Fulham and Man Utd face off this weekendplaceholder image
Fulham and Man Utd face off this weekend | Getty Images
A look at the Premier League predictions for this weekend’s fixtures, including Palace, Brentford and Fulham.
The Premier League’s second weekend is now underway after Friday night’s action, and we have some interesting fixtures on the docket. Brentford will want to bounce back at home this weekend, but they face a tough task against a strong Aston Villa side.
Brentford vs Aston Villa
Paul Merson
“To be fair, both teams were poor last weekend. Newcastle looked far better than Aston Villa and could have easily won that game, if they had a proper no.9 playing through the middle. I like how Aston Villa are linked with wanting to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. I think he would be a good fit under Unai Emery, but I just can't believe he hasn't joined them already!
“Brentford got blown away by Nottingham Forest in their opening game. They have to be a little careful because a few straight defeats can really knock the wind out of your sails in this league. Another defeat here would make it two losses in two for Brentford and that's never a good sign when you're trying to rebuild under a new manager.
“I think Brentford will frustrate Villa at home. I don't think these teams can be separated at the end of full-time. Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa.”
Chris Sutton
“Brentford under Keith Andrews were really disappointing in their opener, conceding after just a couple of minutes against Nottingham Forest. It doesn't bode well, in fact I'm worried about Brentford. They've lost all the goals of Bryan Mbeumo while Yoane Wissa has seemingly downed tools and doesn't want to play.
“They still have battle-hardened players with Premier League experience, but they need that first win under their belt to get that real belief in their new head coach. I though Villa were really stale against Newcastle and were lucky to get a point.
“But I'm going to pick them to bounce back. I think Ollie Watkins will score against his old club. Prediction: 1-2.”
Crystal Palace Vs Nottingham Forest
Paul Merson
“Nottingham Forest shocked me last weekend. I know it was only Brentford, but what a brilliant performance. Chris Wood has picked up from where he left off last season and that's a sign of real promise for Nuno Espirito Santo.
“Crystal Palace will be in action during their Europa Conference League playoff game later tonight (Thursday) and Eze is expected complete his Arsenal medical on Friday. Palace are solid in defence and tidy in midfield, but Eze is the guy who makes things happen for them. I don't think they can break Forest down without him on Sunday. Forest to make it two wins out of two. Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Nottingham Forest.”
Chris Sutton
“Watching Palace last week against Chelsea I thought they deserved to win the game. I love the way they play, the back three are phenomenal, they're a really good team. The problem for Palace is that their squad is so thin without their stars. How do you replace a player like Eberechi Eze, for example?
“Losing Eze and Marc Guehi is a massive part of the team gone. It'll leave a huge hole and completely changes how I'll be predicting them this season. As for this game, I reckon it'll be another close one. Nottingham Forest also had a great result in their opener. Prediction: 1-1.”
Fulham vs Man Utd
Paul Merson
“Manchester United were alright against Arsenal, but they won't play a more open game than that all season, and yet, they couldn't score a goal! I don't think Manchester United were as great as some people say. It looks like their new signings might take time to get used to each other and they still lack a killer instinct in front of goal.
“Matheus Cunha showed some spark, but there was a moment when he beat three players and could only muster a weak attempt. That is the problem if you ask me. Fulham will not offer the kind of space that Arsenal gave lavishly for him to operate. I actually don't think there will be a lot to separate these two teams on the table at the end of the season.
“I was impressed by Matthijs de Ligt, I thought he was solid. It was almost the perfect battle for him against Gyokeres. But Manchester United still ended up losing the game. Not sure if they are okay with playing better and losing, especially considering their situation now! I think this will be a draw. Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United.”
Chris Sutton
“Like a lot of people, I try to be balanced about Manchester United. They lost last week but I do think they will be better this season. Well, they can't be any worse. I really like Bryan Mbeumo and I especially like Matheus Cunha, I think he's got loads going for him.
“Fulham were fortunate to get something against Brighton but I think they'll improve in front of their own fans. Fulham don't play with any fear and will take the game to Manchester United which gives me a sneaking feeling United will exploit them and win this one.
“But then again I always predict Manchester United games wrong. I want to be positive about them but I'm not sure I can be. Plus, I think I predicted Fulham wrong for every one of their matches last season. I'm leaning towards a Manchester United win so, because of that, I'll go for a draw. Prediction: 1-1.”
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