Tight tests and a potential rout. Palace v Liverpool is Game of the Week. Spurs to score freely; Arsenal to punish Newcastle’s scoring woes.

Brentford v Manchester United – Prediction: Brentford 1–2 Manchester United

Brentford have been hit by a rocky start and sit in the bottom third after five matches, while United have shown flashes of attacking potency but mixed results away from home. Bryan Mbeumo returns to the Gtech Community Stadium with the storylines and emotions that can unsettle a defence, but United’s extra firepower should be decisive late. Set-piece discipline will be decisive; United must avoid conceding set-piece opportunities that could swing the result.

Chelsea v Brighton – Prediction: Chelsea 1–1 Brighton

Chelsea remain vulnerable at the back despite creative outlets in midfield, while Brighton’s pressing and ball progression make them difficult to break down. Chelsea were made to work hard in midweek, needing a second-half comeback to beat Lincoln City 2-1 in the Carabao Cup after conceding first, a result that exposed defensive frailties and underlines why Brighton’s press could cause problems. Draw looks likely given both sides’ recent form and personnel availability.

Leeds v Bournemouth – Prediction: Leeds 1–2 Bournemouth

We expect Bournemouth to edge a 2–1 win thanks to superior recent form and sharper finishing. Bournemouth arrive with momentum and an ability to turn limited chances into goals, while Leeds have been more inconsistent, producing bright spells but suffering lapses in concentration. Bournemouth will punish transitions and set up to frustrate; Leeds will push late and grab a consolation, but not enough to avoid defeat.

Manchester City v Burnley – Prediction: Manchester City 3–0 Burnley

City have struggled for consistency early, but they still dominate shot volume and progressive possession metrics at the Etihad. Pep’s side should control possession, probe Burnley’s full-backs, and convert chances from openings created behind them. Jérémy Doku has looked especially sharp in recent weeks, adding directness and a burst of pace on the wing that has produced goals and high-quality moments for City.

Nottingham Forest v Sunderland – Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Sunderland

We back Sunderland to take a 2–1 win at the City Ground. They arrive buoyed by a gutsy 1–1 draw with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light despite being reduced to ten men, a performance that underlined their resilience and organisation. Forest have had extra fixtures and inconsistent form in recent weeks, and Sunderland’s momentum and clinical edge on the break make them slight favourites to nick all three.

Tottenham v Wolves – Prediction: Tottenham 4–1 Wolves

We expect Spurs to run riot and win 4–1. Tottenham sit third early in the season and look a settled, efficient attacking side, averaging roughly two goals per game. Wolves arrive in trouble after a dismal start, the club’s current form suggests relegation is a real danger if things do not change quickly. We predict another disappointing outing for Wolves.

Newcastle v Arsenal – Prediction: Newcastle 1–3 Arsenal

We back Arsenal to win 3–1. Newcastle have struggled for goals, scoring just one in their last three Premier League matches, leaving them light on cutting edge. In contrast Arsenal’s forward line is more clinical, and the return of Saka should prove to much for the hosts.

Aston Villa v Fulham – Prediction: Aston Villa 2–1 Fulham

Aston Villa have scored just one goal in the Premier League so far this season, whereas Fulham have been far more productive, with six league goals in five matches. Despite Fulham appearing to be in better form Villa’s Europa League win over Bologna should lift confidence and sharpen belief ahead of this game and we think it could just be enough to get them the 3 points.

Everton v West Ham – Prediction: Everton 2–1 West Ham

West Ham have shipped 11 goals early and carrying one of the worst goal differences- so expect goals. West Ham will be desperate for three points and if the score is level late West Ham will push hard for the win. A late counter may settle the game.

Game of the week: Crystal Palace v Liverpool – Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 Liverpool

Both teams arrive unbeaten, making this a high-stakes test of early-season form. Palace had the better of Liverpool in the Community Shield, beating them on penalties after a 2–2 draw at Wembley, which underlines Palace’s belief they can take a point. All Liverpool's winning goals besides last week’s win against Everton have come past the 80-minute mark whilst Palace haven't conceded past the 60th minute in the League. They are also evenly matched in their last 5 meetings in all competitions so again we expect it to be tight. Set piece defending from Palace will matter, and Liverpool’s rotation could blunt their cutting edge, so expect a tight draw.