The Champions visit Goodison Park, Leicester City host Newcastle in the only Sunday fixture, and Monday night sees the biggest clash of the weekend as Manchester United and Arsenal face off for bragging rights between the two most successful teams in the Premier League era.
Everton vs. Man City (5.30pm GMT kick-off, Saturday 28th September)
What should be a goalfest on Saturday takes place at Goodison Park as Everton attempt to stop a Manchester City team who have smashed in 11 goals in the past week.
Everton look porous at the best of times under Marco Silva recently, and the bookies favourite to be the next manager sacked is under huge pressure ahead of a home game he must dread.
Pep Guardiola’s side are now chasing down Liverpool as they will probably expect they have to do until they meet them in the Premier League, which isn’t until November 10th at Anfield.
With Kevin De Bruyne now back in the side and established as lynchpin once more in a midfield under demand of protecting the back four by keeping possession of the ball at all times, it could spell doom from the Toffeemen.
Everton will score, but the problem for them is that they might need to net three times to have any chance of getting a point thanks to City’s attacking power and their defensive frailty. It could get messy.
Leicester City vs. Newcastle United (4.30 p.m. GMT kick-off, Sunday 29th September)
One of the most interesting fixtures takes place at the King Power on Sunday afternoon as Leicester host Newcastle, just weeks after edging them out of the Carabao Cup. In a repeat of that fixture, there will be no penalties to provide a winner this time, and a close game could be in prospect.
The crucial element could come not from the players we expect to score, but the ones we don’t, just as Ricardo Pereira did last week. Leicester — and Brendan Rodgers — are well known for overlap plays and the talented Portuguese player can again provide a goal to save them, and perhaps give them all three points in the race for a Champions League place.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal (8 p.m. GMT kick-off, Monday 30th September)
One of the most famous and much-loved fixtures in Premier League history should light up Monday evening as Manchester United and Arsenal convene at Old Trafford. While the backdrop for the game will always be the success both clubs enjoyed in the first 20 years of the Premier League, these days, the two fallen giants must rely on youthful exuberance.
Pepe and Aubameyang against Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks tasty. Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford linking up to threaten Sokratis and David Luis could be amazing. But there are matchups like that all over the pitch.
It’ll be fast, frenetic and the defending could leave much to be desired. Enjoy it to its full, because it could be a Premier League classic, even if the three points on the line are unlikely to raise either side’s end of season finish into the Champions League places. The game could be an exciting window into the future for the winners.
Fixtures:
Saturday 28th September
Sheff Utd vs. Liverpool (12:30 GMT kick-off)
Sheffield Utd 7/1
The Draw 19/5
Liverpool 1/3
Our tip: Both teams to score and Liverpool to win 2/1 (Betfred)
Aston Villa vs. Burnley (3 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Aston Villa 7/5
The Draw 12/5 – our tip
Burnley 19/10
Bournemouth vs. West Ham (3 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Bournemouth 7/5
The Draw 13/5
West Ham 17/10
Our tip:
Over 3.5 goals 11/8 (general)
Chelsea vs. Brighton (3 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Chelsea 4/9
The Draw 7/2
Brighton 11/2
Our tip: Chelsea to win from behind 15/2 (general)
Crystal Palace vs. Norwich (3 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Crystal Palace 19/20
The Draw 13/5
Norwich 11/4 – our tip
Tottenham vs. Southampton (3 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Spurs 4/9
The Draw 18/5
Southampton 11/2
Our tip: Spurs to score 3+ goals 11/8 (Sky Bet)
Wolves vs. Watford (3 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Wolves 17/20
The Draw 5/2
Watford 16/5 – our tip
Everton vs. Man City (5:30 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Everton 17/2
The Draw 9/2
Manchester City 3/10
Our tip: Correct Score Everton 2-4 Man. City 35/1 (Bet Victor)
Sunday 29th September
Leicester City vs. Newcastle United (4:30 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Leicester 8/15
The Draw 29/10
Newcastle 11/2
Our tip: Ricardo Pereira to score at any time 10/1 (Betfair/PaddyPower)
Monday 30th September
Manchester United vs. Arsenal (8 p.m. GMT kick-off)
Manchester United 5/4
The Draw 13/5
Arsenal 19/10
Our tip: Draw and both to score 7/2
