⛅️ Friday Forecast: PL contenders clash and NLD on a bumper weekend | OneFootball

What a weekend of Premier League football we have in store.

Big games at every turn and potentially a few surprises in the offing. Here’s everything you need to know.

Game of the weekend 💪

Chelsea v Manchester City

The first bumper weekend of action in the Premier League has thrown up a number of big games.

None, though, are bigger than the one on Saturday lunchtime as champions Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge.

Arguably City’s biggest threat to retaining the title this season, the Blues have been astonishing so far, with the addition of Romelu Lukaku adding a new dimension to an already world-class side.

If you watch just one game all year, make it this one; it promises to be a cracker.

📊 Fun fact: Chelsea have won their last three meetings with Manchester City, which have come in three different competitions.

🔮 Our prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City

Potential upset 😨

Manchester United v Aston Villa

Kicking off at the same time as that tussle at Stamford Bridge is Manchester United’s intriguing clash with Aston Villa.

Dean Smith’s side have had a mixed start to the campaign, winning and losing two of their first five games.

But it was their win against Everton last weekend that showed just what the Villains can be all about this season. Pace on the counter-attack, threat from set-pieces, and the ability to finish teams off despite not creating a whole host of chances.

United may have Cristiano Ronaldo back and on form, but Villa are not going to roll over.

📊 Fun fact: Manchester United have won 18 of their last 21 home games against Aston Villa.

🔮 Our prediction: Man Utd 1-1 Aston Villa

Big favourites 👍

Brentford v Liverpool

Along with Chelsea, Liverpool have been this season’s true sensation, winning four of their five games and scoring 12 in the process.

With Virgil van Dijk back in the fold after injury and Thiago having finally settled in the centre of midfield, the Reds look back to their title-winning best.

On Saturday they travel to newly-promoted Brentford, who have been a breath of fresh air in their first top-flight campaign in 79 years.

But Jürgen Klopp’s men should have more than enough to stop the Bees sting.

📊 Fun fact: This will be the first league meeting between Brentford and Liverpool since 1947.

🔮 Our prediction: Brentford 1-3 Liverpool

Too close to call 🤔

Arsenal v Tottenham

Sunday brings the north London derby which is, usually, the most thrilling game of the season.

In recent campaigns we’ve had two 5-2s, a 3-3, a 4-2 and a 2-2. With neither defence impressing so far this term, expect goals again here.

Tottenham have struggled since the international break, conceding three against Crystal Palace and Chelsea in their last two games with new signings Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal failing to make an impact.

The Gunners, meanwhile, are on something of a mini revival having ground out wins against Norwich and Burnley in consecutive weeks.

It says something about how far Arsenal have fallen in recent years that that is considered noteworthy but here we are.

📊 Fun fact: This will be the 228th league meeting between these two sides, with Arsenal currently leading 67-54 in wins.

🔮 Our prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham

🔥 Your Fantasy Football captain should be …

Demarai Gray (Everton)

After they were comprehensively beaten by Aston Villa last time out, you would imagine Everton should get back to winning ways this weekend when Norwich come to Goodison Park.

One of their leading lights so far has been Demarai Gray, who has scored three goals in his first appearances and generally looked excellent in support of a lone striker.

With the Canaries a complete shambles at the back in their opening five games, we’re backing Gray to get you a few points this weekend.

Other predictions