Good day everyone,
I hope you are all well and had an excellent week, welcome to CryptoGod-1’s blog on all things sports. This weekends round of fixtures will see City host Forest, United travel to Burnley, Chelsea host Villa, while the first North London Derby of the season takes place.
Fixtures — Times are shown as U.K. Time
This weeks round of fixtures will see the games spread out across two days, from Saturday morning until Sunday evening.
Saturday 23rd September 2023
Crystal Palace - Fulham 3pm KO
Luton - Wolves 3pm KO
Manchester City - Nottingham Forest 3pm KO
Brentford - Everton 5.30pm KO
Burnley - Manchester United 8pm KO
Sunday 24th September 2023
Arsenal - Tottenham 2pm KO
Brighton - Bournemouth 2pm KO
Chelsea - Aston Villa 2pm KO
Liverpool - West Ham 2pm KO
Sheffield United - Newcastle 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.
Crystal Palace - Fulham
These pair are both sitting on 7 points, with Palace in ninth and Fulham below them in tenth position.
Palace lost 3-1 to Villa in their most recent league encounter, with Hodgson's side ending their three game unbeaten run. They have managed to concede seven goals in their last three in all competitions, and although they lost to Villa, it was only their fourth loss from their last 15 Premier League matches. Palace also have four wins in their last seven home games as they look to make Selhurst Park a defensively solid fortress.
Fulham managed to narrowly get past Luton last time out as Silva's men bounced back from their Manchester City humbling. The win marked only the second of the season for Fulham in the league following their win over Everton on the opening day. They are on a run of three wins from their last 10 Premier League away matches, but have managed to score in each of the last four away league games.
Palace will be without Franca, Olise, Tomkins, and Jefferson Lerma. Fulham will be missing Lukic and Oluwatosin Adarabioyo.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WLDWL
Away: WLDLW
These sides played out a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage back in May, but Fulham won 3-0 at Selhurst Park back on Boxing day last season. Fulham have only managed one win in the previous six encounters between these sides. While its difficult to separate these sides, its most likely going to be a low scoring draw in this one.
Final score: 1-1
Luton - Wolves
Luton remain with any points as they occupy bottom place in the standings, with Wolves sitting in sixteenth with 3 points.
The Hatters lost to Fulham last time out, meaning their only victory so far this season has come in the league cup against Gillingham. They remain the only side with 0 points on the board following other results last time out, meaning the Kenilworth Road faithful will know their importance in this game. While they are without a top flight win in 31 years, Edward's has had the time to analyse his sides recent defeats.
Wolves lost 3-1 last time out against Liverpool but they had bombarded their opponents and lead during the encounter after 7 minutes. O'Neil will need his side to improve following four defeats in five, but they showed against Manchester United on the opening weekend they can give the top sides a run for their money. Their goals against (11) is only worse by Burnley's twelve, but they have only managed one win in their previous eleven away league games.
Luton will be missing Osho, Potts, and Clark, while Barkley is currently being assessed. Wolves will need to check on the fitness of Hodge.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLLL
Away: LLWLL
Ten years ago Wolves had a torrid time at Kenilworth Road, but these days O'Neil will be confident in his sides away days ability. They should have enough to overcome the home crowd, although Luton will want to entertain their home fans and put in a shift. A narrow away win is my call.
Final score: 1-2
Manchester City - Nottingham Forest
City are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 15 points, while Forest are performing admirably to sit in eight with 7 points.
Pep has overseen his side beat West Ham last weekend and Red Star Belgrade during the week to continue their perfect start to the season. The Citizens are on a 27 game unbeaten home run, along with winning all 12 of their home league games in 2023. With City on a perfect start to the season, a win here would see them equal Chelsea as the only reigning champions to win their opening six top-flight games of a season. With 19 home wins in a row in all competitions, Pep will want to keep his sides run going.
A debut goal for Hudson-Odoi saw Forest secure a point against Burnley last time out. This season they have started strong, and with away games against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea already completed, their confidence will be soaring. Their away win against Chelsea was just their second away league win this calendar year and the side will be looking to build on that confidence here.
Manchester City will be missing De Bruyne, while they will need to check on Stones, Silva, Kovacic, and Grealish. Forest will be without Danilo, while they will need to check on Aurier, Boly, and Hennessey.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWWWW
Away: LWLWD
City have won all three of their previous home meetings with Forest, winning without reply including 6-0 in August 2022. Forest have no wins in their last six league meetings with City and its likely to continue on the same route here.
Final score: 3-0
Brentford - Everton
The Bees occupy eleventh with 6 points while Everton are eighteenth with a single point.
Last time out Brentford lost away to Newcastle, which also ended the Bees seven game unbeaten run. With three draws from their five games so far, Brentford have the joint most stalemates in the league. They have only one clean sheet so far this season, against Fulham, after conceding in each of their other four. Brentford are strong at home, having scored in 16 successive top-flight games at the Gtech since a goalless draw with Chelsea 11 months ago.
Everton are still languishing in the bottom places following their home defeat to Everton last time out. With just two goals scored to their name, they have lost three games in a row at Goodison to Fulham, Wolves, and Arsenal. The lack of attacking output has been a massive issue this campaign, and they will need more from Calvert-Lewin and Beto.
Brentford will be without Dasilva, Toney, Baptiste, and Henry. They will also need to check on Damsgaard. Everton will be without Coleman and Alli, while they will also need to assess Harrison and Gomes.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DWDDL
Away: LLLDL
Everton managed four points from six across their league encounters with Brentford last season, including a 1-1 away draw in August. This season however the likelihood of Everton taking maximum points is less than likely. Frank's side should have enough about them at home to ensure they take the win here.
Final score: 2-0
Burnley - Manchester United
Burnley are in nineteenth with a single point on the board as they host thirteenth placed Manchester United, who have 6 points.
Kompany oversaw his side taking their first point of the season against Forest last time out. They are still finding their feet in the league, with three home defeats in their opening three games an issue of concern, although it was against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. Burnley have also suffered defeat in each of their last five home games, conceding at least two in each.
Ten Hag watched as his side were beaten by Bayern Munich during the week as Hojlund scored his first goal for the club in vain. It marked the clubs third defeat in a row following loses to Arsenal and Brighton. The lack of leaders in the side is showing, and there have been plenty of rumours of dressing room discontent. They are without a point on the road this season, having lost four of their last five top-flight away games. Their five game unbeaten run against Burnley will be put to the test here.
Burnley will be without Ekdal, Foster, Obafemi, and Churlinov. They will need to check on the fitness of da Silva. Manchester United will be without Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Mainoo, Malacia, Antony, Sancho, and Amad Traore. They will also need to assess Mount, Varane, Maguire, and Amrabat.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLLD
Away: WLWLL
United are unbeaten in their last five against Burnley, although it could be argued Burnley are playing United at a perfect time. The Red Devils will still fancy themselves, and Ten Hag will need to prove a point in terms of his management and away form. It will be close, but I think Burnley can hang on for a narrow draw.
Final score: 2-2
Arsenal - Tottenham
The North London Derby sees Arsenal sitting in fourth with 13 points, while Spurs are in second, also on 13 points.
Arsenal overcame PSV in their champions league encounter during the week to follow up their win over Everton last weekend. Arteta knows his side are the only in the top seven yet to score in the double digits so far this season, but they sitting pretty in fourth thanks to goal difference alone. Their attacking threat of Jesus, Trossard, and Martinelli are more than capable of adding to their nine goals so far, and Arteta will look to get Saka and co back to their best. A lack of clean sheets at home will be worrying though.
Spurs are without Europe this season so they are plenty rested, having beaten Sheffield United last weekend. Richarlison showed his worth in a Spurs shirt following his comments on international duty that he needs psychological help. Ange has seen his side perform to the best of his tactics, putting them only behind Manchester City in the standings. While it is not long since Conte started in similar fashion, the feeling is that Ange is the man to take the club forward.
Arsenal will be missing Partey and Timber, while they need to check on Martinelli. Tottenham will be without Whiteman, Perisic, Bentancur, Sessegnon, and Gil. Lo Celso will also need to be assessed for fitness.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWDWW
Away: DWWWW
With Arteta's men winning in four of the last five meetings in the North London Derby, while Spurs have gone 13 years without a league win away to Arsenal. It will be a fascinating encounter here, as Arsenal looked sharp during the week. Whatever happens, Postecoglou's unbeaten start will have Arteta worried, and therefore a share of the spoils is required.
Final score: 2-2
Brighton - Bournemouth
The Seagulls return to domestic action after their first ever European game with the club sitting in fifth with 12 points. The Cherries meanwhile occupy fifteenth with 5 points.
Brighton lost 3-2 in the Europa League match with AEK Athens during the week, having beaten Manchester United last weekend. After beaten Newcastle before the international break, a third win in a row would be perfect for the side here. Their lack of a clean sheet in all competitions this season is worrying, and that run extends back six games to last season. Their offensive work however means its 15 goals scored, more than any other side, and De Zebri will looking to maintain that output.
Bournemouth manager Iraola is still looking for his first win in charge, as they most recently draw with Chelsea. They are slowly building up a head of steam, with three draws to show from five league outings. They are still searching for that first win, along with four other sides, but clean sheets are still a struggle for the side, although they managed to end a 10 game run without one last time out against Chelsea.
Brighton will be without Enciso, Moder, and Milner. They will also need to check on Dunk, Gross, and Ferguson. Bournemouth will be missing Scott, Fredericks, and Marcondes, with Adams also a doubt.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWLWW
Away: DLLDD
Brighton managed two clean sheets against Bournemouth last season, winning 1-0 at home and 2-0 away. The way De Zerbi side are scoring this season it is difficult to see anything bar a Brighton win here, although Bournemouth will put up a good fight.
Final score: 3-1
Chelsea - Aston Villa
Chelsea are languishing in fourteenth with 5 points as they welcome seventh placed Villa, who have 9 points.
The Blues drew with Bournemouth last time out as Pochettino's side are languishing in midtable once again. A win over new boys Luton remains their only three point haul of the campaign in their first season without continental football since the 2016-17 term. They will be well rested by the solutions to last seasons issues remain. They are well behind the pack and will need to turn their form around soon.
Villa beat Palace last weekend but they fell to Legia Warsaw during the week in their first Europa Conference League game. They will be looking to make it back to back wins here as Emery has built upon his sides awful start to the season away to Newcastle. Things have improved tenfold, but the side needs to ensure they maintain their performances as shown in the defeat against Liverpool before the international break.
Chelsea will be without Wesley Fofana, Nkunku, Lavia, Badiashile, Chukwuemeka, Bettinelli, and James. They will also be missing Chalobah, Broja, Cucurella, Caicedo, and Madueke. Villa will be without Buendia, Mings, Diego Carlos, and Iroegbunam, while they need to check on Bertrand Traore.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DLWLD
Away: LWWLW
Villa won the last time these sides met last April, while Chelsea won at Villa park in October. Chelsea are still firmly readjusting to their new manager, and therefore they will likely struggle against the firmly set Villians. This game will be close but I think Villa might just sneak a win here.
Final score: 1-2
Liverpool - West Ham
The Reds are sitting third with 13 points as they host sixth placed West Ham, who have 10 points.
Liverpool won against LASK during the week following their win over Wolves last weekend. They have been the comeback kings so far this season, as shown in both those games. The attacking options are beginning to shine, while Gravenberch made his debut during the week. Klopp became the first Reds manager in history to achieve 50 continental wins. Their unbeaten league run stands at 14 games as they have won each of their last five. In terms of playing at Anfield, the Reds have scored in all but one of their previous 44 games in all competitions.
Moyes men meanwhile overcame their Serbian minnows Backa Topola to win their Europa League opener following their defeat against Manchester City last weekend. They were unbeaten in the league prior to that, but are without a clean sheet so far this season. Wins in their two away games against Luton and Brighton have shown the Hammers strength away from home, but they will be seriously tested here as they look to win three away league games in a row for the first time since October 2021.
Klopp will be without Thiago, while also needing to check the fitness of Alexander-Arnold. West Ham are without Cresswell while they will need to check on Bowen.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: DWWWW
Away: DWWWL
Liverpool have emerged victorious in seven of their last eight meetings with West Ham, as Klopp will look to continue his sides strong start to the season. It will be a tough game but with Liverpool roared on by Anfield I can only see one winner.
Final score: 1-3
Sheffield United - Newcastle
Sheffield United are sitting just above the relegation places in seventeenth with a single points on the board. Newcastle meanwhile find themselves in twelfth with 6 points.
It has been a tough start to the Premier League for Sheffield United, who have just a single point to show from their five outings so far. They lost to Spurs last time out, and following their games against Everton and Forest the Blades are very much up against it with their relegation battle. Heckingbottom's men will know they need to add points to the board, with their return to Bramall Lane the perfect opportunity to add three points to the board.
Newcastle managed to hold out for a draw against AC Milan in their champions league encounter during the week, and they managed to beat Brentford last time out in the league. Looking for back to back wins for the first time this season following their tough start to the season, the club are beginning to find their form. They will need to put in a professional performance here to continue their charge up the table and back towards the European places.
Sheffield United are without Jebbison, McBurnie, Baldock, Norrington-Davies, Brewster, Fleck, Lowe, and Osborn. Newcastle are missing Willock, Krafth, and Joelinton, with doubts over Dubravka.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLLDL
Away: WLLLW
Newcastle emerged victorious in the two clashes between these sides last time they meet in the league in 2021. While Newcastle will be the clear favourites here, there can be no doubting the ability of Sheffield United to put up a tough challenge. Although they are at home, the Blades will likely be outclassed and therefore I am going with Newcastle.
Final score: 0-3
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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