The Premier League returns this weekend with some mouthwatering clashes as teams battle to gain momentum in the early stages of the season.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has shared his predictions ahead of Matchday 8, offering his insight on what to expect across the fixtures.
Saturday’s action kicks off with Nottingham Forest hosting Chelsea at the City Ground. Forest have struggled this season, sitting 17th after seven games, while Chelsea will look to build on recent form. Merson expects a tight contest, predicting a 1-1 draw.
Elsewhere, newly-promoted Sunderland welcome Wolves, with Merson tipping the home side for a narrow 1-0 win. Burnley and Leeds United are also in search of crucial points, with Merson calling that encounter a 1-1 draw.
Crystal Palace host Bournemouth, and the former England international foresees a high-scoring 2-2 stalemate at Selhurst Park. Brighton take on Newcastle in another evenly matched fixture, which Merson believes will also end 2-2.
Champions Manchester City face Everton at the Etihad, and Merson has backed Pep Guardiola’s men to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory. Later in the evening, Arsenal travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, where Merson expects Mikel Arteta’s side to win 2-0.
Sunday’s matches promise more drama. Tottenham face Aston Villa in what could be a tactical battle, and Merson predicts a 1-1 draw. The standout fixture of the weekend sees Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield, and Merson is backing the Reds to claim a 2-0 win.
The round concludes on Monday with West Ham hosting Brentford. Merson believes the Hammers will edge that game 2-1.
Ahead of the Matchday 8 encounters, Arsenal top the table with 16 points, followed closely by Liverpool, Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Manchester City in the top five.
Premier League Matchday 8 Fixtures and Kickoff Times:
Saturday, October 18
12:30 – Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
15:00 – Sunderland vs Wolves
15:00 – Burnley vs Leeds United
15:00 – Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth
15:00 – Brighton vs Newcastle
15:00 – Manchester City vs Everton
17:30 – Fulham vs Arsenal
Sunday, October 19
14:00 -Tottenham vs Aston Villa
16:30 – Liverpool vs Manchester United
Monday, October 20
20:00 – West Ham vs Brentford
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