Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. As the table is beginning to take shape this weekend will see City host Fulham, relegation six pointer between Sheffield United and Everton, Liverpool host Villa, while Arsenal welcome United to the Emirates.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games spread out across three days, from Friday evening until Sunday evening.
Friday 1st September 2023
Luton - West Ham 8pm KO (Kick Off)
Saturday 2nd September 2023
Sheffield United - Everton 12.30pm KO
Brentford - Bournemouth 3pm KO
Burnley - Tottenham 3pm KO
Chelsea - Nottingham Forest 3pm KO
Manchester City - Fulham 3pm KO
Brighton - Newcastle 5.30pm KO
Sunday 3rd September 2023
Crystal Palace - Wolves 2pm KO
Liverpool - Aston Villa 2pm KO
Arsenal - Manchester United 4.30pm KO
Predictions
Now for the most exciting part, as I go through the latest info regarding each team to make an attempt at predicting the results for this week matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee.
Luton - West Ham
The Hatters are sitting second from bottom with no points from their opening two games and welcome second place West Ham who are on 7 points.
Luton will get to play their first home game of the season after the renovation work at Kenilworth Road. They are yet to win in the league but did beat Gillingham in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. They were humbled by Chelsea last weekend, only managing a single shot, and have now conceded seven times while only scoring once in their two games. The baptism of fire in terms of playing their first two games away from home means the Hatters will know creating a solid atmosphere at home could be the key to getting points and climbing the league.
The Hammers are flying following the sale of Rice, with Ward-Prowse fitting the side like a glove. Moyes was under pressure but the players brought in so far are performing, while the likes of Bowen is back on form. They beat Brighton last weekend having beaten Chelsea before that, and the Hammers will be full of confidence going here. Kudus , Mavropanos, and Alvarez will fill out the squad along with the aforementioned Ward-Prowse, but more names could arrive at West Ham will push to ensure they remain in the top half this season.
Luton will be missing Osho, Potts, and Clark. West Ham meanwhile will be Mavropanos and Aguerd, while they have doubts over Soucek.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LL
Away: DWW
Luton will be keen to get goals and keep their home crowd happy here, but West Ham have shown they are more than capable of scoring and winning games this season. These side have not met competitively since 1994 and the Hammers have not won any of their four previous meetings, but seem certain to change that with a win here.
Final score: 1-3
Sheffield United - Everton
The Blades are sitting in seventeenth with no points and welcome bottom side Everton, who are also on zero points.
Sheffield United are yet to win in their return to the top flight, and were knocked out of the League Cup by Lincoln City during the week. They fell to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest before putting in a spirited effort against Manchester City, but Heckingbottom's side showed their frailties throughout. They can focus on the league until the FA Cup begins, but their form is worrying and this will be a huge game to get their first points on the board.
Everton beat Doncaster Rovers in the midweek cup clash, but are also without a win in the league. Dyche is struggling to find goalscoring solutions within his side, having lost to Wolves last weekend in the league. Sitting bottom and the only side yet to score in the league, but new signing Beto did manage to score in the cup, along with loan signing Danjuma. Transferring those goals to the league will be vital as Everton aim to avoid a fourth straight league defeat and put some momentum into their relegation battle.
The Blades will be without Brewster, Fleck, Norrington-Davies, Jebbison, Lowe, and Osborn. They also have concerns over Slimane. Everton will be without Alli, Coleman, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, Iwobi, and McNeil, while they have doubts over Gomes.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLL
Away: LLL
Back in 2021 when these sides last met it was Sheffield United who beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison, but Everton managed to win the previous two at Bramell Lame by the same scoreline. This is likely to be a close and tight affair with two sides determined not to taste more defeat. While I can see Sheffield United having the advantage by playing at home, I can see this one ending in a draw.
Final score: 0-0
Brentford - Bournemouth
The Bees are currently sitting in ninth with 5 points and will welcome sixteenth placed Bournemouth, who have a single point so far, to the Gtech Community Stadium.
Frank has overseen his side beat Newport County on penalties in midweek in the midweek Cup game after their draw with Palace last weekend. They will be aiming to go seven league games unbeaten here, and Frank has seen his side score in every home game since last October, a run of 15 games. Even without main man Toney they have found the net, as Wissa and Mbuemo have stepped up. They are par for course currently but having seen leads dropped against Spurs and Palace, Frank will be looking for his side to see out more wins going forward.
The Cherries are through in the Cup after beating Swansea, and in doing so handed Iraola his first win as manager. Next step is getting a win in the league. They have a record of six losses and a draw from their last seven in the division, and their worrying form will need to turn around soon to get them away from the relegation battle. They have also conceded at least twice in each of their last three games as Iraola works to get his style fluent within the side.
The Bees will be without Toney, Dasilva, and Baptiste, while they will need to assess Strakosha and Damsgaard. Bournemouth will be missing Scott, Smith, Outtara, Adams, Tavernier, Fredericks, and Marcondes.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DWD
Away: DLL
Bournemouth have only managed to beat Brentford once in the sides previous seven encounters, and the ease at which the Cherries are conceding does not bode well. Brentford have potent firepower at their disposal and while Bournemouth will put up a good fight, Brentford have to be the favourites in this one.
Final score: 2-1
Burnley - Tottenham
Burnley are currently eighteenth with no points from two games and face third place Tottenham, who are sitting on 7 points.
Last seasons Championship winners have struggled so far in the league, losing to both City and Villa, but they did manage to overcome Nottingham Forest during the midweek cup fixtures. Their winless run in the league stands at six games, going all the way back to April 2022. The solace for Burnley is their game in hand against Luton, but they are firmly in the relegation places and need to display some of their ability from last season to climb the standings. They will face more top six opposition following the international break, so Kompany will need to get his side fine tuned as quickly as possible.
Spurs were knocked out of the Cup by Fulham during the week, as their wait for a trophy continues. However, Postecoglou has overseen league wins over Bournemouth and United to see his side sitting comfortably in the table. They have managed to score at least twice in each league game since Postecoglou took charge, and Maddison has been a particular highlight since his arrival. Spurs will also be aiming to go four games unbeaten away from home in the league in this one.
Kompany will be missing Zaroury, Obafemi, and Churlinov, while they also have concerns over Beyer. Spurs will be without Whiteman, Sessegnon, Gil, and Bentancur. They will also need to check on the fitness of Richarlison.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LL
Away: DWW
Spurs lost 1-0 on their last trip to Turf Moor, but they have managed to win four of the previous five encounters between these sides. Kompany and Postecoglou will both be out to prove their ability in the Premier League, and this game is bound to be entertaining. While goals are expected, it feels like Spurs are better placed to emerge with the win here.
Final score: 1-3
Chelsea - Nottingham Forest
Chelsea are sitting in tenth with 4 points ahead of this one, while Forest are in fourteenth with 3 points.
The Blues finally managed a league win under Pochettino last weekend when they beat Luton, and overcame AFC Wimbledon in the Cup during the week. Their win over Luton was their first league home win in eight attempts, but sitting in midtable is a familiar and unpleasant sight. It was also their first Premier League clean sheet since April and something Pochettino will want to see more of. They are unbeaten in their last four league games at the Bridge and continuing that form will see them push for their aim of European football.
Forest lost to Burnley in the Cup during the week, but will still be confident going into this one. They gave Arsenal a scare and raced into a two goal lead away to United last time out. While they suffered defeats in both those games, the signs are encouraging. This side struggled away from home last season but are showing courage and capability to rectify that record this season, however they are without an away win in 12 Premier League games. They have managed to score in each of their last six and all Cooper needs is to get them over the line of claiming points on the road.
Chelsea will be missing Wesley Fofana, Nkunku, Chukwuemeka, Broja, Chalobah, James, and Bettinelli. They will also need to assess Mudryk, Lavia, and Badiashile. Forest will be missing McKenna, Worrall, Hennessey, and Felipe, while the fitness of Mangala will need to be checked ahead of this one.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DLW
Away: LWL
These sides drew both of their league encounters last season, but both sides will be hoping for improvement this season. Chelsea are still a new look side finding their feet, while Forest have showed they are capable of causing problems away to the big sides. This game is likely to be tense and tight as Sterling and Awoniyi could be big factors for either side. Its a tough call, but I think this game will end in a draw.
Final score: 2-2
Manchester City - Fulham
City are sitting top of the table with three wins from three so far, while Fulham are twelfth with 4 points.
Pep will be looking to continue his sides perfect start to the season, having narrowly beaten Sheffield United last weekend. City managed 80% possession and 30 attempts on goal in against the Blades but struggled to convert chances, albeit still taking three points. The match was Pep's 200th victory in 269 games, although he was not in attendance, it was still a new English top flight record. They have tasted victory in their last 17 home games in all competitions and set a new club record in the process. They also scored a remarkable 55 goals while conceding only seven as the Etihad has become a fortress.
Fulham drew with Arsenal last weekend before knocking Spurs out of the Cup on penalties. Marco Silva served his one game suspension and will be back in the dugout here, and Palhinha has showed how vital he is with his goal rescuing a point last weekend. They are still in the market for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Mitrovic, but Fulham are still dangerous. They will show no fear against City, although not since April 2009 have they managed an away league win against City.
City will be without De Bruyne and Stone, while concerns remain over the fitness of Akanji. Fulham will be without the suspended Bassey, while Willian is struggling for fitness.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWW
Away: WLD
City have won all 14 of the recent encounters between these sides and it looks like that record will be extended here. Fulham will put up a fight, but they are facing a true mammoth here and will be broken down over the course of the game. There can only be one winner here.
Final score: 4-1
Brighton - Newcastle
Brighton are sitting in sixth on 6 points and face thirteenth placed Newcastle, who have 3 points.
The Seagulls lost to West Ham last weekend and De Zerbi will be questioning what exactly happened. Defensive errors were at fault but De Zerbi still found positives in the performance. Rectifying the team and ensuring these issues do not resurface will be the primary task, along with preparing for their Europa League adventure. The bar has been set high and expectations soared, but not since last October have Brighton lost consecutive league games. They dominate even in losing, so Brighton will be more than capable of giving their opponents a match here.
Newcastle discovered this week that they were in the Champions League group of death along with Dortmund, Milan, and PSG. Following their narrow loss at home to Liverpool last weekend, its a tough ask for their first season back in the competition. Howe claims to be pleased with their start to the season, although they need to start putting more points on the board. Newcastle have only one win in their previous top-flight fixtures away from home, and they are without a clean sheet in ten away games.
Brighton will be without Enciso and Moder. Newcastle will be missing Krafth, Willock, and Botman, while Manquillo, Hall, and Joelinton are doubts.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWL
Away: WLL
Brighton have failed to beat Newcastle over the previous two seasons but did manage to draw their previous two home fixtures against the Magpies. There were no goals in this game last season, but I think that will change this time around. I expect Brighton to take the game to Newcastle, but both sides have plenty of attacking threat. It will be a lively and action filled game, but I think De Zerbi will be too determined to bounce back so I am backing a Brighton win.
Final score: 2-1
Crystal Palace - Wolves
Palace are sitting in eleventh on 4 points as they host fifteenth place Wolves, who have 3 points.
Palace overcame Plymouth Argyle in the Cup during the week following their draw away to Brentford. Hodgson has certainly stabilised the club and they are moving in the right direction, having won 7 and drawn 4 of his games in charge. They pushed Arsenal all the way in their only loss of the season, and dominated the shots stats in their draw with Brentford. One loss in four games this season shows that Hodgson's aim of a top half finish is achievable, and they have three wins and two draws from their last six home games in the league.
Wolves thrashed Blackpool in the Cup after their win away to Everton last weekend. The season has not gone to plan so far for O'Neil's men, but two wins in a row is bound to life spirits. Clean sheets in both of those games will also raise the mood, especially given their performance against Manchester United at the start of the campaign. Goals have always been an issue for this side but getting themselves right at the back will be key to a solid season. With just one win in their last six away league games, Wolves will look for Kalajdzic to continue his goalscoring form after getting two in his last two games.
Palace will be missing Franca, Hughes, and Olise. Wolves will be without Hwang, and Nunes is expected to complete a transfer to Manchester City.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WLD
Away: LLW
Both of these sides managed home wins last season, although 10 of the previous 11 meetings between these sides has produced less than 3 goals. It seems a tough game to pick a winner, as either side could be capable of nicking a narrow win. The likelihood is that this game will end as a low scoring draw.
Final score: 1-1
Liverpool - Aston Villa
The Reds are sitting in fourth with 7 points and will welcome seventh place Villa, who have 6 points, to Anfield.
Liverpool overcame Newcastle last time out thanks to Darwin Nunez with two super strikes, and Klopp will be looking for more of the same here. With Gravenberch looking like the newest midfielder set to sign, Liverpool will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the season. A win would make it three in a row and extend their unbeaten league run to 15 games (11 last season and 4 this season). Liverpool are also unbeaten in 13 home league games since their loss to Leeds last October. Klopp knows Emery will be tough opposition but with the power of Liverpool’s attack they are formidable, although the loss of van Dijk through suspension will hurt.
Villa have come back strong since their opening day thrashing against Newcastle. They managed two wins along with qualifying for the Europa Conference League group stage since and will want to make a statement at Anfield. This will be a test of their ambitions but their wins over Burnley and Everton along with their European qualifier has seen them score 15 goals and concede only once. The defence will be tested here and need to show its worth, but with Watkins showing form their is plenty of attacking quality.
Klopp will be without the suspended van Dijk, while there are doubts over Konate, Thiago, and Jones. Emery will be without Buendia, Mings, Ramsey, Coutinho, Dendoncker, and Iroegbunam. Martinez and Moreno are also doubts.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DWW
Away: LWW
Villa have not managed to win at Anfield in their last 5 visits, but they did manage a draw last season. They also have just one win in their last 11 encounters with Liverpool, so the Reds have to be favourites here. There should be plenty of goals, but I am going for the home side in this one.
Final score: 3-1
Arsenal - Manchester United
Arsenal are sitting in fifth on 7 points as they look to repeat their title challenge of last season, while United are sitting in eight on 6 points as Ten Hag looks to push his side up the standings.
Arteta’s side were disappointed to only manage a draw last time out against Fulham, and in general Arsenal have been unconvincing in their games so far. Their attacking output has been excellent although the addition of Havertz is yet to be justified, but their frailties at the back will be the most concerning. They have let the side down in eight of the last nine home games, conceding as Arsenal hit their poor run of form towards the end of last year. Forest gave them a scare at home and Arteta knows United could do similar if his side is not robust enough.
Ten Hag saw his side overcome Forest last time out as they became the first Red Devils side to concede twice within the first four minutes at Old Trafford in the Premier League era. It was a shocking start but excellent turnaround, and having lost to Spurs before that it was imperative for United to win this one. Their away record against top half sides is awful, having lost six times and drawn once in those nine games last season. Ten Hag has worsened the clubs away form since Ole / Rangnick, and will need to amend that quickly. A transfer for Amrabat has finally been secured but there is still plenty of work ahead.
Arsenal are missing Timber and Elneny, while they have to assess Nketiah. United will be missing Mainoo, Varane, Shaw, Mount, Malacia, Heaton, Amad Diallo Traore, and Hojlund.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWD
Away: WLW
United haven't won a Premier League game at the north London club since December, 2017, but both of these sides won at home in this fixtures last season. United will be up against it here as they face an away trip to a top side. While I think Arsenal might just be too strong for United, a draw seems like the fairest result.
Final score: 2-2
Champions League Group Draw 2023/24
Below is a summary of the 2023/24 Champions League draw as per SkySports.
Europa League Group Draw 2023/24
Below is a summary of the 2023/24 Europa League draw as per SkySports.
Europa Conference League Group Draw 2023/24
Below is a summary of the 2023/24 Europa Conference League draw as per SkySports.
Check out my 2023/24 Season Predictions here: Predictions 23/24 Season
Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the preview of the matches and get to see the games.
Have a great day.
Peace. CryptoGod-1.
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