Premier League Predictions: Week 3
Raj Ramanathan
Welcome to the Premier League by the week. Come here every week to understand and get an in-depth analysis of this week's games. For those who don’t know, the Premier League is a soccer league based in the UK. This league is the biggest throughout all 250 and has the best players throughout the world. I’m Raj Ramanathan, your favorite Premier League sports writer. Let's get into it.
After a third of the way to the finish, the Premier League has given us the utmost surprise. I look forward to the next 36 weeks in hope that they can be just like these last 13, if not better. Without further ado let's get into it for this week.
The Game of the Week
West Ham(3-2-6) v Manchester United(6-2-3)
Manchester United: This match is rich with history, as these teams have gone head to head many times, and in the end, it always seems to be a nail-biter. I see this as a must-win for Manchester United if they want to get back into their championship ways. They have come off of a draw against Chelsea which was bittersweet. As a result, they have to prove to the fans and the league that they mean business. They need to win this game.
Leicester City(3-2-7) v Manchester City(8-2-1)
Manchester City: Manchester City has the clear upper hand in this battle of the cities. I see Manchester using their outstanding skill to go up by 2 goals early on. Manchester City is on a title pursuit and any game from now on is vital to how they portray their franchise.
Bournemouth(3-4-5) v Tottenham(7-2-3)
Tottenham: I see this being a simple game; however, after losing a relatively simple game against Newcastle, the Tottenham squad seems out of sorts. I see hope for them because Kane has single-handedly scored nine goals and has become a leader to the young players. Not only is Kane important, but so is Son. Son is a powerful force that unites this team. Hence, I see Tottenham winning this game.
Chelsea(6-3-2) v Brighton(4-3-4)
Chelsea: The Blues have the obvious upper hand in this game, due to their skill and class on the ball. Although they have come off a disheartening tie against Manchester United, they are still championship contenders. Brighton started strong through the first five weeks, but they have been on a losing streak ever since. Unless Chelsea regresses instantly, I see them winning this game.
Wolves(2-3-7) v Brentford(2-5-4)
Draw: I see this as a scrap fest without a victory for either team. This is because both teams are reliant on the luck of the attackers. From the beginning of this season up until now, both teams' victories have been decided by one goal. Southampton has the upper hand however I just don’t see them being able to put this game away. This game has no clear victory, so it will be a draw/tie.
Nottingham Forest(2-3-7) v Arsenal(9-1-1)
Arsenal: Arsenal has been on fire recently, due to them regaining first place in the standings. Although they are disheartened after last week’s performance, this week will be different. Especially after Southampton gave them a shock that no one expected, it lit a fire from under them. Using this motivation they should be able to put this game away quickly unlike last week when they tied. I believe that Arsenal has the perfect balance with players like Martinelli and Saka to spark the team. I would say this should easily go to Arsenal however this may be a scrap fest that will go in Arsenal’s favor.
Southampton(3-3-6) v Crystal Palace(3-4-4)
Southampton: What a game it was last week as Southampton regained control of their team. Last week, they came out strong against Arsenal and took the game out from right under them. They scored 2 goals last week and I expect more to hit the back of the net this week, Crystal Palace has struggled with their defense in the past. I hope to see Ward-Prowse take control of this game and win it for Southampton.
Aston Villa(3-3-6) v Newcastle(5-6-1)
Newcastle: Newcastle has come off of what may be the most important game of their season, they came, conquered, and left. They beat the giants of Tottenham last week with a score of 2-1, against a defense that is amongst the best. Stars like Trippier and Saint Maximin continue to provide aid to the team as a whole rather than their specific position.
Liverpool(4-4-3) v Leeds(2-3-6)
Liverpool: I see this being a fun game to watch for Liverpool fans but not a pretty game for Leeds fans. Both teams have recently been put in the spotlight after a great comeback from the first few games. Leeds consists of younger players, but they are teams that have not established an identity. This game is a battle of experience which the Liverpool side have a surplus of. I see this game going directly in Liverpool's favor.
Everton(3-4-5) v Fulham(5-3-4)
Fulham: Fulham has a prominent squad that has really stepped out of the shadow and is now pursuing a top 5 spot. They play as if they are part of the top 7 big clubs, however with a small budget they are still lacking in a few positions. Fulham is a squad that works together rather than a few stars, which adds to their skill as a whole because it is a different dynamic than other clubs. I see Fulham in control of this game from start to finish.
