Our Premier League GW5 Predictions

After an unwelcome international break, the Premier League is back with some huge fixtures being served up this weekend. Here are our predictions for the upcoming games ahead.

Wolves vs Liverpool

After a tumultuous start to the season and finally getting their first win, Wolves narrowly lost in a thrilling clash with Crystal Palace. Defensively they have been very poor and while they have scored most games, they still lack a designated goalscorer in the team. Gary O’Neil certainly has his work cut out and will hope the signing of Uruguayan centre-back Santiago Bueno will sure up that defence.

Liverpool followed up a terrific comeback win over Newcastle to comfortably dispatch Aston Villa before the international break. They are an improved side from the team who missed out on the top 4 last season, with Ryan Gravenberch another top midfield signing to add alongside already impressive players like Dominik Szoboszlai. Wolves look like a side who will constantly be fighting for survival and again I expect this to be a tough ask of them. Liverpool is in form and look set to comfortably take this game in its stride.

Score Prediction: 1-3

Tom Atkinson

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have perhaps overachieved so far this season, which is testament to Roy Hodgson’s ability to man manage. Many thought that his return to Selhurst Park would be a step backwards, but he has brought a defensive resilience to his side, and the link up play between Edouard and Mateta up top has been inspired.

Aston Villa on the other hand have been inconsistent to start their campaign. A tough loss in their first game away at Newcastle was followed by some better performances before another off the pace performance against Liverpool. Unai Emery might have been hoping his team would be further up the table, but there have been some bright sparks in the performances of Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins.

The midlands side will be looking to make Villa Park their main source of points this season, and this game could kickstart a nice run of form for them. Palace are resolute but the dynamism of Villa in the final third should be enough to secure three points.

Score Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 Crystal Palace

Joe Simpson

Manchester United vs Brighton

Having won two of their four opening games, Manchester United host Brighton at Old Trafford this Saturday – a fixture I don’t envision being anywhere near smooth sailing for Ten Hag’s men. Roberto De Zerbi has instilled confidence and composure to the Brighton defensive line, allowing the build up play to happen fast and sharp; I suspect there will be disorganisation in the side that Ten Hag will field due to their inconsistency so far this season, which Brighton will be a able to take advantage of if they turn up with the right attitude.

One player to keep in mind is Ansu Fati, who De Zerbi has said will be available to make a debut off the bench during the second half. The squad depth is growing for Brighton, and I can see them getting a few goals against this inconsistent United side this weekend. Brighton however haven’t kept a clean sheet this season, so I can envision a mistake or two of their own.

Prediction : Manchester United 1-3 Brighton

Harvey Marwood

Fulham vs Luton

Luton pushed West Ham all the way in their last outing, and should be well rested given the fact that only five of their players received international call ups. The hatters will be hungry for their first points of the season, and the short trip to Craven Cottage offers an opportunity to pick them up.

The loss of Aleksandar Mitrovic coupled with João Palhinha almost departing to Bayern Munich could have unsettled Marco Silva’s squad. However, Palhinha has recently signed a contract extension which should bolster the ambitions of this team.

Despite its rich history, Craven Cottage has never been a fortress and Luton will really fancy their chances of securing at least a point. While the quality in Fulham’s squad is undoubtedly better than their counterparts, I see this one being a close game, with Fulham perhaps just nicking it.

Score Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Luton

Joe Simpson

West Ham vs Manchester City

The Hammers have started the season on fire but will face their toughest test yet against the incumbent champions who are 4/4 in this campaign. It would be logical for Moyes to set up his side in a similar way to how he did against Brighton, but this is Manchester City.

Withstanding the pressure of Haaland and co is a much trickier proposition than Danny Welbeck and Solly March, however West Ham do pose a threat themselves. The east London club look to have regained their counter attacking spark which has seen them become european regulars under Moyes. Also, the Declan Rice windfall looks to have been spent well with James Ward Prowse proving a valuable asset with his attacking output with Ghanaian starlet Mohammed Kudus yet to play any real minutes. A shock result is certainly on the cards but don’t hold your breath. 

Score Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Man City

Jesse Williams

Tottenham vs Sheffield United

The Ange Postecoglou era in North London could not have got off to a much better start. Spurs are back playing exciting football after being in the trenches under Conte and Mourinho, and have not yet felt the loss of Harry Kane up front. It will be interesting to see if Heung-Min Son plays up front after Richarlison failed to deliver for Brazil in the international break.

Sheffield united have battled against stronger opposition but have not yet reaped the rewards for good performances. They were unlucky not to pick up their first three points of the season against Everton last time out and Paul Heckingbottom has got his side playing above their means.

This will not be a walk in the park for Spurs, owing to the Blades’ physicality and ability to stay in a game. The home team however possess outstanding players who can create opportunities in the final third, and if Son, Maddison, and Udogie can continue their sparkling form, they should have enough to secure the win.

Score Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Sheffield United

Joe Simpson

Newcastle vs Brentford

Eddie Howe will be feeling the pressure for the first time in a while at St. James’ Park. Newcastle have not enjoyed the greatest start to the season after getting out of the blocks quickly against Aston Villa on the opening day. Since then, they have thrown away three points against ten-man Liverpool, before falling to defeat against Manchester City and Brighton respectively.

Brentford on the other hand have started as well as they could have expected after losing talisman Ivan Toney to a suspension. Wissa and Mbeumo have deputised perfectly, giving the Bees a great counter attacking threat while for the most part remaining solid defensively. Thomas Frank continues to punch above his weight and will needs his players galvanised if they are to leave Newcastle with anything.

Whilst the Magpies may be disappointed with their early season exploits, they have come up against some of the best in the league and this fixture offers an opportunity to get back to winning ways. The Newcastle support should be enough to get them over the line.

Score Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Brentford

Bournemouth vs Chelsea 

Bournemouth and Chelsea will be desperate for a win with both having started the season in less than stellar fashion. Chelsea were lingering in humiliation for two weeks after a 1-0 defeat to Forest just before the international break but should nonetheless fancy their chances against a Bournemouth side yet to register a win this season.

While Chelsea as a collective remain inconsistent they can at least bank on the individual quality of their gifted squad. Bournemouth on the other hand don’t seem able to spark in any which way. The Cherries don’t have any player in great form and as a team seem incapable of playing to new manager Andoni Ireola’s instructions for a full 90 minutes. 

Score Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Chelsea

Jesse Williams

Everton vs Arsenal

Struggling Everton find themselves hosting Arsenal this early on in the season at Goodison Park; as game that has probably come too soon for them. Subject to drama and misfortune on and off the pitch so far this season, along with the Demarai Gray departure and incident, Sean Dyche hasn’t quite been able to get his side playing to the best standard, which cannot be said for Arteta’s side.

Yet to lose a game this season, Arsenal sit on 10 points and have looked like one of the most dangerous sides in the league. I think this fixture will be a very one sided game with Arsenal’s attack and midfield proving too much for the Everton defence to handle, hence my prediction reflecting a game that surrounds a dominating performance from The Gunners.

Score Prediction : Everton 0-3 Arsenal

Harvey Marwood

Nottingham Forest v Burnley

These sides have already met this season with the Clarets coming out on top in the League Cup. Forest have looked impressive so far this season and after narrowly losing to Arsenal and Manchester United, pulled off a big win over Chelsea. Taiwo Awoniyi has shown impressive goalscoring form while Anthony Elanga has been a top signing.

Burnley meanwhile have not had a good start with their only win this season coming in that Cup game. Tottenham took them to the cleaners in a 5-2 win, with this the third time in three games they have conceded 3 or more goals. Belgian international Mike Trésor Ndayishimiye will add attacking creativity, but Vincent Kompany’s attacking style of play may be leaving them too open at the back. These sides both have quality, but the East Midlands side look in better form, and that should get them over the line.

Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Burnley