.png)
.svg){kind=small}
Wolverhampton v Brentford
Wolverhampton didn’t just pick up their first win of the year last weekend, they also scored their first goal in a 2-0 win over Watford. Wolves are hoping they can turn that result into momentum after a slow start to the campaign. Brentford has gone winless since their thrilling opening night victory over Arsenal and nearly had a draw last weekend before Brighton scored a late winner. It will be tough for the newly promoted side to claim 3 points on the road in the Midlands. This is a hard game to read but I think both teams have just enough quality in front of goal to sneak one over the line in the course of 90 minutes.
The Bet: Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Brentford
Burnley v Arsenal
Burnley have had a poor start to the season as they are winless through 4 games. The Northern club was thrashed on Monday night by Everton after a dreadful few minutes saw them concede multiple goals in lightning quick fashion. Arsenal picked up their first win of the year last weekend with a narrow 1-0 result over Norwich. The Gunners are still wildly underperforming, and despite the 3 points, their play was less than convincing at home against a newly promoted side. Arsenal have far more quality than Burnley but on the road at Turf Moor this game will get physical and contentious, and that is exactly where Burnley thrive.
The Bet: Draw
Prediction: Burnley 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Liverpool are tied with several teams at the top of the table at the moment with 3 wins from 4 games. The Reds played a thrilling 3-2 Champions League encounter at home on Wednesday against Milan. Crystal Palace is riding high after a 3-0 demolition job on Tottenham last weekend. Palace look to finally be in sync with their new manager and new young faces at the club. Liverpool are massive favorites, rightfully so, but are missing a few players to injury and fitness issues after a taxing midweek match. I expect the Reds to win at Anfield but Palace could keep it close before a late second half insurance goal puts Liverpool through to 3 points.
The Bet: Liverpool to Cover 1.5 Goals
Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Southampton
Manchester City have gotten in lock step after a surprising opening weekend loss to Tottenham. City have won 3 straight games by a combined score of 11-0. Oh, and they won in the Champions League this week 6-3 over RB Leipzig. Southampton have rattled off 3 straight draws after an opening weekend defeat. The Saints will be feeling good about holding West Ham down last time out but this game brings a far greater challenge. To most teams a midweek match would put stress on their players for the weekend but Man City have so much squad depth they can rotate players without missing a beat. This game will not be close.
The Bet: Man City to Cover 2.5 Goals
Prediction: Man City 3-0 Southampton
Norwich City v Watford
This is likely to be the forgotten game of the weekend as it features two newly promoted teams who look to be heading straight back down after seasons end. Norwich have lost all 4 games to start the year and have only scored 1 goal. Watford started the campaign with a shock 3-2 win over Aston Villa but have since lost every game by a combined score of 5-0. Normally games between relegation rivals are seen as opportunities to pick up points but with both teams' ability to bottle it at any moment I can’t see either side coming away with a win.
The Bet: Draw
Prediction: Norwich 1-1 Watford
Aston Villa v Everton
The final game of the day features two squads who typically sit firm in mid table obscurity. Aston Villa will be looking to improve upon their start to the season as they only have 4 points through 4 games. Everton is coming off a wonderful Monday night victory over Burnley where they hung 3 goals up at home including an absolute worldie from Andros Townsend. Villa struggled in their 3-0 loss to Chelsea due to missing several key players to international duty complication, they are expected to have those players back in this one. Everton is more likely to win but it is hard to see them doing so at Villa Park, this game could be close and exciting.
The Bet: Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Everton
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Transfer of the Day: Richarlison, F, Everton
The young Brazilian talent is among the most gifted forwards in the entire Premier League and he has a prime opportunity in this match. Everton's normal starting striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, is expected to miss his second straight game which greenlights Richarlison to starting up front as opposed to being a complimentary piece on the wing. Richarlison is a typical Brazilian player with tons of flair, creativity, pace, and power but he is also selfish and arrogant, which is all the more reason I am firing him up this week. He was left off the scoresheet on Monday night as his team scored 3 and that will surely motivate him to put his name and face back in the spotlight this weekend.
