Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has previewed the Premier League round of matches on BBC Sports including Wolves V Manchester United, Bournemouth v Crystal Palace, Fulham v Southampton, Manchester City V Everton, Newcastle United V Leeds United, and Brighton v Arsenal.
Wolves v Man Utd
“This is a tricky one to call because Wolves will be full of confidence after their last gasp win over Everton in Julen Lopetegui’s first game in charge.
“They will have a real go at Manchester United, but I think the progress Erik ten Hag’s side have made means they will be able to deal with that.
“United were dominant in their win over Nottingham Forest and we are starting to see them play the way Ten Hag wants them to.
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“It definitely helps that no-one is talking about Cristiano Ronaldo anymore, and whether the team is better off with or without him.
“He has gone and, although it’s a bit early to say the club is more in harmony now, the team are certainly playing that way. Prediction: 1-2.”
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
“I didn’t see Crystal Palace’s heavy home defeat by Fulham coming and I am beginning to lose faith in them – a little like I am with West Ham. I keep thinking there is a big result around the corner for them, but it never comes.
“This is an important game for Bournemouth too, given their run of form. This is not a good time to be on the slide.
“The Cherries improved in the second half against Chelsea, but it was too little, too late – they have been exceeding expectations under Gary O’Neil, but they have now lost five of their past six league games and you have to remember their target this season is all about whether they can beat the drop.
“This is a game where a win would lift the mood massively for either team, but I have a feeling that it might end up being a draw. Prediction: 1-1.”
Fulham v Southampton
“I need to apologize to Fulham fans because I have been writing them off all season and it’s become apparent that they are a very well-balanced team who deserve to be where they are in the top half of the table.
“Fulham got a brilliant win at Crystal Palace and that was not the first time they have surprised people this season – they are not just well organized defensively; they always carry a threat too.
“Southampton, in contrast, have got big problems. They are bottom for a reason.
“The alarm bells were ringing when I heard their new boss Nathan Jones talk about how easy his side made it for Brighton after Saints had lost his first game in charge. He has got a lot of work to do. Prediction: 2-0.”
Manchester City V Everton
“I really am worried about Everton. They have won only one of their past nine games in all competitions, so a trip to Etihad Stadium is the last thing they need.
“How do Frank Lampard’s side approach this? Well, they will try to be resilient, to stay in the game for as long as possible and defend deep – but conceding an early goal would be disastrous for them.
“The only question about Manchester City is who will play – the old ‘Pep Roulette’ upsets thousands of Fantasy Football players every week because you never know who will start.
“I don’t think Pep Guardiola’s selection will make much difference to the outcome against Everton, though. City will wipe the floor with them. Prediction: 5-0.”
Newcastle United v Leeds United
“Leeds found it tough going against Manchester City on Wednesday and this is another difficult game for them because Newcastle are playing with so much confidence at the moment.
“We know Leeds will give it everything but Newcastle are solid at the back and they have got plenty of goals in them too. Prediction: 2-0.”
Brighton v Arsenal
“What a game this will be. If Arsenal goes to Brighton and win then that will be a sign that they can go all the way and win the title.
“It was massive for the Gunners that Eddie Nketiah scored in their win over West Ham, and he took his goal really well too, but this is a big test of their resolve, and the sort of game where they will miss the injured Gabriel Jesus.
“Brighton knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, but they actually have a decent record against them in the Premier League in recent years and beat them at Emirates Stadium in April.
“I’m going for another Seagulls success here, although the way they play means Arsenal will have chances. Prediction: 2-1.”
