Premier League Predictions: Matchweek 5

SATURDAY:

WOLVES V LIVERPOOL

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil got the better of Liverpool last season when his Bournemouth side beat them in March. This could give him confidence heading into this one but with Liverpool looking stronger and Wolves not being exactly clinical in front of goal, I don't see him pulling it off again.

Wolves had had their moments at times this season, but they haven't always got the rewards their efforts have deserved.

Liverpool have got off to a strong start and are looking like a team who have got their mojo back. They look reenergised as a team and their high press is back as a result of it.

There are questions over their defence but I don't see it being troubled here as Wolves don't carry much of a goal threat. With the reds having more firepower in attack, they should win this one without too many problems.

PREDICTION: 0-2

ASTON VILLA V CRYSTAL PALACE

Aston Villa got torn to shreds by Liverpool before the international break where they looked vulnerable defensively. They're trying to play with a high line and on two occasions it's let them down. Against Newcastle on the opening weekend and against Liverpool.

I'm expecting them to bounce back here and especially as they're at home which will undoubtedly give them an advantage.

It's been a decent start to the season for Crystal Palace who went into the international break in 7th. They've made a good start to life without Wilfried Zaha and if asked any Palace fan than they'd be in this position at the start of the season, they would've taken it.

The Eagles will look to exploit Villa's high line with the pace they have in their attack. But I think Villa will have enough quality in the final third to win the game.

PREDICTION: 2-1

FULHAM V LUTON

Fulham got walloped 5-1 by Man City before the international break but they won't be too concerned with that as it was just one game and against the champions.

They'll be expected to bounce back here and I think they will as they have more than enough quality to beat a Luton side who are both winless and pointless.

Rob Edwards' side showed some spirit against West Ham and their performance on the day will hopefully give them something to build on. Especially at home where they're likely to get the majority of their points..

It's been a tough return for to the top flight for the Hatters having lost all three of their games so far. I can see it getting even tougher for them here.

PREDICTION: 2-0

MAN UNITED V BRIGHTON

Man United haven't started the season at all well both results and performance wise. They haven't played well in any of their games so far this season including the ones they won. Both of which they were fortunate to come away with all the points.

New signing Rasmus Hojlund impressed off the bench against Arsenal on his debut before the international break and he'll be hoping for his first start of the season here. If he starts, United should get something as he gives them that focal point they lacked in the first few games.

Brighton were the last team to beat United at Old Trafford back on the opening day of last season. That game was Erik Ten Hag's first in charge of United and the Seagulls still had Graham Potter in charge.

Roberto De Zerbi's side will probably be the more confident side heading into this one as they've started the season well. But with United being at home and Ten Hag having the last couple of weeks to look back at his sides' performances this season, I think United might just edge this one.

PREDICTION: 2-1

TOTTENHAM V SHEFFIELD UNITED

Spurs could hand Brennan Johnson his debut here and I'm quite surprised that he's already got himself a big move. I would've liked him to have one more season at Forest to prove himself further before taking the next step in his career.

They look like a side who have their identity back under Ange Postecoglou under whom the recruitment has been much improved. Certain individuals have improved under his management but the players they've brought in have also made a difference. Especially James Maddison who has been a revelation.

Sheffield United haven't got off to the start they were hoping for but they did get their first point on the board before the international break against Everton. That point should give them something to build on as they look to get their season up and running.

But I don't see them building on it here as Spurs will have more than enough quality to beat them.

PREDICTION: 3-0

WEST HAM V MAN CITY

West Ham have started the season strongly and head into this one off the back of three straight wins. The summer signings have been good and especially James Ward Prowse who was unlucky not to be in the England squad over the international break.

Man City are the only side with a 100% record so far this season winning all four of their games so far. That record is likely to continue here and I think it will give the quality they possess.

Phil Foden impressed for England during the international break and especially against Scotland on Tuesday where he was exceptional. I can see him have another good game here.

PREDICTION: 0-2

NEWCASTLE V BRENTFORD

It's been a tough start to the season for Newcastle who went into the international break off the back of three straight defeats. The fixtures certainly weren't kind to them as they had to face both Man City and Liverpool in two of them. But it could be a sign that a tough season lies ahead.

Brentford have made a decent start albeit winning just once and drawing the other three of their four games. But they'll still feel satisfied with the start they've made.

They were unlucky not to come away with all three points against Bournemouth before the international break as they had more than enough chances to win the game.

I'm backing Newcastle to bounce back here and especially as they're at home where they were very strong lasts season. I think Brentford will have a good go but the Magpies should have enough quality to win the game.

PREDICTION: 3-1

SUNDAY:

BOURNEMOUTH V CHELSEA

Bournemouth are still without a win under Andoni Iraola under whom they are still adjusting to his way of playing. I said at the start of the season that it will take time for them to get used to his methods but with the high expectations the owners have put on him and the money they've spent, will he get that time?

Chelsea were the big spenders during the summer transfer window and they're arguably no better. Their start to the season has been underwhelming and the pressure in on them to get results because of the money they spent.

I still think Pochettino is the right man for them and what they're trying to do, but he needs time to work out what his best team is and for the players to adjust to his way of playing.

Bournemouth were one of two teams that the blues did the double over last season and I'm backing them to get another one over them here.

PREDICTION: 0-2

EVERTON V ARSENAL

Everton got off the mark in terms of both points and goals before the international break with their draw at Sheffield United. New signing Beto impressed in that game with his all round game and if the Toffees can get him scoring, they have a good chance of staying up.

The Toffees won this fixture last season in Sean Dyche's first game in charge where his side looked organised and tough to beat defensively. Pulling that off again in this one will be a massive ask as they haven't looked at all watertight defensively this season.

They will make it difficult for Arsenal who are yet to to hit their best form. But the Gunners should have more than enough to come out on top here.

PREDICTION: 0-2

MONDAY:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST V BURNLEY

Nottingham Forest went into the international break off the back of beating Chelsea and away from home no less.

They're looking more like a team this season than they did for the majority of last season and with them being at home for this one, they should win here.

Burnley have looked naïve in the games they've played this season and it's something they're going to need to snap out of. I can see what they're trying to do in playing out from the back, but the mistakes they're making when doing that are costing them.

Vince Kompany will have hopefully used the international break to look back at their games and see what he can do to get them winning games. But I'm afraid their wait for a win will have to wait.

PREDICTION: 2-0