TBR Football brings you Premier League predictions for the next round of fixtures, as former referee Mark Clattenburg and chief correspondent Graeme Bailey take you through their picks for the week.
The Premier League enters game week nine, and the storylines are heating up. The pressure is on for Arne Slot at Liverpool, Ruben Amorim has hit his stride at Manchester United, and Arsenal continue to impress.
The next round of games brings us some crackers. The Reds take on Aston Villa in what is a must-win for Slot, Tottenham Hotspur take on Chelsea and Sunderland host Everton at the Stadium of Light.
It should be a fantastic weekend ahead, so with this, here are TBR Football’s predictions for the weekend.
Premier League Predictions
Fulham vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Graeme Bailey: “Wolves are in big, big trouble and this is not an easy game, but Fulham are showing little form, so I think Wolves might just claim a share of the spoils.”
Mark Clattenburg: “I keep saying Wolves’ form must turn. However, it could be a comfortable home win.”
Burnley vs Arsenal
Graeme Bailey: “Scott Parker’s side are really showing up for him, this is not an easy game for Arsenal but the champions-elect get the win… just.”
Mark Clattenburg: “A comfortable afternoon for Arsenal.”
TalkingPoints
Poll: Are Arsenal going to win the Premier League this season?
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Leeds United
Graeme Bailey: “I don’t get Brighton – they have Minteh and Mitoma, two of my favourite Prem players, yet I still don’t enjoy watching them under Hurzler, but I don’t see how they don’t have a bit too much for Leeds in this one.”
Mark Clattenburg: “Brighton are playing well at the moment and I think it will be an odd goal in it.”
Crystal Palace vs Brentford
Graeme Bailey: “Brentford have impressed in recent weeks, but going to Selhurst Park against this Palace team – that’s too much to ask. Comfortable home win.”
Mark Clattenburg: “This will be a tight game, especially given Brentford’s recent form.”
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United
Graeme Bailey: “We have to see improvement in Forest at some point. I think Sean Dyche will build from the back and he has the players to maybe hold United, who have impressed in recent weeks.”
Mark Clattenburg: “I will go for a draw.”
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
Graeme Bailey: “Two teams who on their day can beat anyone, but can also lose to anyone – high-scoring draw.”
Mark Clattenburg: “Chelsea just to steal the bragging rights.”
TalkingPoints
Poll: Will Tottenham or Chelsea come out on top?
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Graeme Bailey: “Arne Slot will put things right. The talent he has available is just too good. Villa are not easy to play against and they could easily inflict more pain on the Premier League champions, but under the lights at Anfield I’m going with The Reds.”
Mark Clattenburg: “Liverpool will find some form, especially after losing four on the bounce.”
West Ham United vs Newcastle United
Graeme Bailey: “West Ham are rotten and I don’t see any improvement. They have really been a shambles at times this season, which given they have talents like Paqueta and Bowen is unfathomable. I am saying Newcastle win as they are just far, far superior.”
Mark Clattenburg: “I can only see one winner with West Ham’s form.”
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth
Graeme Bailey: “I think Bournemouth match up quite well with Man City and they will pose a threat, but at home I think Haaland, Foden et al will edge it. It will be a good game.”
Mark Clattenburg: “Never an easy fixture for any team to play Bournemouth, but City will edge it.”
Sunderland vs Everton
Graeme Bailey: “Two solid teams, I think if anyone wins this, it’s Sunderland, but I’m backing David Moyes to return to Sunderland and claim a point.”
Mark Clattenburg: “Will be a tight game in which Jordan Pickford will return in his first match at the Stadium of Light since his transfer.”