Sheearer reveals his latest round of predictions (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Another stacked weekend of Premier League action awaits with Alan Shearer back with his predictions ahead of kick-off.
Chelsea enjoyed a triumphant return to form following the international break last time out, putting five past Bournemouth after some disappointing results for Xabi Alonso’s side.
They are on the road on Saturday away to Everton with Liverpool also facing a big test away from home as they head to Brentford.
Manchester City can extend their lead at the top of the league when they take on Ipswich Town at the Etihad with Arsenal not in action until Sunday when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
I see Everton still being unbeaten and I’m going to go for a draw. I think it is really tough to call though. With that forward line for Chelsea of Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro, you’d do well to stop them, but I think Everton will also score as well because I’m not convinced by Chelsea defensively and I think it will be a score draw.
Henderson impressed for Chelsea last weekend (Picture: Chelsea FC)
That front three for Chelsea are brilliant. They offer a bit of class in different ways. Their movement is superb as well as ability to handle the ball. If they can keep those three fit, Chelsea are a great watch. They’re very entertaining because they do concede goals, but they flew out the blocks last week, didn’t they? That’s what they can do to you. They can hurt you. However, I’m going to go for a score draw against Everton.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts
Everton 35% Draw 26% Chelsea 45%
Brentford vs Liverpool
I’m going to go for a home win. I think Brentford are brilliant in what Keith Andrews has got them all doing. They showed that when 2-1 down last week, they still got the point at Villa Park. I think with Liverpool playing in Europe, then travelling to London and then in Europe again on Tuesday night, I’m going to go for a home win.
Liverpool were back to winning ways midweek (Picture: Liverpool FC)
Andoni Iraola has got injuries, so I guess that in itself will make it tough for them. Liverpool can’t afford a defeat, but I think Brentford will beat them and pile on the pressure.
Prediction- Brentford win
Betfair Predicts
Brentford 41% Draw 26% Liverpool 34%
Fulham vs Hull
This is a tough one to call because Fulham are desperate for a win. They went 1-0 up against Ipswich and then all of a sudden, you sit back, which is a natural thing and they got punished. They desperately need to get over the line and get a victory. Arbeloa is another manager that will be under huge pressure if they don’t win.
I’m going to say draw again because you just never know. I think Hull will be more than happy with how they’ve started the season, and I think they’ll go to Craven Cottage and they’ll get a point.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts
Fulham 57% Draw 24% Hull 19%
Manchester City vs Ipswich
City’s win last week at Anfield was impressive, albeit it all hinged on the sending off. I think in terms of mentality, we saw how they are. They were much better in the second half against PSG, and I really expect them to pick up three points here. As good as Ipswich have had at the start to the season, I don’t see them getting anything from this game.
City won at Anfield last weekend (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
Haaland will be hoping to add to his goal tally this weekend. It doesn’t bother me, FPL, but I guess all the people playing FPL will captain Haaland this weekend.
Prediction – Manchester City win
Betfair Predicts
Manchester City 80%
Draw 13% Ipswich 7%
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
With Aston Villa playing yesterday in the Champions League and playing again in the Champions League next week it gives Newcastle a big chance. Newcastle got battered on Monday. I’m going to go home win because the pressure is on and I don’t think it would be acceptable to have that again.
I think there’s an expectation that things will change at Newcastle, and I think they might just nick it at home.
Aston Villa are the same as Newcastle; They are up and down being like a yo-yo. As great as that result was in midweek, you don’t know what will happen in the league for Villa after that. Nicolas Jackson is clearly enjoying himself at Aston Villa and got a couple of goals on Wednesday. I’m going to say a Newcastle home win, just.
Prediction – Newcastle win
Betfair Predicts
Newcastle 42% Draw 26% Aston Villa 33%
Bournemouth vs Sunderland
Tough one to call, Bournemouth need a result and Sunderland aren’t the same without Brian Brobbey. I think Bournemouth will get their win so I’m going for a Bournemouth home win.
Alex Scott’s still out injured as well. He’s a big miss for Bournemouth, but I think with them being at home, I’m going to say home win.
Prediction – Bournemouth win
Betfair Predicts
Bournemouth 46% Draw 27% Sunderland 27%
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace got the win last week, but they could’ve been three or four down with the chances that Forest missed. Brighton got a great result at Sunderland and got the red card overturned, which again was a ridiculous decision anyway, but I think Brighton will have enough to beat Crystal Palace. They’re flying, Brighton, so I expect that to continue.
Prediction – Brighton win
Betfair Predicts
Brighton 63% Draw 21% Crystal Palace 17%
Leeds vs Manchester United
Elland Road will be absolutely bouncing. They’re up against it, Man United and they’re up against this Leeds team who are going to make it very difficult. They were brilliant at Arsenal last week. I’ve got no faith or confidence in Man United. So, I’m going to say a home win. I think Leeds will beat them.
Lisandro Martinez lashed out midweek (Picture: Bradley Collyer/the Press Association)
Leeds went 1-0 up against Arsenal and they missed a couple of chances before that, so they deservedly took the lead. It was only then when Arsenal made the changes that they lost the game. So, I think Leeds will go into this with more belief and confidence, and they’ll know the pressure that Man United are under. I think they’ll feed off that, so that’s why I’m going to go for a home win.
I think Man United players are still playing for Michael Carrick. I think their reaction in Madrid on Tuesday night and also Martinez’s comments backed up that the players like Michael Carrick, but they’ve got to go out and get a result for him desperately because the pressure will be hugely on if Leeds beat them. Unfortunately for Michael, I think Leeds will win this weekend.
Prediction – Leeds win
Betfair Predicts
Leeds 41% Draw 27% Manchester United 33%
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Nottingham Forest got a terrible result last week against Crystal Palace but they missed massive chances. I mean, Liam Delap missed an absolute sitter, as did others and then when that happened, Crystal Palace went up the other end and scored. Then all of sudden you just go flat. Oliver Glasner needs a result, very much like other managers, you need a result when you’re struggling, and Forest are struggling and need a win massively. I don’t see it happening against Arsenal. I think Arsenal will win.
Prediction – Arsenal win
Betfair Predicts
Nottingham Forest 16% Draw 25% Arsenal 59%
Tottenham vs Coventry
A huge one to call. I mean, if Tottenham don’t win this one then I see them in a relegation battle again this season. I do think I was impressed with them last weekend with their attitude, with how much pressure was on and how they performed. So, I’m going to go for a home win, and a much needed one for De Zerbi.
