By Robert Wheeler
- Nottingham Forest plays Liverpool
- Chelsea host Manchester United
- Southampton face Arsenal
UK – The midweek action saw another managerial casualty as Steven Gerard was sacked by Aston Villa. With big games at both ends of the table this weekend the season is really hotting up.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool, Saturday 22 October, kick-off 12:30
Liverpool have won their last two league games, since their defeat to Arsenal they have beaten both Manchester City and West Ham 1-0.
The goalscorer against the Hammers during the week was Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan forward has had a slow start to the season but now has his third goal of the season. He is starting to prove that he is not going to be another Andy Carroll for the Reds. However, he still has a long way to go until he can match Erling Haaland who has 15 league goals already.
Nottingham Forest is currently bottom of the division with just one win this season. Their manager Steve Cooper is still under a lot of pressure despite unexpectedly signing a new contract with the club recently.
During the week, Forest had a promising result drawing 0-0 with Brighton. It was always difficult for them in their first season back in the Premier League in 23 years, especially with 21 new signings last summer. Cooper has had a tough job embedding all these new players in but would have expected more out of some, in particular Jesse Lingard, who has not yet scored or registered an assist.
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Liverpool
Chelsea vs Manchester United, Saturday 22 October, kick-off 17:30
Manchester United are now undefeated in their last three games since their defeat in the Manchester Derby. Wednesday night’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur was very promising with Bruno Fernandes topping off a great performance with a goal.
But not everyone is happy at United as Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped from the squad to face Chelsea. Eric ten Hag made this decision following the unsettled forward leaving Old Trafford before the end of the match against Spurs.
Graham Potter is still undefeated since taking charge of Chelsea and during the week his side drew 0-0 with Brentford. One player who is coming into form under Potter is Mason Mount who scored twice against Aston Villa in their last victory. Mount is hitting form at the perfect time ahead of the World Cup.
The Blues are currently fourth in the division just one place above the Red Devils. This could be another famous encounter between the two sides as they both look to keep themselves in the title race.
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United
Southampton vs Arsenal, Sunday 23 October, kick-off 14:00
Despite not playing a Premier League game this week, Arsenal remains the league leader. The Gunners’ match with Manchester City was postponed to make way for their Europa League game with PSV Eindhoven, winning 1-0. Granit Xhaka got the goal against the Dutch side and the midfielder is enjoying a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes as it was only three years ago that he was being booed off by his own fans.
Mikel Arteta‘s side’s league form has been exceptional, barring the defeat to Manchester United and their supporters will be hoping this continues this weekend. Their opposition Southampton has not had the best of starts to the season.
However, the Saints did manage a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth last time out. Che Adams scored his third goal of the season in the South Coast derby. The result eased the pressure on their manager Ralph Hasenhüttl who has been subject to a lot of criticism this season.
Hasenhüttl will be hoping to show that the win over the Cherries was no fluke in his side stepping up in a derby. But it will be a tough ask this weekend when Arsenal visit St Mary’s.
Score prediction: Southampton 0-2 Arsenal
Last Matchweek’s predictions vs actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Liverpool 3-1 West Ham | Liverpool 1-0 West Ham |
| Manchester United 1-2 Tottenham | Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham |
| Bournemouth 3-1 Southampton | Bournemouth 0-1 Southampton |
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