- This weekend offers a giant clash between Arsenal and Chelsea.
The reigning champions Arsenal with captain Martin Ødegaard in form have started their title defence with two straight wins, over Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Read: Arsenal already ready £80m to sign Chelsea star in January
But Chelsea have also started strongly. With Xabi Alonso at the helm, the London club have shown offensive spark and taken exciting scalps against Fulham and Brighton.
Now Sunday’s big game awaits at the Emirates – Chelsea’s first real litmus test under the new manager.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will be chasing their first league win under Andoni Iraola when they visit Ipswich on Friday night, while newly-promoted Coventry will have a tough task against Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City.
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Ipswich – Liverpool
Victor Munoz celebrates after equalizing to 2-2
“It’s always difficult to travel to the home ground of newly promoted teams, we’ve seen that before. Especially with Manchester United who went to Hull. But with the signing of Barcola, I think Liverpool have enough to go home with three points from Ipswich. Liverpool will win and hopefully get the season going – but barely.
Tips: Liverpool win
Newcastle – Bournemouth
“Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle didn’t beat Bournemouth that often. We actually only beat them on penalties in a cup game last season. Bournemouth had a good record against Newcastle with Howe at the helm.
“But with confidence, belief and atmosphere at St James’ Park, I think it will turn around tomorrow. I’m going for a home win for Newcastle.
Tips: Newcastle win
Brentford – Sunderland
“Sunderland will have a tough season. It will be difficult to combine the Premier League with European games on Thursday nights.
“Brentford have impressed me in the first two games, so I think they will win at home.
Tips: Brentford win
Brighton – Leeds
Fabian Hürzeler greets Brighton fans after Conference League win
“A really difficult game to predict. Leeds have one win and one draw so far.
“This will be tough for Leeds, so I’m going for a home win for Brighton – I’ve been impressed with them so far.
Tips: Brighton win
Fulham – Crystal Palace
“With what has happened in the transfer window for Crystal Palace, and the problems with Mateta and Sarr, this could quickly become a bottom-of-the-table game.
“Two teams that are really going to struggle. I say a draw – one point each.
Tips: Draw
Manchester City – Coventry
“It’s simply unfortunate for Coventry to face Arsenal away in the first round, and then Manchester City away in the second. Unfortunately, I only see one possible outcome – it’s just a matter of how many goals City put in.
Tips: Manchester City win
Nottingham Forest – Tottenham
“I haven’t seen anything from Spurs to suggest that this will be a good season. The first two games have been downright alarming. I feel for the Spurs fans – you can only imagine the atmosphere if things go wrong again tomorrow. And I think it will.
“One of the most worrying things for me is De Zerbi’s statements that some players are not fit – especially Tonali, who didn’t even feature in the World Cup. This is already a big game and the pressure will only increase if Spurs lose again.
Tips: Nottingham Forest win
Hull – Aston Villa
“I believe in a Villa win away from home. Villa have recruited smartly in difficult circumstances and I thought they looked much better against Arsenal. Hull have started well, but their winning streak ends on Saturday.
Tips: Aston Villa win
Everton – Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes hopes to continue his good form
“Bruno Fernandes is unbelievable – he’s been brilliant for United. This is a tough game for Everton after a tough transfer window. Everton v United at Goodison is always a special game, especially away for United. I think it will end in a draw.
Tips: Draw
Arsenal – Chelsea
“Arsenal concede very little defensively. Bruno Guimarães can be a key player for them with the way he hits the ball through the lines. I’m going for Arsenal’s home win.
“For Chelsea, it’s about the three strikers – Rogers, Palmer and João Pedro. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance and they’re going to cause problems for any defence. But they’re up against the best – maybe the best in the world – defence. It’s going to be a fascinating game.
“I think Arsenal will win the league, but Chelsea will finish second or third. So this could be a fireworks of a game.
Tips: Arsenal win
Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Martín Zubimendi’s mood
