Premier League: Matchday three preview

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Egeonu Ifeanyichukwu

Could Manchester United be beaten once again this weekend?

Tottenham vs Wolves
Spurs were a bit disappointing in their performance against Chelsea last weekend.

Although they showed good character to come back and get a point, but that result was more to do with questionable refereeing decisions and luck as far I was concerned.
Wolves have signed Portugal forward Goncalo Guedes from Valencia as they try to increase their goal threat, but couldn't make much difference when he came on against Fulham last week.

Bruno Lage's side's major issue last year was scoring goals despite having some talented players in their ranks.
Tottenham on the other hand, don't have this problem as they possess a lot of firepower for Wolves to handle.

My prediction: 2-0

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Crystal Palace put up a very good performance in their draw against Liverpool on Monday, but when Klopp's men went a man down, I expected the Eagles to have taken the game to them with their numerical advantage.

Palace will take a lot of confidence from that result, though, as they will be looking to get their first win here to kick-start their season.
Villa will fancy their chances too, as they were much improved against Everton after losing to Bournemouth on the opening weekend.
It will be interesting to see if Steven Gerrard picks Emiliano Buendia in midfield over Philippe Coutinho, who had a lackluster performance in their opening two games..
This will be an interesting game to watch, and I fancy Palace to pick up their first win of the season here.

My prediction: 2-1

Everton vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest's win over West Ham was important, given the number of new signings they have made, but I actually felt the Hammers deserved a point from that game.

Everton badly need a win to kick-start their season, and I don't think they are playing that poorly.
The Toffees miss the services of a proper center-forward, but they looked much better against Villa when new signing Amadou Onana was brought on.
I think this is going to end in a draw.

My prediction: 1-1

Fulham vs Brentford
I predicted last weekend that Brentford would beat United last week, and I was very pleased with every aspect of their play in that game.

Fulham will have a go at them, like they did against Liverpool in their last home game, so this is a bigger test than United offered and it should be a cracking game.
The Cottagers have drawn their two games so far, and this will be close too. I can see the points being shared here.

My prediction: 2-2

Leicester vs Southampton
Ralph Hasenhuttl seems to be under pressure so early in the season, which seems a bit unfair, so it was important that his team came back from two goals down to draw with Leeds last time out.

Leicester have problems of their own at the back, not helped by the air of uncertainty surrounding Wesley Fofana's future, but the Foxes still have plenty of quality in the final third.
There will be goals in this one, and my smart money is on Leicester picking up their first win of the season.

My prediction: 2-1

Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Arsenal have made a fantastic start to the season, and Gabby Jesus has made the difference.
There were a lot of hype about his arrival, and he's backing it up with overall performance - goals, assists, & his ability to harry opposing defenders.

I don't think anyone should get carried away yet about the Gunners, as the season is still a long stretch.
Bournemouth got spanked by City last weekend, but they didn't do that much wrong.

They are at home this weekend and this might be the game where they can go for it a little bit more. I don't think it will work, though.

My prediction: 0-2

Leeds vs Chelsea
Jesse Marsch will have been really disappointed to see his side surrender a two- goal lead against Southampton, and I think he might have to deal with another disappointment here.

There are still a few questions being asked about what is going on with Chelsea up front, and they keep getting linked with new players, the latest being former Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emerick  Aubameyang, but they were superb against Spurs last week.
If they replicate that performance at Elland Road, they will win.

My prediction: 0-2

West Ham vs Brighton

The Hammers have lost their opening two matches, but they had a difficult pre-season with injuries, especially in defence, and I don't think there is any reason to press the panic buttons yet.
I don't know if this is the game for them to get their season up & running, as they haven't beaten Brighton in 10 attempts since the Seagulls returned to the top flight in 2017, and I don't see that run ending here.
Graham Potter's team are well-drilled and I think they will get something from this game too.

My prediction: 1:1

Newcastle vs Manchester City

I expect St. James' Park to be rocking on Sunday, and the Magpies might create one or two chances for Callum Wilson.

City haven't put a foot wrong so far, and I see them winning here.
A lot has been made of how many touches Erling Haaland had against Bournemouth, but he still made one of them count with his pass to Ilkay Gundogan for the opening goal.
If Newcastle are going to focus on stopping Haaland, then it is going to leave space for other attacking players, and we know how ominous they can are.

My prediction: 0-2

Manchester United vs Liverpool

If Manchester United win this game, they go above Liverpool in the table.
United are not able to press teams with the player they have got, and I don't really know what Erik Ten Hag can change with what he has got in his squad. Maybe the imminent arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid could change that, but he isn't going to be available for this one.
Liverpool have started slowly too, and Darwin Nunez's needless three-game suspension won't be of any help coupled with their injury woes. This leaves them a bit short up front, although Mohammed Salah & Luis Diaz looked lively against Crystal Palace. And, Roberto Firmino could also be available for the trip to Old Trafford.

Whatever happens, you just know that Klopp's men will outwork United at the very least.
The home crowd will be backing United team to take the game to Liverpool, and if they do that then they are in big trouble because that's when Klopp's side are at their best.
Liverpool won 5-0 at Old Trafford last season, but I don't think it is going to be a similar story this time.
I expect an improved  performance as opposed to last weekend from United, and I think we might see a reaction from Ten Hag's men.

My prediction: 1-3

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