Premier League Preview
With the international break now over, safe to say all eyes will be set on domestic football, with the Premier League bringing us a weekend packed with entertaining clashes!
Manchester United vs. Brighton
Man United left for the break with a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, landing them in 11th place. The Red Devils have not lost a home fixture in their last 32 games, with the home advantage playing in their favour. Looking at the H2H, United have lost 3 of the last 5 meetings with the Seagulls, and considering their poor defensive record are likely to face a few problems on Saturday.
Brighton`s high-scoring form continued with a 3-1 win against Newcastle. The Seagulls won 3 of their 4 opening games, averaging 3 goals scored per game and conceding just 1. Although they`ve lost 4 of their last 5 trips to OT, the Seagulls recorded a 2-1 victory in their last visit and considering their attacking threat, we expect a game full of goals. We expect over 2.5 goals and both teams to score.
The Hammers find themselves 4th in the EPL coming off a 2-1 victory at Luton. West Ham are proving to be a strong side, having already beaten the likes of Chelsea and high-flying Brighton side. However, they`re still the heavy underdogs and have failed to beat City in London in their last 8 meetings. Still, they are likely to give City a real challenge this weekend.
Unsurprisingly at the summit, the Citizens go into the game on the back of a 5-1 victory against Fulham. Their last defeat to West Ham was in 2015, and it`s unlikely to change here. Still, 3 of their last 5 trips to the London Stadium in all competitions ended in a draw, so we anticipate a challenge for Pep`s side. Therefore, we expect both teams to score, and Manchester City to win.
With just 1 point from 4 games, things are looking dreadful for Everton. The Toffees are coming off a 2-2 draw against Sheffield and have lost to non-top 6 sides like Fulham, Villa, and Wolves. Although they are yet to record a home win this season, they have not lost to Arsenal at Goodison Park in their last 5 meetings, an important note to keep in mind.
Arsenal grinded out a 3-1 win against United before the break, continuing their unbeaten start to the season. Arteta`s defense does look shaky, having conceded in 3 of their 4 opening games. The Gunners have no problem beating Everton at home, however, their last PL win at Goodison Park was in 2017, with 3 of the last 5 games ending in u. 2.5 goals. Still, we expect Arsenal to win in a close game, with under 2.5 goals.