Arsenal and Liverpool face off on Sundayplaceholder image
Arsenal and Liverpool face off on Sunday | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for the weekend’s Premier League clashes, including Arsenal’s date with Liverpool.
Tottenham will look to test their positive early start against a tough-to-beat AFC Bournemouth side. Here we round up the predictions for those games from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton.
Chelsea vs Fulham
Chris Sutton
“Chelsea looked lacklustre in their opener against Crystal Palace but then thrashed West Ham 5-1. The things is, how can you properly judge anybody who has played West Ham? My gut feeling is Chelsea will have got a great deal of confidence from the manner in which they beat the Hammers last week.
“I like Fulham under Marco Silva and the way they play could cause Chelsea one or two problems. But I still think the Blues will come out on top in this West London derby. Prediction: 2-1.”
Paul Merson
“Even though people don't treat it that way, this is still a massive London derby. Chelsea and Fulham have been miles apart in terms of their stature in the Premier League, but they will always be neighbours that live just down the road.
“Chelsea had a great result against West Ham last weekend. I still think this will be a difficult game for them, though. Fulham were unlucky not to win against Manchester United and are solid at the back. Marco Silva's men are also tough to break down when they want it to be that way.
“I was very surprised with Enzo Maresca deciding to take Liam Delap off, when they were 5-1 up against West Ham. He should have kept Delap on and given the striker a chance to get his first Premier League goal for the club. The sooner you get off the mark in the league, the better for a striker. Delap is not a bad striker, he just needs that first one under his belt and more will follow. It's a shame he was taken off by Maresca!
“Chelsea have to start doing better without Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro was excellent in that number 10 role last time out. But let's be honest, Fulham will be a bigger challenge than West Ham. If Chelsea win this game, it's a good result. I'd even take a 1-0 win any day, but I think the actual scoreline would be slightly different. Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Fulham.”
Tottenham vs AFC Bournemouth
Chris Sutton
“This'll be a great game. Bournemouth were excellent against Wolves last weekend and were unlucky to only win 1-0. They've always got an attacking threat and because of that, I always fancy them to score. But then Thomas Frank's Tottenham have been so well balanced. They've been phenomenal so far.
“As for Richarlison, I was told by statman Dave not to get him in my Fantasy Team. I didn't put him in and he's had an amazing start - two goals and one assist. At home, I fancy Tottenham to nick it. Prediction: 2-1.”
Paul Merson
“This is a difficult game for Tottenham. They have been outstanding so far this season, looking really good under Thomas Frank. Spurs went to the Etihad and took the game to Manchester City. They were brave and thoroughly deserved that win.
“Everyone at Tottenham will now turn up at their stadium on Saturday expecting Spurs to win and that's the problem here. When people expect Spurs to win, they usually blow it. How many times have we seen that happen in the past?
“But I think this year they are a bit different because of the manager. As a coach, Frank is flexible and he will have different plans for different teams. This is a massive chance for Tottenham to prove they aren't 'Spursy'. What good is it if they beat City and then lose to Bournemouth at home?
“This is a dangerous match because it's Bournemouth. I'm still going to go with Spurs to edge it. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Bournemouth.”
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Chris Sutton
“My worry with Liverpool is exactly what Arne Slot talked about in pre-season. They're too defensively vulnerable. They've already conceded four goals. Ibrahima Konate looks shot to pieces and has been all over the place in the last two games. He's been a great player in the past for Liverpool but right now he looks like a triallist.
“If you're a Liverpool fan I guess the good thing is your side are still getting results. But if you want to win league titles you've got to be watertight and strong at the back, and I'm not so sure Liverpool are. Liverpool got bullied by Newcastle. There's no reason why Arsenal can't bully them too. I've just got a sneaky feeling that Arsenal, bolstered by new signing Eberechi Eze, will exploit them. Prediction: 1-2.”
Paul Merson
“What a huge football match this is before the international break. Bukayo Saka is definitely out and we're waiting to find out if Martin Odegaard plays. Arsenal need to come out of this trip to Anfield with at least a draw. If they lose, Liverpool have a massive advantage because of the fixtures they have played till now.
“I always go with the comparison of the fixtures teams have played and the points they get from it. Even if Liverpool weren't at their best away from home to Newcastle, they still got three points. I don't expect Arsenal to do the same thing if they were in that situation!
“Good teams win even when they don't play well and Liverpool certainly did that against Newcastle. If Arsenal play like they did against Manchester United, they have no chance and they will get blown away at Anfield. I don't think Arsenal will be that poor though.
“Eberechi Eze should start this game and he's a top player. Sometimes, when Liverpool go attack, attack, attack, it can be relentless for their opponents. That's where you need players like Eze to keep hold of the ball. So if they play like they did at Old Trafford, this game will be over by half-time!
“I have a feeling Arne Slot will go back to using Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield in this game. All of them have not been available together so far this season. Midfields win you league titles and so they must start together.
“If Florian Wirtz isn't at his best, he may have to sit out of this team. Liverpool look a bit open with him in the team. They just get overpowered when Wirtz is playing in midfield. You want your £100 million player to start in these games, that is the reason why you've bought him in the first place. So I don't really see Wirtz not playing this game, but it can certainly become a big conundrum for Arne Slot in the future.
“It's the same with Milos Kerkez. Even though he isn't at his best, I'd be shocked if he's dropped for this game. I'd be happy with 1-1 if I'm Arsenal. But for some reason, my head still says Liverpool. I'm going to listen to my heart here and go with 1-1! Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal.”
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