Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and having a great weekend, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. Today we will be looking at the upcoming games in the Premier League as we continue into the second round of the season. The biggest clash of the weekend will see the early season meeting of Spurs and Chelsea, while Arsenal welcome the Foxes, Ten Hag comes up against Frank, and Liverpool host Vieira's side on Monday evening.

Fixtures - Times are shown as U.K. Time

This weekends round of fixtures will see all games kicking off on Saturday lunchtime and finishing on Monday evening.

Saturday 13th August 2022

Aston Villa - Everton 12.30pm KO (Kick Off)

Arsenal - Leicester 3pm KO

Brighton - Newcastle 3pm KO

Manchester City - Bournemouth 3pm KO

Southampton - Leeds 3pm KO

Wolves - Fulham 3pm KO

Brentford - Manchester United 5.30pm KO

Sunday 14th August 2022

Nottingham Forest - West Ham 2pm KO

Chelsea - Tottenham - 4.30pm KO

Monday 15th August 2022

Liverpool - Crystal Palace 8pm 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 weekends matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee. 

Aston Villa - Everton

This fixture will see Gerrard and Lampard face off against each other for the first time in their managerial careers. Both sides started off with a loss last weekend, putting both managers under pressure to kick start their sides campaigns. Lampard had the tougher season last time around, narrowly avoiding relegation, but expectations for Villa are high after another summer of investment. The public issues for Gerrard with former captain Mings has not helped matters, but this could be an excellent statement from his side at Villa Park. As for Everton, their lack of a forward hindered them against Chelsea last time out, although have brought in Coady and Onana since last weekend. Rondon will also be back from suspension to add to their fire power. Villa will be checking over the fitness of Mings as he has a groin / hip injury, while Hause has been ruled out of this one. Lampard will be without Mina and Godfrey for the foreseeable future, along with Calvert-Lewin, Townsend, Gomes, and Davies. It will be interesting to see if debuts are handed to the new signings, with Coady most likely to start for Everton. This game can set a benchmark for either side heading forward into the season, and both will be looking to get points on the board. This should play out as a tense clash, with the most likely result being a draw. Therefore, I will go for a 2-2 draw.

Arsenal - Leicester

The Gunners started with a win last weekend against Palace, while the Foxes threw away a two goal lead against Brentford. After another summer of heavy spending, this Arsenal side are looking like a strong team across the field. Zinchenko grabbed an assist, while Jesus provided energy up front, and Saliba could be the centre defender Arsenal have craved for years. Arteta expects more summer transfer business, with purchases and sales expected. They face a Leicester side yet to spend any money this window, and having some of their main players linked with exits. One of those includes Tielemans, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal. The Foxes continue their unbeaten run from last season extending into five matches now, but their form last season was very questionable and Rodgers will need to see improvements. They only managed one away clean sheet last season but would love to pick one up here. Arenal will be hoping to have all their players back but there is a chance they may still be without Smith Rowe and Vieria for this one. As for Leicester, they will definitely be missing Pereira, Bertrand, and Barnes. This Arsenal side will show they mean business if they get another win on the board here, and with Saliba and Zinchenko providing steel to the defence they should expect the three points. Leicester are unable to keep a clean sheet and the rumours of players futures cannot be helping team morale, along with lack of recruitment. Given this, I can only see one winner, and that will mean a 3-1 home win for Arsenal. 

Brighton - Newcastle

The Seagulls got off to the best possible start last weekend when they beat Man United at Old Trafford. They face a Newcastle side who also started the season with a win, as they beat new boys Nottingham Forest. Potter has done an excellent job with his side, and will be aiming to see them become a regular finisher in the top half of the table. They have money in the bank and could invest wisely over the coming weeks to add that bit more to their side, but Brighton are playing attractive and expansive football and getting the results that matter. Newcastle will face a team who are more common to draw than loose, and Howe will know this is a turning point in the clubs future. They must aim for European places to push on further and become a top four or even top three side, but for now they will be hoping to add a new attacker and midfielder to the current squad. Howe renewed his terms last week, and the fans will hope for many bright days ahead. Moder is the only player ruled out for Brighton heading into this clash, while Newcastle will be travelling without Shelvey, Manquillo, Fernandez, Lewis, and Krafth. Lascelles is also a doubt and being assessed. Both these teams started well and will want to continue that form. It should be a hugely competitive encounter between two sides with lofty ambitions, and because of the nature of how both sides play, I can see another draw on the cards here. I will go for a 1-1 result.

Manchester City - Bournemouth

Both these sides enjoyed 2-0 victories on the opening weekend of the season, as City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium this weekend. Haaland made his mark, scoring both goals for City and showing what looks to be a deadly partnership with De Bruyne. City are on a strong run at home from last season, winning their last four and scoring at least twice in eight previous home games. With rumours of a new left back due to sign in Gomez, and potentially Silva leaving, there is still plenty of transfers going on at the Etihad. The Cherries outshone Villa last weekend at home, but this is one of the toughest away games in the league for them to start with. They did manage three clean sheets in their final four Championship games last season, but this is another level for Parkers side. City will continue without Laporte, meaning Ake should retain his slot in the back four. As for Bournemouth, they will be without Brooks, Rothwell, and Fredericks. Bournemouth are a great side but playing with their Championship players means they cannot expect much in this match. It will be a long afternoon for them in Manchester, and I expect Parker will want to move past it quickly. Pep will be hoping Haaland continues his fine scoring form, and this match should finish up 3-0 for the home side.

Southampton - Leeds

The Saints started the season in typical fashion, being humbled 4-1 by Tottenham. Leeds meanwhile managed a comeback from one goal down to beat Wolves 2-1 at Elland Road last weekend. Ward-Prowse continued his role as main man in the Southampton side, but they were unable to stop a rampant Spurs tearing them apart. Hasenhuttl's side will hope the fact Leeds were one of only three sides to concede more than them last season will be a good omen heading into this one, but his side will need to defend much better than they have been. Marsch's side started the season with a perfect result with Bamford back leading the line for his side. They will hope he can stay fit and help keep them away from the relegation places this season. Southampton will head into this one without Walcott, Livramento, and Lyanco, while Tella is also a doubt. As for Leeds, Junior Firpo, Ayling, Forshaw, Dallas, Sinisterra, and Cooper are all ruled out. Southampton look at odds with what they are aiming for, and if Ward-Prowse does not come up with the goods there doesnt seem to be a plan B. Leeds meanwhile look a a more coherent side, buying into Marsch's regime. This game could go either way and I expect it to be a tight one, but overall I think Leeds will have enough about them to secure a 1-2 away win.

Wolves - Fulham

Wolves lost last weekend after going a goal ahead against Leeds, while Fulham will be in excellent spirits after holding Liverpool to a draw last time out. Lage's side were playing a new system and style, and it showed at Leeds as they gave up their lead and suffered a defeat to start the season. They did however perform well for large parts of the game and will be encouraged from it. They have a favourable run of fixtures and will need to focus to get the most from them. Marco Silva will be delighted with the fighting effort his side showed against Liverpool last weekend, and be expecting Mitrovic to produce once again for his side. He was a handful and Wolves will need to be weary of him, along with new signing Palhinha who was stellar in the middle of the park. Raul Jimenez and Francisco Tavares are out for Wolves, with Adama Traore, Semedo, and Moutinho all doubts. Fulham will be without Wilson, Chalobah, Solomon, and possibly Bryan. While Wolves look decent last weekend, they still lost. I believe it will take them time to settle to Lage's new system, and could be on the end of another bad result here. Fulham imposed themselves on Liverpool and need to apply the same approach here to get a positive result. If they can, I can see the away side winning this game by a 1-2 result.

Brentford - Manchester United

Ten Hag will be hoping his side fare better the second time around, after the humbling loss at home to Brighton last weekend. Brentford came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Leicester City and will want to continue their positive start to the season. Franks side lost Eriksen to Man United over the summer, but have been active in bringing in fresh faces, unlike United. The Bees were excellent in the Premier League last season and will want to provide another exciting season for their fans and confirm their status as a regular Premier League side. Man United may well have given Ten Hag a wake up call last weekend, as the team from last season seemed to re-emerge on the field. They impressed in pre season but they will require huge improvements if they are to challenge for a return to the top four. The club is pushing for more new additons including Rabiot, but were ridiculed when linked with Arnatovic during the week. The future of Ronaldo is still very much up in the air and will need resolving sooner rather than later. Brentford will be without Canos, Ajer, and Pinnock for this clash, while United will be missing Williams and Greenwood while Martial needs to be assessed. Its difficult to know which United team will appear, but playing away from the home crowd could benefit them this weekend. They were poor at the back against Brighton but Ten Hag will have put the hours in on the training field. I believe United have enough quality to win this one, but think the Bees will have a sharpness about them and sneak a 1-1 draw at home.

Nottingham Forest - West Ham

Both these sides suffered defeats on the opening weekend of the season, with Forest losing to Newcastle and West Ham to Man City. There are plenty of new faces around the club, meaning Steve Cooper has work to do making them click as a unit. They have plenty of potential and of course its only been one game so far, but they will want to put points on the board and gain some momentum. They will be expected to raise their game this weekend at the City Ground, as fans anticipate their first home Premier League game since the 1990's. Moyes had a stellar season last year and will be hoping to build upon that this year with the Hammers. They were up against it with Man City last weekend but should feel confident heading into this one. They will be against a familiar face in Lingard and will need to have their players firing to avoid an upset against the home crowd. Forest will be without Richards and are doubtful over Yates being available for this clash. The Hammers meanwhile will travel without Aguerd while Ogbonna, Dawson, and Fabianski will all need to be assessed. With so many new players to integrate still it will be interesting to see who starts this game for Forest. Even though they will be full of hope and expectations, I cannot look past West Ham for this one. Moyes side were excellent last year and will be aiming to qualify for Europe once again, meaning they need to win these game. A 0-2 away win is on the cards here.

Chelsea - Tottenham

With Chelsea getting the better of Everton last weekend and Spurs demolishing Southampton to sit top of the table, this is the biggest clash of the early season games. Both sides will have ambitions to finish in the top four again next season, or even mount a challenge for the title. There is still a lot happening at Chelsea, with their new signings far from over and links to more everyday. Tuchel will expect a better display from his side this week after another week together, with Sterling being their new main man. Conte has made Spurs into a real force again and they will be hoping to push for silverware this season along with a top three finish. They have made strong signings and their squad has real depth now, meaning he will be able to push through the hefty campaign with European football. Chelsea may well be without Kovacic again for this match, and Alonso is expected to sign for Barcelona so will not be in the squad. Spurs will continue without Skipp and will need to assess loan signing Lenglet ahead of the match. This game will be a huge clash as both of these sides will be hoping to close the gap to the top two. It should be a thrilling match, but neither side can consider themselves favourites heading into this one. Due to that, I will be going for an exciting 2-2 draw for this encounter.

Liverpool - Crystal Palace

After a poor start with drawing to newly promoted Fulham, Liverpool will hope to kickstart their season at home to Palace. The Eagles lost to Arsenal on the opening weekend, and travel to face a Liverpool side already facing an injury crisis in midfield after Thiago got injured last weekend. Liverpool were not at their best, although looked much better once Elliot and Nunez came on as subs. Klopp will need to decide what his best team is to be going forward, and Nunez will be integral to those plans after opening his league account. Palace went down to Arsenal in the opening game and will want to show an improvement here, although Anfield is never an easy place to visit. Vieira did excellent in his first season and will hope for more of the same this year with the possibility of another long Cup run. Liverpool will be without Kelleher, Jones, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Konate, Jota, and maybe Tsimikas and Matip also. As for Palace, they will be missing Ferguson, Butland, McArthur, Tomkins, and possibly Olise. With Anfield behind them, I think we will see a very different Liverpool on Monday night. They will want to kickstart their season and with the crowd behind them, I can only see one winner. A final score of 3-0 from the home side.

Check out my 2022/23 Season Preview and Predictions here: Premier League 2022/23 Prediction

Have a great day, I hope you enjoyed the preview of the matches and get to see the games over the weekend.

Peace. CryptoGod-1.

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