Premier League Week 4 Preview

Hooray, the Premier League Is Back!

After the sheer tedium of the early-season international break, never fear football fans! Your clubs are back in action this weekend. Despite FIFA and various confederations of the world trying to prevent us from seeing the best in action this weekend, we will. The big games AND the big names are back. Let us look at what we have to look forward to in the English Premier League this weekend.

12:30 p.m.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

We get straight back into it with a North vs South London derby that sees the Tottenham juggernaut travel the short distance to Selhurst Park to face the Eagles. As my co-host on the “After Extra Time” podcast said, Spurs will come crashing back to reality at some point. But it won’t be this week and it won’t be Palace that does it. I’m going with a 2-0 victory to Spurs with Harry Kane scoring his first goal after the transfer debacle of the summer.

3 p.m.

Leicester City vs Manchester City

The Premier League’s perennial 5th place side and everybody’s second favorite team, Leicester City, face Pep Guardiola’s striker-less dream-team Manchester City. With Leicester having a proud record against defending champions at home (won 3 of their last 5) I’m going for somewhat of an upset in this one. I am picking the Foxes to win 2-1.

Manchester United vs Newcastle United

United. By a cricket score. If you need me to explain why perhaps you have clicked on the wrong website. I’ll say 5-1 Man Utd.

Southampton vs West Ham

The Hammers travel to St. Marys, where I expect them to put a hammering on Southampton. Ralph Hassenhutl could be in for a long season and there will be plenty of reliance on JWP’s set-pieces if they are going to get above lower mid-table. The Hammers are humming, and I want to see another weird Michail Antonio goal celebration. 2-0 West Ham.

Watford vs Wolves

How Wolverhampton does not have a point yet this calendar year serves as one of the greatest mysteries of 2021. I expect that to be nipped in the bud at Vicarage Road. Watford will drop straight back to the Championship, and Wolves will have their way with them. 3-1 Wolverhampton.

Arsenal vs Norwich

I am not sure if I genuinely think this will happen, or if I just want it to. I think I just want it to if I am being honest. I’m going to go with Daniel Farke’s men to heap more pressure on the Gunners by taking a point away from the Emirates. 1-1 draw.

Brentford vs Brighton

This match puts the hipsters’ two favorite managers against each other. With that in mind, I think I am more of a Thomas Frank fan than a Graham Potter fan and for that reason I see the Bees sending the home support home happy with a win. 1-0

5:30 p.m.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

It’s everybody September champions Chelsea facing a plucky Aston Villa side who are proving ‘they don’t need no Grealish to win games’. Unfortunately for Villa, they could have Grealish and still catch a whooping here. There is a reason Chelsea are everybody’s September champions. And they might be champions when it counts too. But for now an easy win for the Blues. 3-0.

Sunday 4:30 p.m.

Leeds vs Liverpool

I can’t think of a team that is breathing a bigger sigh of relief after a waiver on those FIFA 5 day bans than Liverpool. Without Alisson in goal and Fabinho anchoring the midfield, I would have predicted that Leeds home ground advantage would get them a surprise win. It might still. This will be the most entertaining game of the round. I’m predicting goals and a win for my beloved Liverpool. 4-2.

Monday 8 p.m.

Everton vs Burnley

Last but not least, the Premier League has saved its marquee match for Monday night. That’s a lie. No, they haven’t. I’m sure Everton and Burnley fans will be pumped to watch this game under lights - but no one else will. Burnley’s turgid football is terrible to watch. I hope Rafa’s blues win, but really I don’t care. 2-1

Don’t forget to come back after the weekend fixtures and tell me how stupid I am in the comments section. Or if you are brave enough - put your own reputation on the line with your own predictions.

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