THAT’S enough Harry Maguire/Kalvin Phillips discourse for one international break – England play again in a month’s time for crying out loud!
Let’s refocus on the Premier League with some box-fresh Score Predictor tips.
Somebody has to win an Xbox Serie X in Matchweek 10 – it might as well be you.
Dream TeamA mouthwatering clash[/caption]
Manchester City v Brighton
It’s a crime this match-up is a 3pm Saturday kick-off as it would make for great weekend television.
Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics virtually guarantee goals (at both ends) and it will interesting to see whether the Italian goes for broke at the home of the treble winners.
As for the hosts, the return of Rodri can’t be overstated.
City lost all three fixtures during the Spaniard’s suspension but when their metronomic midfielder has been present, they’ve won every game.
Pep Guardiola’s troops will have been pained by their defeat to Arsenal prior to the break and we suspect they’ll be highly motivated to remind their Premier League rivals of their pedigree.
The Seagulls have conceded 16 goals in eight league games so far and they registered consecutive 2-2 draws before the international fixtures so it’s tempting to predict two goals for the home side – although Brighton’s last league away day was that 6-1 loss at Villa Park.
The visitors are the league’s top scorers while City boast the joint-best defence so it’s tricky to gauge how De Zerbi’s men will get on.
Our Prediction: 2-1 to Man City
Pochettino will be happy with Chelsea’s last three performancesRex
Chelsea v Arsenal
The Gunners would have been extremely confident of a win in this one a few weeks back but there are signs the Blues have sorted themselves out to some degree.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side beat Brighton, Fulham and Burnley in succession before the break and while the former victory came in the Carabao Cup, the outlook suddenly looks much brighter for the West Londoners.
Scoring goals has been a problem but Chelsea’s defence has functioned well – only City and Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals this term.
There’s a possibility two frugal defences could cancel each other out but Mikel Arteta’s side pack a punch in attack, especially with Gabriel Martinelli back in the fold, and the hosts will have taken a lot of confidence from their four goals at Turf Moor.
Chelsea’s underlying numbers are good and so, despite the considerable gap between these rivals in the table, we’re backing a draw.
Our Prediction: 1-1 draw
The TimesA goal for England could spark a run of form for Rashford[/caption]
Sheffield United v Manchester United
2023/24 has been a miserable campaign for the Blades so far.
After eight games, they have just one point to show for their efforts and they suffered the indignity of an 8-0 walloping at the hands of Newcastle.
In a way, their 3-1 defeat to Fulham last time out was just as disappointing as that’s the sort of fixture they need to target whereas the clashes with the Champions League clubs are free hits.
As for the Red Devils, they eventually got the job done against Brentford courtesy of Scott McTominay’s clutch cameo but most fans would agree that vast improvements are needed if they’re to compete at an acceptable level this season.
Defeat at Bramall Lane would be an interesting twist in United’s psychodrama but it’s hard to envisage – the hosts’ stats make for truly terrible reading.
Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes all scored during the international break so Erik ten Hag should have a happy attacking unit on his hands this week.
Watch out for Sheffield United’s weakness at set-pieces.
Our Prediction: 2-0 to Man United
Villa have a great record at home this seasonGetty
Aston Villa v West Ham
Sunday’s lone fixture is an intriguing one.
Both sides have enjoyed a positive stat to the campaign and are separated by just two points in the table, with the Villains slightly better off in fifth.
Unai Emery’s men have won all four of their home league games this season, including an emphatic 6-1 win over Brighton most recently.
In fact, only Newcastle and the aforementioned Seagulls have scored more league goals than Villa in 2023/24 with Ollie Watkins averaging a goal or assist every outing.
Both teams will have one eye on European away days this coming Thursday but it should be a competitive encounter with plenty of chances.
We’re reluctant to bet against David Moyes’ functional side but home advantage does feel like a significant factor in this one.
Our Prediction: 2-1 to Aston Villa
ReutersTop of the league![/caption]
Tottenham v Fulham
With Arsenal and City facing relatively tough tests, this weekend is a great opportunity for Ange Postecoglou to cement his side’s position at the top of the table.
Son Heung-min looked pained in action for South Korea and Yves Bissouma is set to serve a suspension for his foolish red card at Luton but the home side should still have enough to continue their unbeaten run in fine fashion.
The Cottagers are currently 12th in the table but we believe they hold something of a false position.
Marco Silva’s side allow their opponents too many shots and often rely on Bernd Leno’s shot-stopping to bail them out of trouble.
They’re fairly tame in attack too, only Sheffield United, Burnley and Nottingham Forest have generated fewer xG in the top flight this season.
Fulham may seem relatively safe now but if they don’t improve soon they’re at risk of being dragged towards the danger end.
Our Prediction: 2-0 to Spurs
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