The Premier League is back, hooray!
Another international break is over and the 2020/21 campaign is ready to resume after an electrifying start. Sensational scorelines, puzzling performances, great goals and a multitude of mistakes. And that’s just Manchester United.
Here’s a look ahead to all 10 Premier League fixtures AND we’ll be debating who could grab the goals, giving you a bit of insight for Million Pound Picks – our free-to-play game where you could win £1m for your Premier League predictions.
Here. We. Go.
Sat 12:30pm
Everton vs Liverpool
It’s fair to say that the recent Merseyside derbies have been a little disappointing. This one could be too, but there’s way more to it than just local rivalry this time around.
The Toffees are top of the league with a perfect record. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are the reigning champions, looking to bounce back from that 7-2 trouncing at Aston Villa. This should be good.
No in-depth analysis here. We expect goals and we expect England’s new number 9 Dominic Calvert-Lewin to get chances against a shaky Liverpool defence. And we know the Reds ooze quality.
It’s the easy option, but we’re between DCL and Mo Salah to score first, and we’re not even sorry about it.
OUR PICK: Mo Salah
Sat 3pm
Chelsea vs Southampton
It’s off to Stamford Bridge for what should be another good one for the neutral, played out between two sides who enjoy possession.
Chelsea are favourites and will look to unlock the Saints through German duo Kai Havertz and Timo Werner. Expect the latter to grab his first Premier League goal here. But with new goalkeeper Edouard Mendy injured and Kepa potentially stepping in, look out for James Ward-Prowse.
Southampton’s set-piece specialist is averaging over 1 shot per game so far and will certainly be looking to test a goalkeeper lacking form and confidence.
OUR PICK: Timo Werner
Sat 5:30pm
Manchester City vs Arsenal
It’s been an underwhelming start to the season for Man City and they have a few fitness doubts ahead of this one. But Raheem Sterling sat out England’s internationals and is expected to be available.
Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to exploit Arsenal out wide, and the prolific winger seems a solid shout to stick one in at the back post like he does so often.
But City have to concede, right? Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has 100% shot accuracy this season yet hasn’t scored since the opening day. The dry spell could end this weekend.
OUR PICK: Raheem Sterling
Sat 8pm
Newcastle vs Manchester Utd
Two former Man Utd players in the St James’ Park dugouts. Ole’s at the wheel but the vehicle is veering, while Steve Bruce’s Magpies have made a solid start to the season.
Allan Saint-Maximin, who signed a new 6-year contract earlier this week, could expose the Red Devils, and Callum Wilson looks the most likely to profit from the winger’s trickery.
But Man Utd will create, and you just cannot ignore their penalty record – especially with Premier League referees dishing spot-kicks out like sweets. Get behind Bruno Fernandes, who is also likely to find some space in the hole to fire off a speculative effort or two.
OUR PICK: Bruno Fernandes
Sun 12pm
Sheffield Utd vs Fulham
No one will blame you if you nip out for Sunday lunch instead of tuning in for this one. Despite failing to pick a point, Sheffield Utd can feel hard done by to be stuck on zero – but they could be struggling up top here with injuries and fitness issues affecting their selection of strikers.
Club legendBilly Sharp might lead the line at Bramall Lane, but don’t forget the no goalscorer option available when playing Million Pound Picks – which you can currently get at 15/2 with Grosvenor Sport.
Scott Parker’s Fulham will be happy with a point here and could blunt the Blades in the first 0-0 of the Premier League season.
OUR PICK: No goalscorer
Sun 2pm
Crystal Palace vs Brighton
The M23 derby. A slightly random rivalry beginning in the 70s has developed into something quite fierce over the years, and we expect this to be fun, fast and feisty.
Crystal Palace haven’t looked particularly strong at defending set pieces and this game has potential for a lot of niggly fouls – especially out wide, an area of strength for both sides.
For that reason, we’re taking Adam Webster for the Seagulls – an aerial threat and a centre-back good for a goal or three every season. He’s currently 20/1 to score first, and 9/1 any time.
OUR PICK: Adam Webster
Sun 4:30pm
Spurs vs West Ham
Still with us? Good. Another derby – and this one’s a clash in the capital. Spurs ran riot against Man Utd, but what about against a West Ham side that walked all over Wolves and Leicester?
At the end of the day, you just don’t know what to expect with this David Moyes side – but we’re feeling a Tottenham home win this weekend.
Jose Mourinho’s men have scored 5, 6 and 7 this season already, so how about a 4-goal haul on Sunday afternoon… led by Son Heung-Min.
OUR PICK: Son Heung-Min
Sun 7:15pm
Leicester vs Aston Villa
This is the last derby day ding-dong, we promise. A Midlands match-up between two sides in third and second respectively.
Villa are 100% ahead of their trip to the King Power, and they were outstanding against Liverpool with hat-trick hero Ollie Watkins shining. Him, Grealish and Ross Barkley are a terrifying trio for any opposition to face – and the former Brentford striker could be on target again.
If you fancy the Foxes here though, we’re obviously going to say Jamie Vardy. And we’ll probably say it every week. The man’s a machine.
OUR PICK: Jamie Vardy
Mon 5:30pm
WBA vs Burnley
These two will be in the bottom three by kick-off, due to the Sheffield Utd vs Fulham match on Sunday, and it’s a tough one to call.
Gut instinct might say Burnley, but they’ve disappointed so far and aren’t looking like the tight-knit unit we’ve come to expect. WBA on the other hand have looked lively, and two men instrumental in their promotion can strike another blow to Sean Dyche’s side here.
Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana love to get a shot away and that might be what’s needed to spark this game to life. Toss a coin and go for one of those guys to net at the Hawthorns.
OUR PICK: Matheus Pereira
Mon 8pm
Leeds vs Wolves
There was a lot of love for Leeds ahead of their Premier League return and they’ve justified it so far, performing well and picking up 7 points from their first 4 fixtures.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have ridden their luck at times though, conceding some big chances along the way – and Wolves’ Raul Jimenez is one hotshot who’s always likely to stick an opportunity away when it comes along.
As for the hosts, we’re going for a bit of an outsider. Leeds should have some joy out wide and only strikers Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo have got more shots away than full-backs – Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling (currently 28/1). Consider the Elland Road right-back as an outside bet to get off the mark for the season.
OUR PICK: Raul Jimenez
MILLION POUND PICKS
So there’s our advice. Take it in, ignore it (probably for the best), and take on our Million Pound Picks this week.
Get all 10 and £1m is yours. But we’re also giving away £2k every single week for the best efforts, and a £10 free bet for everyone who gets 3 or more 10 correct.
Lock in your selections before 12:25pm on Saturday 17th October. Good luck!
*All stated odds correct at time of writing
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