Author: Alex Dudley
Every team in the Premier League has now played in front of their home fans, and this is the stage where the season really gets started. There a few big games over the next weekend, igniting the online sportsbooks, but which sides can maintain their unbeaten starts to the season, and who has just been a flash in the pan?
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Arsenal have enjoyed their best start to a Premier League season for ten years, but they will come up against the only other side with a 100% record on Saturday as they travel to Anfield. The Gunners spent wisely over the summer in an attempt to get back in the top four of the Premier League, and Jurgen Klopp’s side will give fans a real insight into how far the club have come under Unai Emery.
The Reds meanwhile made it two wins from two wins a narrow win over Southampton last time out. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino goals put them in complete control before an error from back-up goalkeeper Adrian allowed the Saints back into the game. However, Liverpool were able to hang on for the win and opened up an early two-point lead from title holders Manchester City.
Both sides have undeniable defensive issues, and this match could be simply about who manages to score more. The jury is still out whether David Luiz is the man to change the Gunners backline, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a difficult opening to the new season and looks particularly suspect on the right-hand side of the defence.
However, it is incredibly difficult to see Arsenal going to Anfield and winning as they haven’t won at Liverpool since 2012. Therefore, it should be another narrow win for the Reds.
Prediction: Liverpool
Norwich City vs Chelsea
Frank Lampard couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to his managerial career at Stamford Bridge. The Blues lost their opener to Manchester United, before being held at home by Leicester City and now they must travel to a confident Norwich City who will be looking to make Carrow Road a tough place for teams to visit.
The Canaries will be buoyant after their first win of the new campaign last time out against Newcastle United, in which Teemu Pukki became the first Norwich player to score a top-flight hat-trick for 26 years.
His three goals led Norwich to a comfortable 3-1 win over Newcastle United. Daniel Farke’s side have already showcased that they have a goal-scoring threat against the very best in the league after troubling Liverpool in their opening day defeat, and Chelsea will be aware that this is a potential banana skin.
Prediction: Draw
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
Newcastle United fans have become disillusion with life under Mike Ashley, and fans of the Toon were quick to voice their discontent when Rafael Benitez was allowed to leave. Matters weren’t made any better when former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce replaced the Spaniard, and his start to life at St James’ Park has been less than ideal.
The Toon opened the campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal, before being played off the park by Norwich at Carrow Road. Their 3-1 defeat last time out highlights that this is going to be a long season for the Geordie faithful.
Spurs meanwhile would have thought they had won the Champions League last weekend as they somehow escaped the Etihad with a point despite being dominated for the whole game. Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura both scored to salvage a point but to say they didn’t deserve anything would have been an understatement.
Tottenham have won once already this season. That win came on the opening day against Aston Villa. Despite falling behind, Spurs came back to win 3-1 after a brace from Harry Kane and a debut goal for Tanguy Ndombele. This fixture against the Toon could be a comfortable afternoon for Spurs.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur
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