be Graham Potters last game in charge? It’s strange to think the manager merry go round is starting so early, but he is under serious pressure. Forest haven’t exactly been the picture of calmness over the last few weeks, at least off the pitch, but on the pitch, they look like early Forest of last season. Chris Wood is scoring again and Elliot Anderson will be feeling good after his first England call up. Forest to win here by 2.
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Prediction – Arsenal win
This weekend is when reality slaps Liverpool in the face like a big wet fish. Konate looks like his head is in Madrid already, Wirtz hasn’t showed up, and while Gravenberch does give that back line a more solid feel, Liverpool can’t keep throwing away 2 goal leads. Arsenal haven’t conceded yet so expect a stronger test for Salah and Co, with the leaks to continue at the back.
Comments are closed