After the international break over the last couple of weeks, the Premier League returns this weekend with a bumper selection of games, including four local derby matches.
With Arsenal still leading the way at the top of the table, a point ahead of the two only undefeated teams in the league at the moment, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs.
And the Gunners face Spurs in a massive North London Derby game this weekend to kick off the action!
However, we now approach a very busy and important part of the season which is the time until the teams break for the World Cup Finals taking place in Qatar from November.
In addition to a number of important Premier League games, many teams will also be involved in European action in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference Leagues, with the Group Stages of these tournaments set to finish before the World Cup Finals begin.
Furthermore, there will also be a round of action in the Carabao Cup which will see many Premier League teams in action and there is also a midweek round of Premier League games on the horizon too.
Add to that the games needed to be replayed following the cancellation of matches over the last few weeks, and it means that teams are going to be facing a very tough run of games at some point in the next few weeks, or if not then, in the New Year post World Cup.
So let’s take a look at this weekend’s fixtures in the Premier League with the latest odds on the games provided by bet365 Sport.
BET365
BONUS CODE: BET247
Get up to €100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365
Bet365 Review
Min deposit €5
Up to €100 in Bet Credits
Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code BET247 can be used during registration, but does not change the offer amount in any way.
Let’s now take a look at the games coming up this weekend, together with our best tips for each one.
Here’s a look at how the table stands heading into this weekend’s action.
Premier League Table
Premier League Tips – Matchday 9
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
This North London derby has much more riding on it than more recent fixtures with both teams in the top three and challenging along with Manchester City for top spot in the Premier League. Last year, Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners in this game, but generally it is Spurs who have enjoyed the better of more recent meetings between the two.
I think both teams are improved on last season and Spurs are especially better defensively and I can see that being enough for them to avoid defeat here, but I also feel Arsenal will do enough to get a point from the game.
Our Prediction – Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham – 13/2
Two teams that may not be Premier League regulars but who have earned the right to contest in this company in recent times. Bournemouth recovered well from their 9-0 defeat at Liverpool and have picked up some useful points in the games following, while Brentford lie comfortably in mid-table.
However, while these two teams look well matched on paper, I do feel Brentford have that extra edge in terms of top level experience and in quality too and that I feel will be the key here as I am backing the Bees to land an important away win.
Our Prediction – Bournemouth 1-2 Brentford – 9/1
Chelsea have had an up and down season so far and that resulted in the sack for Thomas Tuchel. Graham Potter has come in and this will be his first Premier League game for the ex-Brighton boss as manager of his new team, and it will be a tough London derby against a Palace side that are proving tough to beat.
Patrick Vieira’s team started the season pretty well but their form has tailed off of late as they have struggled a little for goals and I think Chelsea will get that new manager ‘bounce’ in order to claim an important win on the road.
Our Prediction – Crystal Palace 0-2 Chelsea – 8/1
Fulham v Newcastle United
Newcastle United have lost just once this season but they have drawn five of their seven games, to lie in mid-table, Fulham have lost one more game but also won three meaning they lie an impressive sixth in the table and they will fancy their chances against a Newcastle side that are still without a couple of players.
Fulham have certainly done well, but I think Newcastle are developing into a solid team under Eddie Howe and they are certainly proving very tough to beat and as such, I think that a draw, yet another for Newcastle fans, is the likely outcome here.
Our Prediction – Fulham 1-1 Newcastle United – 6/1
Last season, Brighton came from 2-0 down at Anfield to claim a 2-2 draw in a game that perhaps they should have won. Liverpool can’t risk another show like that after their slow start to the season and despite being hit hard with injuries in midfield, the Reds will be expecting to land a win here.
Brighton have a new manager in Roberto De Zerbi and it will be interesting how he sets the team up here, but it is a huge ask to win your first game away at Anfield and as such, I think Brighton may just not have enough here to claim a point.
Our Prediction – Liverpool 2-1 Brighton – 17/2
Both these teams have enjoyed something of an up and down time of it this season with Southampton having a decent run of wins a few weeks back and Everton avoiding defeat in their last four games and picking up a win over West Ham to move themselves up the table.
This fixture has produced a fair number of away wins and goals scored in it over the years and I have the feeling that these two teams are pretty well-matched this season. I can also see goals being scored here so while I think it will be a draw, I feel a 2-2 scoreline is more likely.
Our Prediction – Southampton 2-2 Everton – 14/1
West Ham United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Both these teams have endured somewhat poor starts to the season, with both struggling for goals having managed just three in their seven games so far. That means that it is not likely to be a goal-fest at the London Stadium this weekend.
Wolves have the better form but I think West Ham are long overdue a win. They have started the season poorly in the EPL with the majority of their wins coming in cup competitions. I think they may just have enough in attack to perhaps steal the win here with a late goal.
Our Prediction – West Ham United 1-0 Wolves – 13/2
Sunday 2nd October
Manchester City v Manchester United (2pm)
A crucial Manchester Derby gets the action underway on Sunday with City hosting United in a game that has seen the away team win 9 and draw one of the last 13 games between the two. That may sound like I favour United here, but in truth, I think City are going to be too strong.
United may score a goal, they may even lead the game at the half, but I am backing City to come back strongly as they usually do when they fall behind and to use their possession and attacking threats to claim a strong and important win.
Our Prediction – Man City 3-1 Manchester United – 10/1
Leeds United v Aston Villa (4.30pm)
Two teams that have had a mixed set of results this season. Both have picked up some good results, Leeds beating Chelsea 3-0, Villa drawing with Man City but both have also had some very poor results and the occasional poor performance thrown in for good measure.
With home advantage, you’d normally go for Leeds here but I think Villa have turned a corner in their most recent performances and I am backing them to match Leeds stride for stride and goal for goal here in an entertaining draw.
Our Prediction – Leeds United 2-2 Aston Villa – 12/1
Monday 3rd October
Leicester City v Nottingham Forest (8pm)
An East Midlands derby that pits the teams in the bottom two places of the table against each other. Suffice to say, both teams are desperate for a win, especially Leicester who have picked up just a single point from all their games so far this season.
Brendan Rodgers seems to have a bit of time on his side and Steve Cooper likewise at Forest, but both managers will know that they cannot afford to keep losing games and falling behind the teams above them. I expect both teams to score here, but I am backing Leicester to finally get that crucial first win.
Our Prediction – Leicester City 2-1 Nottingham Forest – 8/1
