Palace and Villa face off on Sundayplaceholder image
Palace and Villa face off on Sunday | Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for this weekend’s Brentford, Crystal Palace and West Ham games.
Another big weekend of Premier League action kicks off on Saturday, and as ever, there are some big games on the docket for the London clubs. Brentford head to Sunderland to test themselves in the raucous Stadium of Light atmosphere, while West Ham will look to improve on a dire start against a tough-to-beat Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland vs Brentford
Paul Merson
“This will be a good contest. I saw Brentford against Aston Villa and they deserve credit for that win. The mood in the build-up towards that game wasn't very positive, but they still managed to get off the mark for the season with three points. Brentford are going to be very hard to break down and they have this dig-in mentality, which will help them against Sunderland.
“It was a dream start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign for Sunderland when they beat West Ham. But last weekend was a reality check. I don't think they were as bad as maybe the scoreline suggested against Burnley. In fact, I thought they were the better team in the first half. But this could be another tough test for them. Prediction: Sunderland 0-1 Brentford.”
Chris Sutton
“Sunderland had that brilliant start against West Ham and they had a tight game with Burnley. I thought it'd be a draw but Burnley ultimately got the win. Brentford played very well at Aston Villa and deserved their win in what was a massive result for Keith Andrews.
“I've said before I know people have written Brentford off but they are an experienced, battle-hardened Premier League side. I think their win last week would've done them the world of good. They should win again on Saturday. Prediction: 0-1.”
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Paul Merson
“Nothing but a Nottingham Forest win here. I like their team, they have bought well in the transfer window. I'd be shocked if they failed to beat this West Ham team. The Hammers are in trouble; they've conceded 11 goals in their last three games!
“I don't understand West Ham. They keep searching for the 'West Ham way' of playing and it's getting worse day by day. What is the 'West Ham way'? David Moyes won them a trophy but they didn't like the way his team played and let him go. You can only play with what you've got!
“Whatever the result this weekend, Graham Potter will be under pressure during the international break. The problem is that Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley have already registered a win this season. You don't want to be giving these teams a head start in the battle to avoid relegation.
“West Ham have to face Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Everton, Arsenal, Brentford and Leeds between the first and second international breaks in the coming months. By the time they get to that game against Leeds, how many points can West Ham win? Based on their current form, I'd reckon none! If Potter isn't sacked after this international break, he may well be gone by the second one in October. Comfortable win to Forest. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham United.”
Chris Sutton
“It's been a good start to the season for Nottingham Forest despite all of their off-the-pitch turbulence. They got a draw last week coming from behind at Crystal Palace and were excellent against Brentford in their first game.
“West Ham look flimsy and were knocked out of the League Cup in midweek. Graham Potter is under serious pressure. Potter needs to wave his magic wand! I'm really worried about West Ham. I think the West Ham fans have had enough already and we're not even in September yet. After their cup loss Jarrod Bowen tried to confront some Hammers fans - that wasn't super, smashing or great from Bowen. He later apologised. Forest should win this one comfortably. Prediction: 2-0.”
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
Paul Merson
“I've been really disappointed with Aston Villa so far this season. I can understand the draw against Newcastle, they were down to 10 men and did well to hold on to a point. But they did nothing at Brentford; that was a really poor performance.
“Villa have not scored a goal yet. I remember Crystal Palace did really well in all three meetings between these two sides last season. Oliver Glasner's men knocked Villa out of the EFL Cup before grabbing a 2-2 draw in the league game away from home. Palace also secured a thumping 5-0 win over Villa in their final league game at home last season.
“Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta will be a threat and Palace will not sit back. This is a tough game for Villa, but I expect them to avoid defeat. Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Crystal Palace.”
Chris Sutton
“I'm really worried about my old club Aston Villa, their performance against Brentford last weekend was so insipid and so flat. They haven't got going at all. We know the way Villa play. It's very much possession orientated and they'll play out from the back. Crystal Palace will mix their game up but I've just got a feeling that Villa will finally turn up in this one.
“Plus, I'm not sure how Eze's departure will impact Crystal Palace. They coped in a one-off game with Nottingham Forest last week but long-term they're going to suffer from that loss of creativity. I think Palace are still a strong team, even without Eze, but I'm going third time lucky with Villa hoping they'll actually turn in a performance. If they don't, then fans will start getting really concerned. Prediction: 3-1.”
Continue Reading