By Robert Wheeler
- West Ham face Man City
- Man United take on Brighton
- Everton are up against Arsenal
England – The Premier League is back this weekend, with notable fixtures including in-form West Ham United taking on league leaders Manchester City.
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West Ham vs. Man City, Saturday, September 16, kick-off 15:00
Not many would have expected West Ham United to be undefeated after their first four games, especially after losing Declan Rice to Arsenal this summer. However, the Hammers have dropped just two points so far and they take on the only side that has won all of their matches in Manchester City.
This match also pits the Europa Conference League winners against the Champions League winners in somewhat of a British Super Cup match. City won the actual Super Cup by defeating Sevilla on penalties but to claim all three points against the Hammers, they will have to beat them in normal time.
West Ham have some in-form England players who were surprisingly left out of Gareth Southgate‘s recent squad. Jarrod Bowen has already scored three times and James Ward-Prowse who has made three assists, both missed out on the fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland. However, they will return to domestic action fresh and with a point to prove.
City had both Phil Foden and Kyle Walker get on the scoresheet for the Three Lions over the international break. They also had Kalvin Philips get some much-needed minutes after the midfielder has struggled for game time since joining Pep Guardiola‘s side from Leeds United.
Score prediction: West Ham 2-2 Man City
Manchester United vs. Brighton, Saturday, September 16, kick-off 15:00
Scott McTominay scored his sixth goal of the European Championship qualifying campaign for Scotland in their win over Cyprus last week. Anyone watching him play for his country would be wondering why he has played a total of just seven minutes in the Premier League for Manchester United this season.
United is currently 11th in the division, having already lost to Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. However, it might be time for Eric ten Hag to sure up his midfield by introducing McTominay back into it.
The Red Devils are in a state of turmoil right now and will be missing Antony who is looking to clear his name from abuse allegations. The orthodox replacement for the Brazilian is Jadon Sancho but he has been ordered to train away from the first-team following his public falling out his his manager.
Brighton on the other hand has had a solid start to the season, they have won all their games except one which was against an impressive West Ham side. The Seagulls’ most recent victory over Newcastle United was particularly impressive for Evan Ferguson who scored a hat-trick. Last season, Brighton managed to claim their first win at Old Trafford and they are playing United at a very good time to replicate this feat.
Score prediction: Manchester United 0-2 Brighton
Everton vs. Arsenal, Sunday, September 17, kick-off 16:30
Everton supporters have protested against owner Farhad Moshiri and the current board for some time now. However, there has been news this week that an American firm called 777 Partners is set to take over the club. This would bring some much-needed positivity back to Goodison Park.
The Toffees are currently 18th in the Premier League, with just one point. Sean Dyche‘s side got off the mark in an enthralling 2-2 draw with Sheffield United last time out. Although, it will be a tough ask for them to build on this, as they take on Arsenal this weekend.
The Gunners go into this match on a high after beating Manchester United 3-1 in their last game. Declan Rice scored his first goal for his new club against the Red Devils and he has since played 90 minutes in both of England’s games during the international break.
England’s match against Scotland allowed Aaron Ramsdale a rare start for his country. This was a big positive for the goalkeeper who is being pressured to perform for his club by Mikel Arteta bringing in David Raya from Brentford.
Score prediction: Everton 0-2 Arsenal
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