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 weekend will see Spurs visit Luton, Everton host Bournemouth, Chelsea travel to Burnley, City travel to Arsenal while Liverpool visit Brighton.
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 7th October 2023
Luton - Tottenham 12.30pm KO
Burnley - Chelsea 3pm KO
Everton - Bournemouth 3pm KO
Fulham - Sheffield United 3pm KO
Manchester United - Brentford 3pm KO
Crystal Palace - Nottingham Forest 5.30pm KO
Sunday 8th October 2023
Brighton - Liverpool 2pm KO
West Ham - Newcastle 2pm KO
Wolves - Aston Villa 2pm KO
Arsenal - Manchester City 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 - Tottenham
Luton are currently sitting seventeenth with 4 points, while Spurs are sitting pretty in second place with 17 points, just one point off the top of the table.
Luton finally played their postponed home game against Burnley during the week, although they were on the losing end of a 2-1 result. This followed on from their first ever Premier League victory, which came away to Everton last weekend. Their loss against Burnley makes Luton the first team in 13 years who failed to win any of their opening three home Premier League games. It is now nine games in all competitions since the Hatters kept a clean sheet, and goal difference alone keeps them out of the bottom three.
Spurs emerged with victory against Liverpool last weekend in the most controversial of fashions, with two red cards and an opening goal disallowed for the Reds. Postecoglou maintained his sides streak of scoring at least twice in every Premier League game so far, and while the media circus has focused around the match, Spurs have quietly gone about their training and business. They did struggle against the well organised defensive block of Liverpool, so Luton could take inspiration for their own approach to this one.
Luton will be without Lokonga, Osho, Potts, and Clark, while Bell is a doubt. Spurs meanwhile will be without Perisic, Sessegnon, Bentancur, Gil, Le Celso, Whiteman, and Solomon. They will also need to asses Johnson before the game.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLLDWL
Away: WWWWDW
These sides last met in 1992 when they played out their third 0-0 draw in a row. Times have changed, and it seems extremely unlikely for another goalless draw here. Spurs should have more than enough about them to leapfrog Manchester City, who play Arsenal the following day, to the top of the table.
Final score: 0-3
Burnley - Chelsea
Sitting inside the relegation zone of goal difference alone, Burnley are eighteenth with 4 points, while visitors to Turf Moor, Chelsea, are eleventh with 8 points.
Kompany's side secured a huge win over fellow recently promoted side Luton during the week as they secured their first win of the Premier League season. It has been a slow start since their return to the top flight, having amassed 101 points in the Championship last season. With a first win under their belt, Kompany will point to that never say die attitude, but four home league losses makes for poor reading. No clean sheets and 16 goals conceded so far shows more is required defensively, but the elevation from a first win should not be discounted here.
Pochettino oversaw his side beating Fulham last Monday, with a first goal for Mudryk a cherry on top. Pochettino will be hoping for a third win on the bounce having beaten Brighton in the Cup before their Fulham trip. It was his first away win as Chelsea boss, but there is still plenty of work to do. Chelsea are still in the bottom half so the issues of last season are yet to be eradicated, and have a difficult run of fixtures following the international break. Building on the current positive momentum will be imperative for this bunch of players and their season ahead.
Burnley will be missing Gudmundsson, Hedilazio, Redmond, Ekdal, and Obafemi. Ramsey is also a doubt. Chelsea meanwhile will be missing Wesley Fofana, Nkunku, Lavia, Chilwell, and Malo Gusto. They will to assess Broja, Caicedo, Mudryk, Chukwuemeka, and James prior to this match.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLDLLW
Away: LWLDLW
Chelsea have managed to win 11 of their previous sixteen Premier League games with the Clarets, scoring in each game along the way. Both sides will need to tighten up at the back for this one, and while both managers have plenty of injury concerns, I feel Pochettino should have the edge here. He is more experienced and with better players at his disposal, therefore I will back a narrow away win.
Final score: 1-2
Everton - Bournemouth
The Toffees are sitting in sixteenth with 4 points, while the Cherries are nineteenth with 3 points.
Everton lost at home to Luton last time out, putting paid to their upturn in form which had seen them recently beat Brentford in the league and Villa in the Cup. Dyche knowns only goal difference is keeping his side out of the bottom three, and the stark reality of their struggles is clear to see. Goodison Park should be a fortress for a team like Everton, instead their woes and struggles continue. Everton have no clean sheets in any competitions so far this season, but they have managed to score in all but one of their last six. Improvement is needed for Everton to avoid another relegation scrap.
Bournemouth were shredded by Arsenal last weekend, conceding four without reply. Iraola is still without a league win this season, although they did managed success over Championship sides Swansea and Stoke City in the Cup. The Cherries are on a 11 game winless run in the Premier League, and have conceded at least twice in each of their three away league games so far this campaign. The improvement in style is evident with Iraola, but the results need to follow for a side sitting second from bottom.
Everton will be without Andre Gomes, Alli, and Coleman. Bournemouth meanwhile will be missing Adams, Kelly, Fredericks, Scott, Mepham, and Marcondes.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LLDLWL
Away: LLDDLL
Everton managed to overcome Bournemouth at Goodison to ensure their status in the top flight, and fans will be hoping for more of the same here. However, Bournemouth did win the four encounters in all competitions between these sides prior to that monumental win. Everton have also failed to score more than once in each of their most recent five meetings with the Cherries. Iraola would love a first Premier League win of the season here, but I think Dyche's side will be strong enough to ensure they get something from the game. Therefore, I am going to back a draw.
Final score: 1-1
Fulham - Sheffield United
Fulham go into this contest sitting in thirteenth with 8 points, while visitors Sheffield United are bottom of the standings with a single point.
Silva's side lost against Chelsea last Monday night as he lamented his sides costly defensive mistakes and "passive" first-half approach. The loss ended a three game winning run at Craven Cottage for Fulham, although two of those victories were in the Cup. They have failed to score in back-to-back Premier League games and only have two goals from their previous three league outings, and only five league goals overall. Silva has work to do at both ends of the pitch, but for now they are sitting clear of any relegation fears.
The Blades were struck down against West Ham last time out as their miserable start to the season continued. Very much in the relegation pack, Sheffield managed a better showing than their 8-0 thrashing by Newcastle but are still lacking that bit extra required for the Premier League. Heckingbottom will know his position is at risk, having conceded a staggering 19 goals in seven matches, or 2.7 goals per game. Whether a change of manager is required over the international break remains to be seen, but many are already resigned to the clubs relegation this season.
The Cottagers will be missing Adama Traore, Adarabioyo, and Tete. Sheffield United will be without Osula, Baldock, Osborn, Lowe, Norrington-Davies, Egan, and Jebbison. They will also need to check on the fitness of Fleck.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LDLWDL
Away: LLDLLL
Sheffield United did manage two wins over Fulham when these sides met during the 2021/22 Championship season, although Fulham did win the competition and promotion back to the top flight in that season. This one will be tough to decide, as Heckingbottom's rearguard have been porous this campaign but Fulham are struggling in their own attacking output. It will be narrow, but I feel this is the game where Fulham get back amongst the goals and winning ways.
Final score: 2-0
Manchester United - Brentford
Struggling Manchester United occupy tenth with 9 points while Brentford are down in fourteenth with 7 points.
Ten Hag is under pressure these days, having lost to Galatasaray in their midweek Champions League meeting following their loss at home to Crystal Palace last weekend. The Red Devils are in a crisis, sitting bottom of the Champions League group after two games, while also seven points off top four in the league. With five defeats from their last seven in all competitions, including three of their last four in the top flight, Ten Hag could see his side lose three Premier League games in a row at Old Trafford for the first time in the clubs history.
The Bees failed to overcome ten man Forest last weekend, settling for a share of the spoils away from home. No wins in September makes tough reading for the club, and are without a win in five games across all competitions. Only one league win, and one league clean sheet, will trouble Frank as he looks to steer the club to a massive win over Manchester United, who they humiliated at home last season. Still without Toney upfront, the club have not struggled so much for goals as keeping them out, with 10 goals for and against the club in the league.
United will enter this game without Lisandro Martinez, Wan-Bissaka, Malacia, Shaw, Mainoo, Sancho, or Amad Diallo. They will also need to assess Reguilon. Brentford meanwhile will be without Henry, Toney, Schade, Dasilva, Damsgaard, Mee, and Baptiste.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LWLLWL
Away: WDDLLD
Brentford managed a 4-0 win at home to United last season, but lost the return game by a single goal. United will be looking for more good fortune at home to Brentford to get their season back on track but it wont be easy. The Bees should find the back of the net here, a ground they have often struggled on, due to the injuries in defence for United. Ten Hag will need to get his tactics right here, and I just feel the Bees will have enough about them to nick a point off a wounded United side.
Final score: 1-1
Crystal Palace - Nottingham Forest
Palace are currently ninth with 11 points as they welcome twelfth placed Nottingham Forest, who have 8 points, to Selhurst Park.
Hodgson oversaw a huge victory for his side away to Manchester United last weekend, keeping the Eagles on course to push for a top half finish this season. The win set records for Hodgson, who became only the second coach after Guardiola to win three games in a row away against United with the same club. He also became the first manager to avoid defeat in five successive trips to Old Trafford. The win epitomises the fact Palace have picked up 7 of their 11 points on the road this season, and a win here would be their fourth league win of the season.
Cooper watched on as his side drew with Brentford last weekend, as his side look to build on their good start to the season and move up the standings. Forest are now on a three game winless run in the league, with two draws either side of a defeat against Manchester City. They sit four points clear of the relegation zone as the club will aim to push into more comfortable mid table positions. With only five points taken from their last 14 away league games, Forest need to bring their home form on their travels to make their Premier League campaign one to remember for their fans.
Palace will be missing Eze, Ferguson, Olise, France, Lerma, Ahamada, Henderson, and Tomkins. They will also need to assess the fitness of Edouard. Nottingham Forest meanwhile will be without Felipe, Niakhate, Danilo, and Hennessey. They will also need to check on Aina, Tavares, Dominguez, and Yates.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LDWLDW
Away: WLWDLD
Palace have never beaten the Tricky Trees in six previous Premier League meetings, drawing at Selhurst Park last May. Palace last beat Forest way back in December 2011 when the sides met in the Championship. Forest have scored in all six of the previous league encounters between these sides, and Cooper will be eager to continue that run here. I think this will be a close game, and likely a single goal will win it for either side. Purley because they are at home I will back Palace for this one, but it could easily end in another draw.
Final score: 1-0
Brighton - Liverpool
Brighton sit in sixth with 15 points going into this one, with visitors Liverpool a single point ahead and currently fourth in the standings.
The Seagulls were thrashed 6-1 by Villa last weekend and followed that up with a midweek draw against Marseille in the Europa League. While Brighton did manage to come back against Marseille, De Zebri's side enter this game on the back of a three game winless run in all competitions following their defeat against Chelsea in the Cup. They have conceded 20 goals in all competitions so far, more than any other side in the English top flight, but the club remains only three points off the top and very much a part of the European challenging mix. No clean sheets this season does not bode well going into this game, but they are the second highest scoring side at home in the league with 11 goals.
The Reds were at the centre of a controversial VAR decision(s) last weekend as they lost the Spurs, but they did manage to beat USG in their Europa League game during the week. Gravenberch stole the show during the week and will likely play a key role this weekend given Liverpool's injury and suspension issues. Klopp's side were on an eight game unbeaten away run in the league prior to the controversial defeat against Spurs, but Klopp will likely use the disappointment to motivate his side into another unbeaten run as their excellent start to the season looks to continue here.
Brighton will be without Enciso, Estupinan, and Moder, while Lallana is a doubt. Liverpool will be without the suspended Jota and Jones, while Kelleher, Thiago, and Bajcetic are also ruled out. Gakpo is a doubt after injuring himself against Spurs last weekend.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WLWWWL
Away: WWWWWL
Brighton managed a spectacular 3-3 draw at Anfield last season in the league, while they beat the Reds at the Amex Stadium in both the league and FA Cup. Both sides will be tired from their midweek exploits, but Liverpool seem more capable of handling the fixture pileup. Brighton will give a good account of themselves here, but I can only see one winner in a game which should be full of goals.
Final score: 2-4
West Ham - Newcastle
West Ham are seventh with 13 points, as Newcastle sit a single point and a single place behind them in the table.
Moyes oversaw his side beat Freiburg in the Europa League to make it two wins from two and a nice follow up to their win over Sheffield United last weekend. The victory made it three wins on the bounce in all competitions as the Hammers have four league wins from seven encounters so far this term. They have long since forgotten last seasons relegation fears, and will be looking to make it ten league games in a row in which they have scored if they net against Newcastle. They have scored in every home league game this season, although prior to their fixture with Sheffield United the club had gone nine home games without a clean sheet.
Newcastle managed to defeat PSG at home in their midweek Champions League encounter, following on from their wins over Burnley, Sheffield United, and Brentford in the league. Those three wins saw the club score 11 goals without response, and carrying that form into their Champions League games will have the players flying sky high. While they are flying high, especially considering their Cup win over City, Newcastle were without a clean sheet in 11 away league games prior to their huge win over Sheffield United. Howe has however seen his side score the second most goals in the league this term with 18 so far, one behind Brighton.
West Ham will be missing Cresswell and Johnson, while Antonio remains a doubt. Newcastle meanwhile will be without Botman, Barnes, Willock, and Gordon, while Wilson and Joelinton are doubts.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WWWLW
Away: LLLWWW
Last season these sides played out a 1-1 draw at St. James Park, but Newcastle thrashed West Ham 5-1 at the London Stadium. Howe will be hoping for more of the same here, especially given the high his players will be on following their demolition of PSG. Newcastle will be that bit fresher going into this one, and while West Ham will give a good account of themselves, I can only see one winner.
Final score: 1-2
Wolves - Aston Villa
Wolves are currently fifteenth in the table with 7 points, while Villa are fifth with 15 points.
Wolves managed to pull off quite the upset last weekend when O'Neil's men overcame Manchester City in the league. Having ended the Citizen's perfect start to their league campaign, Wolves ended a four game winless streak in the process. Still only three points above the relegation zone, Wolves are far from out of danger yet. They have managed to score in their last eight games across all competitions, but are without a clean sheet in their last five. The club is going in the right direction though, and O'Neil will look to flex his managerial muscles here and add a derby win to the mix.
Villa managed a late win over Zrinjski Mostar in their Europa Conference League clash during the week, having thrashed Brighton 6-1 in the league last time out. Emery rang the changes but still ensured victory in Europe, meaning he will have a somewhat fresh squad to choose from. While they did lose their opening Conference League game, and got eliminated by Everton in the Cup, Villa have won five of their last six in the league. They are formidable at home, but have only two wins from their last eight away league encounters. Villa are also without a win over Wolves since December 2020 after failing to prevail in five West Midlands Derbies.
Wolves will be without Bellegarde for this one, but expect to have Doyle back available. Villa will be missing Ramsey, Buendia, Mings, and Moreno, while they also have concerns over Iroegbunam, Diaby, and Boubacar Kamara.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: LWLLDW
Away: WWLWWW
Wolves beat Villa 1-0 at Molineux last May when these sides met in the league, although they played out a 1-1 draw at Villa Park in January. The West Midlands Derby is likely to bring plenty of action and drama, although Wolves will be much fresher going into this one. I feel Emery has a trick or two left up his sleeve, and therefore I think his Villa side should have just about enough to scrape a win here, although a draw seems the most likely outcome.
Final score: 2-2
Arsenal - Manchester City
The biggest game of the weekend, as third place Arsenal on 17 points host top of the pile Manchester City, who currently have 18 points.
Arteta saw his side lose to Lens in their midweek Champions League clash, as their strong start to the season hit a road bump. Arteta had recently seen his side set a new club away from home clean sheet record in the league, but Arsenal's tepid display deserved nothing from their trip to France. They are still unbeaten in the league, and only a point off the top, and will look to replicate their success over Bournemouth last weekend. Having scored at least twice in all their home league games this season, and having only lost twice at home in the league since the start of last campaign, Arsenal will be confident heading into this one. However, they are still waiting for their first home clean sheet of the season.
City lost to Wolves last weekend in a surprise defeat, but Pep got his side back to winning ways as they overcame RB Leipzig during the week in their Champions League encounter. It was a much needed win after also losing to Newcastle in the Cup, and Pep will want to build some momentum from here. City have only managed four clean sheets away from home so far this season, but City have always been strong against Arsenal under Pep. They have prevailed in their previous 12 encounters with the London side prior to the Community Shield, and Pep will be keen to add another victory to that list.
Arsenal will be missing Timber, while Saka and Martinelli are both doubts. City meanwhile will be without De Bruyne and Rodri for this one.
Form Last Six League Games:
Home: WDWWDW
Away: WWWWWL
Arsenal managed to overcome City in the Community Shield on penalties at the beginning of this campaign, but City beat Arsenal 3-1 away and 4-1 at home in the league last season, having also knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. This is being built up as a potential title decider already, given how Arsenal pushed City last season. I believe there will be more than just Arsenal and City in the title race this term, but this will still be a huge clash. City cannot afford another loss, while Arsenal will want to make a statement. With Rodri and De Bruyne missing Pep will be up against it, but I think City will just about have enough to secure the three points in a very close game.
Final score: 0-1
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.
Referral Links and Follow Me:
