Game Week 5 arrives in the Premier League, and it is the final round of fixtures before the players head into an extended international break.
That makes this weekend particularly important. A poor result could leave clubs, managers and fans stewing over it for three weeks.
There is plenty to look forward to, with Chelsea travelling to Brentford, Arsenal visiting Brighton, Liverpool heading to Bournemouth and Manchester United facing Fulham.
Here are our predictions for Game Week 5.
Brentford vs Chelsea
Friday, 18 September | 8:00pm | G-Tech Stadium
Chelsea’s season has already been a chaotic one. The Blues have shown plenty of attacking threat, but their defensive problems have been equally obvious.
A 2-2 draw at home to Hull City last weekend did little to settle the nerves. Brentford sit just one point and one place behind Chelsea and will fancy their chances of exposing Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses once again.
There is also uncertainty over whether Joao Pedro will be fit to face Keith Andrews’ side.
A victory would move Brentford up to third, while Chelsea desperately need a positive result after collecting just one point from their last two league games.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Saturday, 19 September | 12:30pm | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham have played four league matches this season without scoring a single goal. Two points from a possible 12 leaves them already ten points behind the leaders.
Aston Villa have had an even more difficult start, with just one point on the board following their home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Unai Emery will know that Villa cannot afford another poor result, while Tottenham need to find a way to turn their possession and opportunities into goals.
Tottenham’s home record also offers Villa some encouragement, with Spurs having won only two of their last 20 home games.
This feels like a game neither side can afford to lose.
Prediction: Draw
Brighton vs Arsenal
Saturday, 19 September | 3:00pm | Amex Stadium
One of the standout 3pm fixtures sees Arsenal travel to face an impressive Brighton side.
The Seagulls have made a strong start and have already recorded convincing wins over Aston Villa and Coventry, scoring nine goals across those two matches. They also produced an impressive comeback against Manchester United in the EFL Cup.
Arsenal, meanwhile, sit top of the league after a gritty victory over Sunderland.
Mikel Arteta appears to have most of his squad available, with Jurrien Timber and Ben White both fit for selection. Arsenal also defeated Brighton home and away last season.
Brighton will provide a serious test, but Arsenal have enough quality to leave the Amex with another three points.
Prediction: Arsenal to win
Everton vs Ipswich
Saturday, 19 September | 3:00pm | Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton remain unbeaten this season after holding Tottenham to a goalless draw last weekend.
The Toffees may feel they missed an opportunity to take all three points, particularly with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall missing two clear chances.
Ipswich, meanwhile, suffered a midweek defeat to Arsenal in the EFL Cup, but their impressive league victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park will still provide plenty of confidence.
Everton are in good form and a victory could push them into the top-six conversation.
Ipswich will need to keep things tight defensively, but Everton have the momentum.
Prediction: Everton to win
Newcastle vs Hull City
Saturday, 19 September | 3:00pm | St James’ Park
What is going on at Newcastle?
The Magpies were disappointing on Monday night, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Leeds United. There are also reports surrounding Anthony Elanga’s fitness, although Newcastle’s official position will be required before drawing conclusions.
Their next opponents, Hull City, have been one of the surprise packages of the season.
The Tigers defeated Manchester United on the opening day and followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
Newcastle have home advantage, but Hull have already demonstrated that they are capable of causing problems for bigger clubs.
Prediction: Newcastle to draw with Hull
Nottingham Forest vs Coventry
Saturday, 19 September | 5:30pm | City Ground
Frank Lampard’s first season in the top flight is becoming increasingly difficult, with Coventry suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend.
The Sky Blues’ task was made harder by the red card shown to Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, produced an excellent result at Villa Park, defeating Aston Villa and putting themselves firmly into the conversation.
Forest have the home advantage and appear to be in better form, but Coventry desperately need a response.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest to win
Bournemouth vs Liverpool
Sunday, 20 September | 2:00pm | Vitality Stadium
Liverpool travel to the Vitality Stadium looking to rediscover some consistency.
Cody Gakpo is expected back in the lineup, while Bournemouth will be full of confidence following their positive Europa League debut.
The fixture also sees Andoni Iraola return to Bournemouth, where he made his name in English football.
Liverpool’s goalless draw against Fulham last weekend was underwhelming, and the Reds need to start collecting victories if they want to maintain their position among the leading sides.
Could we see another Alexander Isak masterclass?
This could be an entertaining afternoon on the south coast.
Prediction: Over 2.5 goals
Leeds United vs Crystal Palace
Sunday, 20 September | 2:00pm | Elland Road
Leeds United have been one of the pleasant surprises of the opening weeks under Daniel Farke.
The Lilywhites enter the weekend sitting fourth in the table, and another victory could see them climb even higher before the international break.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have experienced contrasting results. They picked up an impressive win at Fulham before suffering a home defeat to Ipswich Town.
Pierre Sage will hope the team’s European campaign can provide additional momentum, while the possible return of Ismaila Sarr to the starting lineup could give Palace another attacking option.
Leeds’ current form makes them difficult to ignore, but Palace have enough quality to make this competitive.
Prediction: Leeds to win or draw
Manchester City vs Sunderland
Sunday, 20 September | 2:00pm | Etihad Stadium
Sunderland gave a strong account of themselves against Arsenal last weekend but ultimately left empty-handed after the league champions scored twice in the second half.
Now they face another major challenge against Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are going toe-to-toe with Arsenal at the top of the table, and this is the kind of fixture City will expect to win.
The Cityzens also defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend, despite playing with ten men.
Sunderland have attacking threat, including Bryan Brobbey, but stopping Manchester City’s attack at the Etihad will be a completely different challenge.
Prediction: Manchester City to win
Fulham vs Manchester United
Sunday, 20 September | 4:30pm | Craven Cottage
Manchester United head to Craven Cottage under considerable pressure following a difficult run.
The Red Devils have failed to win four of their last six matches in all competitions and suffered another setback in midweek, throwing away a two-goal lead against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
That result followed their weekend defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Fulham, meanwhile, stopped their run of three consecutive league games without a result by earning an impressive goalless draw at Anfield.
The Cottagers produced a strong performance against Liverpool and will believe they can cause Manchester United similar problems.
A positive result would provide a significant boost for Fulham, while another setback would increase the pressure surrounding Manchester United.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Game Week 5 Predictions
Ten fixtures. Ten predictions.
Some look straightforward. Others could go completely sideways before Monday morning.
That is the Premier League for you. Just when you think you have figured it out, football usually has another plot twist waiting around the corner.
All predictions are strictly the writer’s opinion.
Premier League Game Week 5 Predictions: Can the Big Guns Bounce Back?
