EXCLUSIVE: Another round of Premier League predictions is upon us – and this time, we have another very special guest to introduce.
We’d like to extend a warm welcome to former Liverpool, Fulham and England midfielder Danny Murphy. We’ll be taking him on in a round of Premier League predictions – as always, it is ten points for a correct score and five points for a correct result.
Danny Murphy was speaking to us via our friends at BestBettingSites – the home of the best new betting sites.
Last time, we went head to head with ChatGPT – the popular AI service proved to be a shrewd opponent, as we drew 15-15 with it. How will we get on this week?
Brighton vs Everton
Danny Murphy: Brighton are a bit difficult to judge at the moment. They play some good football but they’re really struggling. There’s an opportunity for Everton there. Moyes knows how to set teams up away from home, we saw that at Villa. I think it’ll be tight, but Brighton will get back to winning ways.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Brighton 1-0 Everton
Essential Football: This is a game in which Brighton will struggle. Everton are a difficult team to break down – they’ll struggle to deal with David Moyes’ physical approach to the game. Furthermore, Everton are in solid form – we’re going to back the away win in this one.
Essential Football’s prediction: Brighton 0-1 Everton
Leeds United vs Arsenal
Danny Murphy: I expect a reaction from Arsenal. I don’t think that United result will derail them. They’ll go there with a point to prove. I’m going to go Arsenal 2–0.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Leeds United 0-2 Arsenal
Essential Football: Arsenal will be chomping at the bit to right the wrong of last weekend. Leeds are no pushovers, but they’ll be hopelessly outclassed against an Arsenal team firing on all cylinders. The Whites will benefit from a midweek rest, which the Gunners will not have due to their inclusion in the Champions League, but this shouldn’t matter too much because of Arsenal’s squad depth.
Essential Football’s prediction: Leeds United 1-3 Arsenal
Wolves vs Bournemouth
Danny Murphy: That could be any score. I love watching Bournemouth play. They’re dynamic, they try to win every game home and away, but they do leave themselves open. Wolves are gaining confidence.
I’ll go Bournemouth 3–2.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Wolves 2-3 Bournemouth
Essential Football: Murphy is right to point out that Wolves are gaining traction – however, Bournemouth defeated Liverpool in their last game. Wolves have turned into a high-tempo, attacking outfit under Rob Edwards, which will trouble the Cherries’ backline, but Bournemouth aren’t a low scoring team themselves.
Essential Football’s prediction: Wolves 2-2 Bournemouth
Chelsea vs West Ham United
Danny Murphy: I think Chelsea will have too much for West Ham, especially at home. They’re on a good run. West Ham have turned a corner a bit, but going to Chelsea is a big ask. I’ll say Chelsea 2–0. Too much firepower.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Chelsea 2-0 West Ham
Essential Football: Liam Rosenior is enjoying a positive start to life at Chelsea – of the five games he has been in place for, he has won four of them. West Ham are gaining momentum, but this is a massive ask for them – especially with star player Lucas Paqueta having recently left the club.
Essential Football’s prediction: Chelsea 3-0 West Ham
Liverpool vs Newcastle United
Danny Murphy: Newcastle are struggling on the road. Liverpool are in desperate need of a result. It’s a huge game for Arne Slot. At Anfield, with the fans behind them and a point to prove, I’ll go Liverpool 2–1.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
Essential Football: How do you go about predicting a game like this? Newcastle’s form has been all over the place in recent weeks, as has Liverpool’s. The Reds have yet to win a Premier League game in 2026 – nevertheless, we think that their wait will be over on Saturday afternoon.
Essential Football’s prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
Aston Villa vs Brentford
Danny Murphy: What a breath of fresh air Brentford have been. Keith Andrews has done a great job. But Villa at home have only lost once, or maybe twice, all season. Brentford are brilliant at home but not as strong away. I think Villa will have too much.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Brentford
Essential Football: Brentford found themselves in the top six recently, but a couple of losses has seen them fall back into mid-table. As dangerous as the Bees can be, Aston Villa are one of the league’s top teams – and this will show when the two teams come to blows.
Essential Football’s prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Brentford
Manchester United vs Fulham
Danny Murphy: Do I have to? I just think United are on a crest of a wave. The fans are behind them, players are fit again, there’s competition for places high up the pitch. I’ll go United 3–1.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Fulham
Essential Football: Manchester United have looked like a rejuvenated outfit under Michael Carrick. Their fast-paced, direct style of play is a far cry from what they were playing under Ruben Amorim – Fulham will put up a good fight, but their possession-based approach will play right into United’s hands.
Essential Football’s prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham
Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace
Danny Murphy: That’ll be tight. Palace are desperate for a result. Forest, we know, have had some strong results recently. I’ll go Forest 1–0.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Crystal Palace
Essential Football: Crystal Palace are in an uneviable tailspin as things stand. Nottingham Forest have been dreadful this season, but Sean Dyche has got his claws into them now – his military-esque training methods will be just what Forest need to find the extra mile they’ll need in a crucial game like this.
Essential Football’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur
Danny Murphy: I don’t see Spurs being able to stop City scoring. City look a bit vulnerable defensively at the moment, but they’ll still have too much. I’ll go City 3–0.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Tottenham
Essential Football: We can understand Murphy’s rationale here, but Spurs are a real ‘bogey team’ for the Sky Blues. Even at their worst, the Lilywhites seem to find a way to make City struggle – but if City are ever going to break their hoodoo, it’s now.
Essential Football’s prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham
Sunderland vs Burnley
Danny Murphy: That’ll be tight because Burnley will give them respect. Sunderland have a great home record. I think Sunderland will bounce back from a poor result and performance at West Ham. I’ll go Sunderland 1–0.
Danny Murphy’s prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Burnley
Essential Football: If Burnley want to stay in the Premier League, games like this are must-wins. This is a winnable game for the Clarets, as Sunderland are hitting the buffers at the moment – last weekend’s defeat against West Ham was a real low point. We’ll back Burnley to pull off the upset.
Essential Football’s prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Burnley