Good day everyone,

I hope you are all well and having a great start to the weekend, welcome to CryptoGod-1's blog on all things sports. We are in for a treat this weekend as we have the Merseyside Derby, Tottenham face Fulham and Chelsea against West Ham in London derbies, while Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in what could be considered the biggest game of the weekend.

Fixtures - Times are shown as U.K. Time

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

Saturday 3rd September 2022

Everton - Liverpool 12.30pm KO (Kick Off)

Chelsea - West Ham 2pm KO

Brentford - Leeds 3pm KO

Newcastle - Crystal Palace 3pm KO

Nottingham Forest - Bournemouth 3pm KO

Tottenham - Fulham 3pm KO

Wolves - Southampton 3pm KO

Aston Villa - Manchester City 5.30pm KO

Sunday 4th September

Brighton - Leicester 2pm KO

Manchester United - Arsenal 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 weekends matches. Remember this is just my fun analysis and should not be taken as advice or a guarantee. 

Everton - Liverpool

This weekend kicks off with the Merseyside Derby, with Everton welcoming Liverpool to Goodison Park. Everton remain winless from five league games so far, with Liverpool buoyed by their late win over Newcastle during the week. Lampard has overseen three 1-1 draws in the clubs recent games against Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Leeds United. They sit in seventeenth and know that wins are needed to get their season going. They will be hoping the resigning of Idrissa Gueye from PSG and signing Garner from United, along with retaining Gordon from Chelsea's advances will help boost the club up the standing. Liverpool meaning have started to get wins under their belt, and will have the added bonus of welcoming back Nunez for this one after he served his three game suspension. They made a surprise addition of Arthur Melo on loan to boost the midfield ranks and it remains to be seen whether or not he will appear in this one. Klopp will be hoping his side can loose their habit of conceding first, along with closing the gap to the top as they currently sit in sixth position. The Toffees will be without Townsend, Godfrey, Mina, Calvert-Lewin, Holgate, and Doucoure for the derby, while Liverpool will make the short trip across Stanley park without the services of Kelleher, Thiago, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Konate, Keita, and possibly Jota. Liverpool have to be favourites going into this one, even though their form has been patchy to say the least. It will be interesting to see if Klopp puts Nunez into this fiery arena, especially with Firmino in such excellent form. Whether or not Melo has enough time to train with the team to warrant a starting place remains to be seen, but with Henderson now injured it would leave only Milner or Carvalho as Klopp's other midfield options. Lampard will have little to do to motivate his side, as they will fancy their chances in making Liverpool stutter once again. Depending on who scores first this game could go either way. I am going to back Liverpool to emerge with the victory against Lampard's side, getting 1-3 away win.

Chelsea - West Ham

Tuchel has spent big this window, adding Zakaria and Aubameyang to his side on transfer deadline day. They currently sit in 10th position, having lost to Southampton during the week. With seven points from a possible fifteen so far they are well off the pace and six below all their top six rivals.  With the window closed and all players in, it should be time for the club to get themselves swinging in the right direction, especially with Champions League football starting back next week. Moyes will be just as worried about his West Ham side, having seen their slow start leave the Hammer with four points and sitting in 14th position. They lost three successive matches in the league and needed to address that slide if they wish to push for another top seven finish, although getting four points off Spurs and Villa has getting them the kickstart they needed. Paqueta has signed for for a club-record fee and in general the feeling is the club will climb up the table. Fofana could be given his debut for Chelsea here, slotting into a role on the right-hand side of a back three. Zakaria and Aubameyang wont be able to make their debuts, while Kante, Loftus-Cheek, Chalobah, and James are all expected to miss this one, but Gallagher will return to the side after suspension. Moyes will be without Johnson, Aguerd, and Dawson, while they will hope Scamacca can recover from his illness by then. Both sides need the points here, as amazingly they have both dropped so many already. I think Moyes will really push his side, while Tuchel may struggle to find his best line up with all the new face. Due to all of this, I can see West Ham putting plenty of pressure on Chelsea, forcing the new back line into a lot of work. It all depends on whether or not the Hammers can finish their chances, therefore I will go for a 2-2 draw as the final score.

Brentford - Leeds

The Bees welcome Leeds to the Community Stadium with the Whites only two points ahead going into this one. Both sides have gotten off to strong starts, with Brentford coming from behind to earn a point once again when they played Crystal Palace during the week. They have conceded first in four of their five league games so far this season, yet have earnt draws in three of those games from losing positions. To contrast that, this side has also managed to win eight straight league games when scoring first and remarkably have never lost in the Premier League when they have opened the scoring. They have only lost once in the previous seven at home so know the crowd and form will be a huge advantage here. Leeds meanwhile will be hoping to secure their first away win of the season, with the team looking sharper under their current system having conceded a goal or less in four league fixtures thus far. They are a far cry from the relegation candidates we witnessed last season. They look energetic under Marsch and his system is really starting to take shape in his first full season in charge. Brentford will be without Pinnock, Canos, Ajer, Jansson, and Norgaard for this one. Meanwhile Leeds will be without Rodrigo and Dallas, while  Junior Firpo, Cooper, and Ayling are back in training. Both these sides already have a scalp this season, with Brentford beating United and Leeds beating Chelsea, meaning on their day these sides will believe they can match anyone. Depending on who turns up could be key to this contest, with the likelihood that both sides will cancel each other out here. Expect plenty of chances created although it will probably end up as a low scoring draw, so I am going for a 2-2.

Newcastle - Crystal Palace

After their late defeat at Anfield, Newcastle will welcome a Crystal Palace side who dropped points from a winning position against Brentford. Both Howe and Vieira have done excellent jobs at their clubs since their appointments last season, with the sides sitting a point apart and in 12th and 13th position heading into this. Isak has already found his way into the Toon Army's hearts after his goal against Liverpool and they will be hoping for more of the same at St. James Park. He is athletic, powerful, and knows how to score. Exactly what Newcastle needed. Himself and Saint-Maximin will create a terrifying attack along with Wilson, but for now he will be doing it alone. With just one win so far Newcastle will need to pick up form quick if they wish to mount a push for European places. Palace meanwhile have once again got a reliant upon Zaha, who somewhat called out his teammates in an emotional post match interview for not pushing on after they took the lead. Perhaps they will have listen to him this weekend and take the game to Newcastle, They only have one win so far this season and ending a four-game Premier League winless run on the road is next on the agenda. Shelvey, Kraft, and Wilson will be missing for Newcastle, while Saint-Maximin, Lascelles, and Bruno Guimaraes will need to be assessed. Palace meanwhile will be without Ferguson, Butland, and McArthur for this encounter. I expect a response from Newcastle here after their near miss at Liverpool, while similarly I believe Vieira will have taken what Zaha said and tried to use it as motivation for his side. This should result in a game with both sides really going for it and pushing for the win. It could go either way but I think with Newcastle at home Howe's side will just about manage to grind out a narrow victory, winning this match 2-1.

Nottingham Forest - Bournemouth

This match will see the two newly promoted sides facing off at the City Ground. Forest were torn apart by a clinical City side during the week, while Bournemouth managed to scape a point against Wolves in their first game since Parker was dismissed. After spending a mammoth amount over the summer, Forest have yet to see a return on that with the team sitting in 15th position on four points. They did manage to get the better of West Ham and with every passing game the hope is that the squad is gelling and clicking more and more. A total of 21 players were signed and registered by the club this summer, breaking the record for the amount of signings by a Premier League side in a single transfer window. Opposing them is a side who have barely outlaid any money for signings this season, but also sit on four points and only one place behind their opponents heading into this game. After a difficult start to the season the Bournemouth decided to let Parker go, and only time will tell if that was the correct decision or not. They rode their luck against Wolves during the week and know they had the better of Forest when these sides met in the Championship over the previous two seasons. Mangala, Richards, and Niakhate will all miss this one for Forest, while the Cherries will be without Pearson, Brooks, Rothwell and possibly Stanislas. While last season Bournemouth would be favourite for this clash, its difficult to look past Forest at home. Their fans are superb and the squad could see this as an opportunity to really click together. Bournemouth will want to show they are able to compete, and therefore I think this could be a good game. It will be close, and the final result will be a 1-0 for the home side.

Tottenham - Fulham

Conte will demand to see his side get back to winning ways after their draw with West Ham, while Fulham will look to build upon their win over Brighton. Spurs sit third in the table but felt like it was dropped points during the week, knowing they could be much closer to table toppers Arsenal. Conte saw his side have a penalty claim overturned by VAR and West Ham create the best chances against his side, so he will be happy to have gotten a point on the board. With Fulham showing excellent form so early this season, nothing will be taken for granted going into this one, especially with one eye on the start of their Champions League campaign next week. Spurs also head into this one on the back of an 11 game unbeaten steak in the Premier League. Fulham did their best to end Arsenal's perfect start to the season and came close with Mitrovic once again proving to be a handful last weekend, with the Cottagers ending Brighton's unbeaten start to the season during the week. Silva's side have performed above and beyond expectations so far, with most tipping them for the drop before the season began. They sit eight in the table and will be quietly delighted with things so far, and just need to get their first away win of the season to really get things going. Spurs will be without Lucas Moura for this one, while Gil, Romero, and Bentacur are all doubts. Fulham meanwhile will be without Wilson and Solomon. This is bound to be another game where Fulham make it difficult for their opponents, with Mitrovic a constrant pain and threat to opposing defenders. He will most likely find the back of the net again, but I think Conte will ensure his attacking force brings home the three points, winning this match 3-1. 

Wolves - Southampton

Lages side are still searching for their first win of the season and find themselves in the relegation zone as they welcome the Saints to Molineux this weekend. Sitting in 18th position, so far they have only managed to score twice this season. That is a huge contributor to the situation the club faces currently, but with new signings bedded in and showing a threat, with Nunes striking the bar against Bournemouth, Wolves will be hoping to start moving in the right direction. It is now 12 Premier League matches since Wolves have won so they will be hoping it is sooner rather than later before they manage a victory again. After a shocking opening game to Spurs, Southampton will be pleased to see themselves sitting in ninth position. Southampton's young prospects have starred during the opening weeks of the season and helped the club to seven points from a possible fifteen. Having overcome Leeds and Chelsea, they will have a real sense of belief heading into this one. Hasenhuttl knows the importance of hard work and keeping his side level headed, but if they can keep this form going they will have a comfortable season away from the relegation zone. Wolves will be without Francisco Tavares Oliveira going into this game, while Southampton travel to the midlands without Livramento and Lavia. Wolves could see Kalajdzic start up front, with the 6'7" striker a new threat upfront for the side. They will be very determined to end the lack of goals and will face a well drilled Southampton side in this one. The game will be close and I don't think either side will run away with it, potentially ending in a low scoring result, Therefore I will go for a 1-1 draw.

Aston Villa - Manchester City

This is probably the last side Gerrard would want to face in his current predicament. Villa are 19th in the table and have gotten off to a terrible start, with only Leicester doing worse so far. They were lacklustre against Arsenal during the week and fortunate to only lose the match by one goal. They have suffered three straight defeats in the league and can only show three points from 15 so far this season. There are quiet rumblings of discontents being heard and Gerrard will need to salvage his sides season quickly if he is to retain his job. They have not kept a clean sheet in ten league games and face the worst opponents to end this run. Haaland has netted two hattricks in two games now, setting a new record in the Premier League for the most goals scored in a player's opening five games with nine to his name. Alvarez is also looking like an astute buy, meaning Pep is well stocked upfront. They will be looking to overtake Arsenal and regain the top spot in the league with a win here, and continue their trend of scoring at least twice in a match which they have done in their previous 14 league encounters. Diego Carlos will be the only major loss for Gerrard as they welcome Man City for this match, with Pep's side expected to be without Laporte but Phillips, Grealish, Mbete-Tabu, and Ake could all return to the squad. If Villa can show the sort of fighting spirit they showed in the second half against Arsenal during the week they may have a slim chance here. If not, I expect City to run riot once again. This game could be another Banana skin for Pep, or his side could cost to another big result. Gerrard needs his side to respond and therefore I am going to go for an away win but not a total hammering, with a final score of 2-3.

Brighton - Leicester

The unbeaten run for Potter's side came to an end during the week as the Seagulls went down 2-1 to newly-promoted Fulham, while they welcome bottom of the table Leicester who have yet to win this season and lost to United 1-0 during the week. Sitting fourth in the table after all their summer departures was not something anybody imagined would happen for Brighton, and while they have finally lost this season, they will still be full of confidence. Add to the fact the have only conceded three goals so far, the lowest in the division, and there is plenty to be optimistic about. They have not conceded at home yet this season added Gilmour to their ranks, meaning the fans will envisage plenty of good times ahead. Rodger's side meanwhile will be delighted to see the transfer window shut having retained key players Tielemans and Maddison, albeit allowing Fofana leave to Chelsea. They had a very quiet summer in terms of incoming transfers, and keeping the club in line with Financial Fair Play regulations is apparently the main reason behind their conservative summer approach. They have lost four in a row in the league after their opening day draw and Rodgers will need to get the side clicking fast. Moder and Lallana will be missing through injury for Brighton, while Sarmiento is a doubt. The Foxes will travel without Pereira, Bertrand, and Amartey. The pressure will be mounting on Leicester to start producing and getting results before they really fall adrift at the bottom of the table. Brighton have been known as the draw specialists over the last season or so and this could work into Leicester's favour. They need to make the most of their opponents recent loss to Fulham and sure up their own defensive issues while they are at it. This game could really go either way but I am going to go for a boring 0-0 draw here, to the dismay of the Amex faithful.

Manchester United - Arsenal

Arsenal will visit Old Trafford with their perfect start to the season on the line. Arteta has seen his side transformed by Jesus upfront, while Ten Hag seems to finally be getting his side to click after three league wins in a row. United managed to secure the signing of Antony and Dubravka on deadline day while they beat Leicester 1-0, leaving them fifth in the table. The do however have the lowest goal tally of all the sides in the top half having only found the back of the net five times so far. Their goal difference is the only one in the top eight sides which is negative, so there is still much improvement ahead. United will look to find the back of the net in a Premier League home fixture for the eighth game in a row as they take on Arsenal and contain the attacking threat of the away side. Arteta's side sit two points clear of Man City at the top of the league but this will be their toughest test of the season so far. Liverpool stumbled here so Arteta will be taking no chances, while keeping one eye on their return to European football next week. They have not started a season with six league wins from six since the 1947-48 campaign, although they did win the league that year. United could look to give first starts to Casemiro and Antony, although Ten Hag may not be keen to change a side which has won three in a row. They will be wihtout Williams, Facundo Pellistri, and Greenwood, while Martial is a doubt. Arsenal will be travelling North without Elneny, Partey, Nelson, while both Odegaard and Ramsdale will need to be assessed after taking knocks against Villa during the week. Arsenal are on a golden streak but they must always come to an end. They are most likely going to drop points once they have the hectic schedule of Europa League to contend with, and could come unstuck against a United side who appear to be finding their feet under Ten Hag. It should be a close game even if not a classic. I think this is where we will really see what Ten Hag is made of, and whether he can really do it against a side in top form. Jesus will have a big role to play, and I can see Arsenal winning if he is on form. Therefore I will back the Gunners to win 1-2 at Old Trafford with Jesus providing the spark on his return to Manchester.

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

Also check out my review of the group draw and prediction of the Champions League for this season here: Champions 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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