The Premier League remains in full flow this weekend and Grosvenor ambassador Jamie O’Hara is on hand to preview this week’s key fixtures, with Arsenal versus Brighton, Newcastle against Tottenham and Manchester United versus Liverpool put under the microscope.
Arsenal v Brighton – Saturday 12:30
I think Brighton have looked really good so far. I really like the manager, Fabian Hurzeler—he seems to be getting everything right. They played to the very end against Manchester United last week and were rewarded with their late winner.
I think Brighton have a decent chance at the Emirates. The only question mark is, can they be a little bit leaky at the back? As much as I think Brighton are a great side, I’m likewise expecting a strong performance from Arsenal.
The fact that it’s at the Emirates is key here, and I can just see Arsenal doing enough to come out on top in a well-fought battle. It will be a close affair, but the Gunners will do enough.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Brighton 6.50/1
Newcastle v Tottenham – Sunday 14:00
Newcastle have been okay in their opening two games of the season, taking four points from a possible six. I feel they wanted to be more ambitious in the summer transfer window, and it’s not that they haven’t been, but they have chains round their ankles. I still think with the team Newcastle have, this will be a tough game for Tottenham, who got demolished at St. James’ Park last season.
Tottenham need to go into this and put in a much better performance if they want to get anything out of it. This is a massive game for both clubs because they are both at a similar level in terms of wanting to fight for those top positions, and most likely being in the top four as a target.
I’ve been really impressed with what Ange Postecoglou has done with the club, and I think if Tottenham are consistent and don’t get a load of injuries, they will finish in the top four. These are however the games where they have to be more resilient—they’ve got to defend better, stop crosses, and not let Newcastle have as many chances.
Tottenham were too easy to score against last season—they have to tighten up at the back. There is no excuse with the back four that Tottenham have to concede as many goals as they do. This is a tough place to go, and the fans will be right behind the Newcastle side, so it could go either way.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham 8.50/1
Manchester United v Liverpool – Sunday 16:00
It’s the same old Man United! They look alright on the ball, but they need to find a way to win games. The defending at the back post in the dying moments against Brighton last week was diabolical. How many goals do they concede late on in games? They need to see out matches – to come away with nothing after you put in a half-decent performance, they’ll be kicking themselves.
I think United are bang in trouble against this Liverpool side. Liverpool are a much more compact side with more resilience. The full-backs are not as high up the pitch, and their overall shape is better with fewer gaps in behind. I think Arne Slot has got them playing some really good football.
Liverpool will sense some vulnerability here—they will go for it big time, and I can only see one team getting all three points. It will be a tight game in terms of possession, but that’s not how you win games. Liverpool are simply the better team, and they will win it.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool 7/1
O’Hara’s Hotspots: Man Utd v Liverpool Bet Builder
- Liverpool to win
- Both Teams to score
- Red Card to be given
Total: 16/1
Full GW3 Predictions
Arsenal v Brighton – Arsenal 1/3
Everton v Bournemouth – Draw 49/20
Ipswich v Fulham – Draw 5/2
Leicester v Aston Villa – Aston Villa 3/4
Brentford v Southampton – Brentford 7/10
Nottingham Forest v Wolverhampton – Nottingham Forest Evs
West Ham v Manchester City – Manchester City 4/11
Chelsea v Crystal Palace – Chelsea 3/5
Newcastle v Tottenham – Draw 3/1
Manchester Utd v Liverpool – Liverpool 22/25