The Premier League is back, and finally the weekend will once again have its lynchpin back. Yes, there is drama (Everton will know what that feels like well) but there is everything in between as well.
Saturday, 25 November
7/10 Manchester City | Draw 31/10 | Liverpool 32/10 (14:30)
Please see our featured fixture here!
21/10 Sheffield United | Draw 5/2 | Bournemouth 12/10 (17:00)
Sheffield will no doubt be buzzing after consolidating their first win of the season with a draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. They have now found some credence in sitting back and letting their opponents come to them, but is that the approach for Bournemouth as well?
I still think the Cherries are in a relegation scrap, but that win over Newcastle would have done wonders for their confidence. This is tough to call, but I’m going to go for both teams scoring.
19/10 Nottm Forest | Draw 26/10 | Brighton 5/4 (17:00)
Forest seems to be coming into their own a little bit, and I think a game like this actually suits them. Brighton will take the game to their hosts, but I’m not sure they can sustain their pace of play with the squad they have for the entire season.
I know it will seem simplistic, but given their involvement in Europe, can they really maintain it? They dropped points to a really weak Sheffield side, and I think they could struggle here… Back the hosts.
5/2 Burnley | Draw 26/10 | West Ham 19/20 (17:00)
This could be more straightforward than many are making it out to be. Burnley have lost their last five league games and look to be destined for a Championship return at their nearest convenience.
West Ham have started to wobble, but they pulled through last time out and secured all three points. David Moyes is doing a fantastic job and I think they get the job done here as well.
5/2 Luton Town | Draw 9/4 | C Palace 11/10 (17:00)
Luton frustrated United at Old Trafford but ultimately came up short. They now face a Palace side who I fully expect to complicate this game by their approach. Neither side want possession of the football, and both are happy to play on the counter…
I don’t think it’s the sort of game which dominates the goal rush segment – back under 2.5 goals.
15/10 Newcastle | Draw 49/20 | Chelsea 33/20 (17:00)
Which Newcastle side arrives here? They still have a really stretched squad and whilst I like the idea of Eddie Howe’s side once again making a nuisance of themselves and causing their visitors problems – I cannot see past the Chelsea win.
They were brilliant against City at times and if they are able to replicate that approach, I think the away win becomes a banker.
32/10 Brentford | Draw 26/10 | Arsenal 8/10 (19:30)
I was disappointed with Brentford’s last display if I’m honest. They were slowly returning to that really stubborn and difficult side to play before Liverpool just absolutely dispatched them.
Arsenal has a few players returning to full fitness and will want to get them up to speed quickly, but with a somewhat stretched squad I’m not sure how they will fare here. Brentford at home can be a seriously tricky side to face – I’m going to sit on the fence unapologetically and back over 2.5 goals.
Sunday, 26 November
5/4 Tottenham | Draw 28/10 | Aston Villa 7/4 (16:00)
What a game of football this should be! We all know how good Villa can be at home, but on the road, they have often flattered to deceive. I love the fact that they completely buy into their approach and look to employ it against whoever they play.
Ange Postecoglou has come under a bit of criticism – but I doubt he’s going to change his approach. They will want to boss this game and dominate it from the off. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either win, so I’m going to suggest (tentatively) we back the draw.
33/20 Everton | Draw 24/10 | Manchester United 15/10 (18:30)
Everton continue to improve, there is no doubt about that. They will be happy to sit without the ball here and ask United to come to them. I’m not sure how the uncertainty and drama off the field is going to affect the side, but there is no doubting their ability.
United continue to blow hot and cold, I know many fans have clung to the statistics – but I need to see them string a few more positive performances together before anything else. Nevertheless, I think they’ll have too much here.
Monday, 27 November
27/20 Fulham | Draw 9/4 | Wolves 2/1 (22:00)
I know I sound a little bit like a stuck record, but I remain unconvinced by this Fulham side. Wolves were unlucky to not come away with anything against Sheffield, but against Spurs they remain committed to the cause for 90 minutes and saw it pay dividends. Back the away win here!
