English Premier League Week 4 Preview

The international break is finally over and football fans all over the world can’t wait to get their much-beloved Premier League football back again.

There are lots to look forward to in the coming game week as it’s the first round of fixtures since the closing of the transfer window.

There are quite a few big clashes this weekend as Leicester welcome Manchester City to the King Power Stadium, while Chelsea and Aston Villa clash at the Stamford Bridge, just as Leeds United face Liverpool on Sunday.

Also, with lots of Premier League stars lighting it up for their countries, there are individual performances to watch out for.

Without further ado, let’s get into this week’s preview

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Saturday (12:30)

The Eagles have had an underwhelming start to the season with a defeat and a draw, with their last outing against West Ham ending in a 2-2 draw.

This doesn’t seem like a favourable fixture to turn their fortunes around as Spurs have been solid so far, winning their first three matches on the trot. Their form has taken them to the top of the table and a draw seems more achievable as they’ve done in their last 2 meetings.

Tottenham have had the best start to the season so far with 3 victories out of 3 games, one of which came against Pep Guardiola’s Man City. The squad is gelling well under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo and though they have not scored more than a goal in each of their wins, they have demonstrated a solidity that waqs hard to come by under Jose Mourinho.

The return of Harry Kane after committing to the side this season further gives Spurs enough quality to see them earn all 3 points in this fixture.

Prediction: 0-1

Arsenal vs Norwich Saturday (15:00)

The international games gave a much-needed break to Mikel Arteta and his men after a woeful start to the season. They currently sit at the bottom of the league standings.

After earning 0 points and scoring no goals so far in the league, the pressure is high on Arteta to turn the tides. A Norwich tie at home seems a good fixture to start.

Norwich were also handed a pretty tough start to the season. They have already played Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester City which saw them to 3 straight defeats.

But considering the Gunners’ recent form, the fixture is not as tough as it seems. However, Mikel Arteta’s men remain favourites in this encounter.

Prediction: 3-1

Brentford vs Brighton Saturday (15:00)

Brentford have impressed in their first season in the top flight after an undefeated start to the campaign. These were even against pretty decent oppositions. They’d look to continue that run as they face Graham Potter’s Brighton on Saturday.

Brighton have also had a decent start to the season with their only defeat coming against Everton last time out. They won against Watford and Burnley before that.

This should be an entertaining encounter between two decent sides and a stalemate would shock no one.

Prediction: 1-1

READ ALSO: Football: Top 5 World Cup qualifying games

Leicester City vs Manchester City (15:00)

Both teams in this Premier League encounter have 2 wins and a loss so far this season. But Manchester City’s back to back 5-0 victories over Norwich and Arsenal shows they look the more serious side.

Brendan Rodgers’ men have enjoyed some recent victories against Man City with 2 victories in their last 3 meetings, one of which came in the Community Shield game last month.

This fixture promises to be a tight and interesting one but the Citizens looks too much for the Foxes to handle this time.

Prediction: 1-3

Manchester United vs Newcastle United (15:00)

This is the fixture everyone is looking forward to. Cristiano Ronaldo would possibly make his second debut for Manchester United and that has kept fans talking all week.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s men started the season quite well with 2 wins and a draw. But their performances against Wolves and Southampton were far from convincing.

However, they have a pretty good record against the Magpies in recent times. The new firepower in their squad gives them the edge as they look to extend that record.

Newcastle haven’t recorded a Premier League win so far in the league as they sit just one place above relegation places. Most don’t expect much from them this season after an abysmal summer.

United are heavy favourites for this encounter. Any other result asides a win would be quite shocking.

Prediction: 3-1

Southampton vs West Ham Saturday (15:00)

Southampton have drawn back to back games after an opening day defeat to Rafael Benitez’s men.

West Ham, on the other hand, have made a fine start to the season with two wins and a draw in their first three games of the season. They had a superb performance against the Foxes but their draw against Palace just before the break has served as a reality check.

The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 7 games against the Saints. So, it will be disappointing if they can’t get at least a point this time.

Prediction: 2-2

Watford vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00)

Watford have managed a victory so far this season after an opening day win over Aston Villa.

They have since then lost their remaining games.

Wolves, on the other hand, have lost all 3 Premier League games this season by a goal, with the results not reflecting their performances.

Their finishing in front of goal has however been quite poor. This game looks good for Bruno Large’s men to get him his first victory of the season

But the Hornets could come off with another shocking victory.

Prediction: 0-1

Chelsea vs Aston Villa (17:30)

Chelsea defended resolutely after going down to 10 men at Anfield prior to the international break to return home with a positive result.

They have won five of their last six meetings with the Villain, but their most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 victory to Dean Smith’s men.

Villa have struggled a bit to adapt with the absence of playmaker Jack Grealish, picking up just 4 points from a possible 9 in their opening games.

Injuries have not made life easy for Dean Smith’s men and are likely to struggle as they travel to London for their next encounter.

The Champions of Europe are clear favourites after an impressive start to the season.

Prediction: 3-1

Leeds United vs Liverpool (16:30)

Leeds are looking for their first victory this season after 2 draws and a defeat in their first three matches in the new campaign.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have had two wins and an underwhelming draw considering it was against 10 men Chelsea; but they could have easily lost the game. They remain favourites for this game and it would be a major surprise if this game wasn’t entertaining.

Prediction: 2-3

Everton vs Burnley (20:00)

Everton have two wins and a draw in the Premier League in a good start to life under former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

Burnley have lost two and drawn one of their first three Premier League games – a typical run of results for Sean Dyche.

Burnley actually won on their last trip to Everton but the hosts are clear favourites in this fixture, considering how the two sides have started their campaign

Prediction: 2-1