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Gameday – PL Gameweek 3 Preview

August 28, 2021

By Sam Torrance

Before a ball was kicked this season, 4 teams were thrown around as contenders for the title. This weekend 2 of those teams clash as Chelsea face Liverpool in a crunch match at Anfield. Which of the German coaches will come out on top?

Last week, Sam took on The High Press Media’s director Adam Henley in his score predictions against the football community. With strong predictions on both sides and correct score predictions on both sides Sam edged it 65-60, levelling up the total scores at 95 a piece. This week, the football community is represented by News UK Sports Editor, and Leeds United fan Kieran Benn. Time will tell how Kieran will fair in representing the football community against Sam’s predictions.

Manchester City Vs Arsenal

Head-To-Head: 60 (City) – 45 – 98 (Arsenal)

City Form: LW

Arsenal Form: LL

Key Man: Mahrez

It’s the master versus the apprentice in the opener this weekend. And the drowning apprentice at that…

#ArtetaOut is already spreading like a virus throughout much of the Gunners fanbase and the pressure is already mounting on the Spaniard so early in the season. Rumour has it that Mikel has the next two Premier League games to save his job and let’s be frank, he won’t be getting anything from this encounter.

The key to any successful football team is having a strong defence and therefore foundations to build upon. Rob Holding and Pablo Mari are not what you’d describe as a ‘strong centre-back partnership.’ In fact, it’s rather pitiful, which Lukaku made no qualms about proving as he tore them to shreds on his debut last weekend.

So, Arsenal’s defence are currently in tatters and City have just thumped Norwich 5-0. Seems straight forward in principle. Although, unlike many, I’m not totally sold on Man City being back to their best. It was an exhibition last weekend but the deficit in quality was so vast it was partially expected. I still think they need a striker to add goals in the bigger games given how much stronger the other challengers look this season.

The fact that City don’t deploy that traditional ‘number 9’ could help the flailing Arsenal centre-backs, in terms of taking a bit of pressure directly off them. Tactically, Arsenal will sit back, soak up the pressure and look to break with speed. The return of Aubameyang will help on that front and De Bruyne remains a doubt so City will be without their key creator.

I fancy the Gunners to score but City to run out eventual winners as their superior quality shines through.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 2-1
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 3-0

Aston Villa Vs Brentford

Head-To-Head: 6 (Villa) – 5 – 3 (Brentford)

Villa Form: LW

Brentford Form: WD

Key Man: Leon Bailey

Elsewhere, Villa bounced back from their opening day setback by dispatching of Newcastle 2-0 in a game that included a stunning over head kick by new boy Danny Ings. The Claret & Blue remain a relatively unknown quantity this season and we’ll need a few more games before we can get a clearer picture of the situation they find themselves in. One thing’s for sure though, chances have hardly been free flowing, and this stubborn Brentford team will try to exploit that.

Two clean sheets under the belt, ceding only two shots on target away at Palace last time out. We know what the Bees are about now. And Thomas Frank has clearly made sure they’re well drilled for life in the big time. Much like Villa, and probably as to be expected, chances have been particularly hard to come by so far when you look at their average XG, which stands at around 0.7 goals per game. So, we’d ought to get a tight match up, if all goes by the book.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Brentford land another scalp but I’m siding with the home team. Just…

SAM’S PREDICTION: 1-0
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 2-1

 

Brighton Vs Everton

Head-To-Head: 4 (Brighton) – 6 – 9 (Everton)

Brighton Form: WW

Everton Form: WD

Key Man: Calvert Lewin

A record breaking six home games undefeated in the Premier League for Brighton now and in this fixture, it counts. There has never been an away winner in the Premier League between these two, so the Seagulls will fancy their chances.

Where Brighton really excel is defensively. Graham Potter has crafted a brilliant formula of seasoned, no-nonsense generals led by captain Lewis Dunk, and hard-working but gifted players in Bissouma, Trossard and Neil Maupay. As a result, they can be incredibly tough to break down whilst maintaining that attacking potency that a team like Burnley may sacrifice.

However, Everton will be by far the stiffest opposition they have faced yet. The Toffees have slipped under the radar, counted out by many following the supposed clash between Rafa and fans. But opinions are swiftly changing as Rafa shows just why he is one of the most tactically brilliant managers in world football. Significantly, he seems to be getting the best out of his attacking players which was always the Achilles heel of his sides in the past. Dominic Calvert Lewin has had more touches in the opposition box than any other striker in the league, so he’s one to consider in FPL moving forward as he spearheads this Everton side.

It’s tough to split these two. I can’t see there being more than a goal deficit either way, but I think the quality of Calvert Lewin could be the difference.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 1-2
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 1-1

 

Newcastle Vs Southampton

Head-To-Head: 41 (Newcastle) – 23 – 38 (Southampton)

Newcastle Form: LL

Southampton Form: LD

Key Man: Saint Maximin

Steve Bruce is getting a tough rap at Newcastle. The club can count themselves quite unlucky to have recorded two losses so far given how creative they’ve been going forward and I think they could have some joy here. Saint Maximin and Callum Wilson were deadly in the opener against West Ham in front of a packed home crowd and they could cause this Saints defence serious problems.

Of course, Southampton will be flying high following their result last weekend. Yet it was more United’s sloppy finishing rather than defensive solidarity that earnt Southampton that draw. Something backed up by United’s expected goal rating of nearly two and a half times the amount they put away.

Back Bruce’s boys to get off the mark in this one.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 2-0
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 1-0

Norwich Vs Leicester

Head-To-Head: 22 (Norwich) – 13 – 23 (Leicester)

Norwich Form: LL

Leicester Form: WL

Key Man: Harvey Barnes

Leicester have been relatively disappointing so far. We all expected more offensively than they’ve shown despite playing two tough teams, which is surely an area Brendan will be looking to focus on here. Norwich love to come out and play, they weren’t frightened despite playing the two previous champions, which I think will free up Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy to make those snappy runs in behind that the Foxes so effectively utilise.

Meanwhile, for Norwich the season starts here. They’ve had a torrid time against the Premier League’s elite the past two Saturday’s, but they thumped Bournemouth 6-0 midweek, and will be hoping to ride that wave of momentum against Leicester.

It’ll be a tough ask once again to get a result, but they need something, negative spirals are a very real thing in English Premier League, with even more real consequences. If Teemu Pukki ever wanted to replicate his party form of 19/20, now sir, would be the time.

Norwich to score but Leicester to hit where it counts.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 1-3
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 1-2

 

West Ham Vs Crystal Palace

Head-To-Head: 24 (West Ham) – 22- 16 (Palace)

West Ham Form: WW

Palace Form: LD

Key Man: Benrahma

So, Michael Antonio fancies himself for the Golden Boot? Not too convinced on that one myself given the scoring records of his fellow Prem bagsmen but the enthusiasm is respectable. He might also get a couple here given how impressive the Hammers have been in their opening fixtures, although you could argue that where West Ham truly excel is on the counter and I’m not sure they’ll get as many opportunities for that against a Palace side that will likely sit deeper.

At least you’d presume that, as goals have hardly been their strong point this season, failing to notch in either game so far. It’s the third London Derby in a row for Viera and you feel like they need a big result soon considering the fact they face Liverpool and Spurs after the international break.

Could they get it here? Doubtful. The game probably won’t suit West Ham’s style all that much, nevertheless, when attacking players are on form the way Benrahma and Antonio are, goals come regardless.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 2-0
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 4-1

 

Liverpool Vs Chelsea

Head-To-Head: 82 (Liverpool) – 41 – 65 (Chelsea)

Liverpool Form: WW

Chelsea Form: WW

Key Man: Virgil Van Djik

The eyes of the nation will be on this one. The two most impressive teams to date meet in the first real blockbuster clash since the return of fans to stadiums. And what a game it should be.

The return of Van Djik to the team has such an effect on Klopp’s side it’s staggering. The big Dutchman changes the entire way the team plays. The full backs are more daring, more attacking. The whole team presses with more confidence and intensity. And if the opposition are effective in their pressing, he’ll just ping a 70 yard pass out to the right wing like he’s just climbed out of bed for his morning porridge…

It’s no coincidence the Reds are back to their best and they should have won by considerably more against Burnley. But then you have Chelsea’s new man. Big Rom. The new and improved Rom, it must be said. He’s come on leaps and bounds since his time at Everton and Man United and his goal scoring record wasn’t half bad then. He just man handles defenders like no one I’ve ever seen, yet, has learnt to combine that with attacking intelligence much more than in previous years.

That will be the key battle. Who will come out on top? One criticism of Lukaku has been that he can never pull it out the bag against the best centre backs. And Van Djik is the very best of the best. He can’t be bullied, and I think he’ll be too smart for Lukaku even still. With the threat of Lukaku managed, or at least dimmed, the effectiveness of Jota, Salah, and the twelfth man can come to the fore, driving the Reds to a narrow victory.

The Chelsea train will be de-railed. You heard it here first.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 2-1
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 2-2

 

Burnley Vs Leeds

Head-To-Head: 18 (Burnley) – 11 – 33 (Leeds)

Burnley Form: LL

Leeds Form: LD

Key Man: Tarkowski

I’m proud to say I called the 2-2 with Leeds last weekend. Nevertheless, they make games totally impossible to predict. And whilst with Burnley, you usually know what you’re going to get, currently they are yet to score a point despite ranking the 8th highest in the league for XG.

So, this one is tough. Leeds go in favourites and they certainly have superior quality within their ranks. Raphina was exceptional when trying to get the equaliser against Everton and I fully expect him to be the key man for Leeds. Whereas Burnley will be typically dogged and feisty. Something that the Leeds lads are no stranger to either.

If you fancy a bet, back booking points, in what will surely be an end-to-end scrap. If you’re looking for a result, a draw is surely the way to go.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 1-1
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 1-3

 

Tottenham Vs Watford

Head-To-Head: 31 (Spurs) – 11 – 8 (Watford)

Tottenham Form: WW

Watford Form: WL

Key Man: Kane

Two wins from two and Harry Kane is staying put. It just goes to show that things may never be as bad as they seem. Although, in typical Spurs fashion they’ll probably go on a 5-game losing streak now…

I fully expect this to be Spurs all over. Watford were a flash in the pan against Villa. Very poor last time out and their squad just screams relegation in terms of their lack of quality. Nuno has got Spurs set up with a strong base that should provide Son and Kane the platform to go off and do what they do best in fixtures like this.

I fancy Kane for a brace and a comfortable victory.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 3-0
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 4-2

 

Wolves Vs Manchester United

Head-To-Head: 36 (Wolves) – 20 – 51 (United)

Wolves Form: LL

Manchester United Form: WD

Key Man: Paul Pogba

I was overly harsh on Wolves before this season. You can see the direction Bruno Lage is trying to take this Wolves team despite having nothing to show for his troubles. They’ve played two good teams in Leicester and Spurs yet should have got something from both games. The missing piece of the puzzle is just the cherry on top. Chances are being tossed away left right and centre, and that needs addressing.

Oddly, given Man U bagged five against Leeds, that was the issue for them last weekend as well. They looked menacing but just couldn’t convert. Solskjaer will be praying that’s just a freak and in truth, you’d expect it to be. The United attack is glistening with talent, even more so now Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be re-signed.

Wolves will be stubborn and fight hard, however I think Paul Pogba will be the difference. He’s been on another level this season, even against Southampton he was brilliant and whether he continues in that grain of form will decide whether United can push for the title this campaign.

SAM’S PREDICTION: 1-2
KIERAN’S PREDICTION: 1-1

This article was written by Sam Torrance. To check out their other work click here or you can leave them a comment below.

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