By Robert Wheeler
- Arsenal face Manchester United
- Manchester City take on Fulham
- Luton play West Ham United
England – This weekend’s Premier League action includes a massive early encounter between Arsenal and Manchester United.
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Arsenal vs Manchester United, Sunday September 3, kick-off 16:30
Both Arsenal and Manchester United have had mixed starts to the season. Eric ten Hag‘s side has already lost to Tottenham Hotspur, whilst the Gunners dropped points in a draw with Fulham last weekend. Recent encounters between the two sides have brought back memories of the days when Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira would battle it out in midfield and nothing less will be expected in this weekend’s marquee fixture.
The match will take place at the Emirates this Sunday, where Mikel Arteta‘s side will be looking to rectify their home form after failing to beat the Cottagers in their last game. One positive from the Gunners’ match with Fulham was Gabriel Jesus returning for a late cameo after injury. Although Eddie Nketiah did get on the scoresheet, Arteta will have a decision to make as to which striker to use against United.
Ten Hag’s side showed great spirit to come back from two goals down to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford last Saturday. Bruno Fernandes scored their winning penalty and he has had high praise from Kevin de Bruyne recently who ranked him as the best creative midfielder in the league.
This game could go either way with both teams coming into the game on similar form. We can expect to see goals as both sides were also involved in high-scoring matches last weekend. They are both yet to hit their top form this season but we can expect to see a cracker this Sunday.
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
Manchester City vs Fulham, Saturday September 2, kick-off 15:00
Manchester City are the league leaders and the only side with a perfect record of three wins from three games. However, they did show signs of complacency in their last game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. It had looked like the home side had clinched a late equaliser after Kyle Walker‘s error but Rodri was on hand to rescue them with a winner.
Pep Guardiola‘s side will need to improve if they are going to keep their place at the top of the division. There are four teams just two points behind them that could take advantage of any slip-ups.
Fulham go into this game on the back of two fantastic results against the north London sides. They drew with Arsenal at the Emirates with 10 men in their last Premier League game and this week they dumped Tottenham Hotspur out of the EFL Cup. Spurs did use a much-changed side but it is still an impressive result for Marco Silva‘s side.
A big concern for the Cottagers was where their goals were going to come from after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic. They have replaced him by signing Raul Jimenez from Wolverhampton Wanderers but he is yet to get on the scoresheet for the club. There would not be a better place for the Portuguese forward to get his first goal than at the Etihad. Although, it is still a very tough ask.
Score prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Fulham.
Luton Town vs West Ham United, Friday September 1, kick-off 20:00
Luton Town will play their much anticipated first Premier League game of the season at Kenilworth Road this Friday night. The stadium may only have a capacity of 10,000 but it is a proper old-school ground with a fantastic atmosphere that the recently promoted side can use to their advantage this campaign.
Rob Edwards‘ side did play at home this week in the EFL Cup, where they defeated League Two side Gillingham 3-2 in the EFL Cup. Their league form has not been great as they have suffered heavy defeats to Brighton and Chelsea. The visit of an in-form West Ham United side this weekend will be another tough test for Luton.
The Hammers have made a brilliant start to the season. Not many would have expected that they would be second right now after losing Declan Rice to Arsenal this summer. However, they have replaced him well with the additions of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez.
West Ham go into this game on the back of two 3-1 victories over Chelsea and Brighton. In their last game against the Seagulls, they won despite having just 22% of possession. They will be expected to have more of the ball against Luton this weekend and David Moyes‘ side could go top if Man City drop points.
Score prediction: Luton Town 0-3 West Ham
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