THE VERY BLUNT PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW & PREDICTIONS (WEEK 10)
The Premier League is a never-ending beast, a week-to-week rollercoaster that can pull on your heart strings more than a devastating breakup. Just remember, the ride never ends.
Every week we’ll be giving you our blunt takes and predicting each Premier League match featured in our Pick 10 league along with any other big fixtures - will you take our advice?
Chelsea vs Brentford
Bottling a 2-0 lead against Arsenal at home? Congrats Chelsea. Robert Sánchez saw David Raya try and hand Arsenal a goal down the other end of the pitch and thought that looked a good idea, letting Arsenal back into the game. An upturn in form as of late, but you might be the only football club in history to drop a billion on transfers in 18 months and actually look worse off for it.
Brentford might be even more proficient in the art of bottling matches given the Bees had lost 11 points from winning positions prior to Saturday's visit of struggling Burnley. A 3-0 home win against relegation fodder opposition shouldn’t be celebrated yet, not after a sluggish start to the season.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Brentford
Bournemouth vs Burnley
A monumental clash for the ages takes place Saturday as 19th place Bournemouth host 18th place Burnley.
The Cherries thought they were better than Gary O’Neil (who helped them avoid relegation last season), going for the flashier approach instead. Where has that left them after nine games? Winless. A new philosophy has taken too long to implement under Andoni Iraola, it could cost him his job this weekend.
Widely predicted to enjoy the best season out of the promoted sides, Vincent Kompany’s team haven’t delivered. Defensively, only Sheffield United have conceded more. From an attacking perspective, only their hosts on Saturday have found the back of the net less times this season. Not knowing your best XI isn’t helpful, find some footing or it’s back to the Championship you go.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Burnley
Arsenal vs Sheffield United
Mikel Arteta wanted to take a ruthless approach, he signed David Raya and dropped Aaron Ramsdale. It has caused more drama than success, everyone is talking about it and the uncertainty is showing on the pitch. They haven’t lost in the league yet, but there’s great risk of the situation undermining harmony amongst the squad.
Against the odds you produced a good display against Man Utd, despite losing. What’s your prize? A trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. The Blades are only the fourth side in Premier League history to register just one point in their opening nine games to begin a season (D1 L8), all three previous sides suffered relegation.
Prediction: Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United
Wolves vs Newcastle
Last three league games? Seven points acquired, including three against the champions. Having shipped every sellable asset other than Pedro Neto and José Sa, Wolves were doomed - but in Gary O’Neil we trust. He’s getting the best out of what he has in the cupboard in the West Midlands lately, take note Bournemouth.
A slow start, but King Eddie Howe has his Newcastle side playing to his tune as of late. Four victories in five league games, but still four points adrift of the top four - lots of fours there. They’re juggling the Premier League & Champions League fairly well at present, can they sustain it? I mean they’ll probably win again this weekend anyway…
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Newcastle
Manchester United vs Manchester City
"No, I don't think I am. I think the hero tonight is Harry [Maguire], he scored and gave us the victory.” So said Andre Onana after United squeaked past FC Copenhagen at home in the Champions League midweek. It’s a far cry from Peter Schmeichel & Jaap Stam, remember the good times? Erik ten Hag has kept his side within arms reach of the top four, will they be after this weekend?
It’s a good thing City have Rodri back, they lost three games without him, they even lost to Wolves. WOLVES! Despite that, Pep Guardiola will be thanking his lucky stars they’re just two points behind leaders Spurs. The 2-1 win against Brighton last weekend was City’s 21st consecutive home victory in all competitions - more than any other English team in the Premier League era.
Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City
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