Premier League Matchday 4 Preview
Premier League Matchday 4 brings us the last Premier League action before the international break, and we`ve picked the top games we`re looking out for this weekend!
Brighton must bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to West Ham last weekend. The Seagulls proved to be efficient in attack in their first 2 games and will be given a home advantage to repeat those performances. However, their last time beating Newcastle at the Amex was in 2021, followed by 2 consecutive draws. 3 of their last 5 Premier League meetings ended in over 2.5 goals, and we expect the same this time out.
The pressure is on Newcastle having lost 2 consecutive games against Man City and Liverpool. The Magpies failed to build on a 1-goal lead against a 10-men Liverpool outfit and went on to concede 2. Still, Newcastle only lost 3 away games last season, and have beaten Brighton 2-1 in pre-season. Although it is hard to pick a winner, this game is likely to be action-packed - we expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals.
Liverpool proved tenacity having beaten Newcastle at St. James` with 10 men. The Reds return to a fortified Anfield, having lost just 1 EPL home fixtures last season, and beating Bournemouth 3-1 this season. Although Klopp`s defence is shaky and can leak goals having conceded in all 3 opening fixtures, they have not lost to Villa at Anfield since 2014 and are likely to outscore the visitors this time out.
Aston Villa recovered from the opening 5-1 defeat to Newcastle, having won their next 2 EPL fixtures, and bulldozing Hibernian in the Conference League Playoffs. Although they are dangerous in attack, Anfield is never an easy venue. Although their last trip ended in 1-1, 4 of the last 5 meetings went to Liverpool`s way, with 3 of those being high-scoring games. We expect over 2.5 goals, and Liverpool to win.
The Gunners were held to a 2-2 draw against Fulham last weekend. Having lost just 2 home games last season, the Emirates advantage is strong for the Gunners going into the next. Manchester United have not won at the Emirates since a 2019 FA Cup win, however, their last 2 games at the London venue ended in 3-2 and 3-1 - we expect another high-scoring fixture this time out.
Man United pulled-off a hard comeback against Nottingham last weekend, with their defence exposed yet again. The tie between Arsenal and Man United is always entertaining - out of the last 5 EPL meetings 2 went United`s way, 2 to Arsenal, and 1 draw. 4 of the 5 had over 3.5 goals. The Red Devils took a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in pre-season, however, given United`s form at the Emirates, picking a winner is difficult. We expect over 2.5 goals, and both teams to score.