Premier League Preview: Man Utd and Liverpool hope for back-to-back wins, Arsenal host Chelsea in London derby

Liverpool and Burnley open the weekend’s fixtures with a lunch-time clash, with West Ham and Leicester bringing it to a close with some Monday night football.

The opening day was full of excitement and many fans were finally able to return to stadiums to watch their beloved teams.

Tomorrow afternoon will see plenty Leeds United’s supporters watch the Whites play in the Premier League for the first time since 2004, while Brentford will enjoy a short trip to Selhurst Park following their brilliant victory over Arsenal last week.

We have taken a closer look at this weekend’s matches below…

Liverpool v Burnley

Liverpool kicked off their campaign in brilliant fashion last weekend as they beat newly-promoted Norwich City 3-0.

While Andy Robertson remains sidelined with an ankle ligament injury, the Reds could welcome back Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Curtis Jones – a huge boost for Jurgen Klopp.

Burnley suffered defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening game and will be hoping to redeem themselves at Anfield. However, despite scraping a win against Liverpool on the road last season, it seems unlikely that they will be anything but passengers in tomorrow’s match.

Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota are already off the mark and will be raring to go in front of the home crowd, while the return of Virgil Van Dijk and a potential league debut for Ibrahima Konate will cause problems for Burnley’s attack.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Burnley

Aston Villa v Newcastle United

Both Aston Villa and Newcastle United were on the losing side of two particularly thrilling games last weekend and will be eager to pick up their first points of the season in tomorrow’s clash.

Villa’s defeat to Watford was the more surprising scoreline given the arrivals of Emiliano Buendia, Danny Ings, Leon Bailey and the return of Ashley Young and Axel Tuanzebe.

Life without star man Jack Grealish got off to a tricky start, but Saturday’s loss will likely give them the kick up the backside they need and I expect them to improve against the Magpies.

Newcastle United will massively benefit from Joe Willock’s arrival if he is to start against Aston Villa, but can he lead them to victory once again?

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Newcastle United

Crystal Palace v Brentford

Crystal Palace and Brentford’s opening fixtures were very different - with the home side losing out to Chelsea 3-0, while Brentford shocked Arsenal with a 2-0 win in their first ever Premier League match.

Brentford looked full of energy against Mikel Arteta’s side, however I expect them to be brought back down to earth as they visit Selhurst Park.

The Eagles have had a brilliant transfer window and Patrick Vieira is looking for his first league win as Crystal Palace boss.

After a disappointing defeat to Chelsea, they have no excuse this weekend.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Brentford

Leeds United v Everton

Leeds United couldn’t have had a worse opening day as they lost 5-1 to rivals Manchester United.

Everton, meanwhile, impressed in Rafa Benitez’s first league game in charge - beating Southampton 3-1.

The Whites were known for their inconsistency last season and I don’t expect it to me much different this time round.

Patrick Bamford - who has just signed a new contract - will be looking to score his first goal of the campaign, while Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison will be a huge threat to Everton’s defence if they are at their best.

Prediction: Leeds United 3-1 Everton

Manchester City v Norwich City

Norwich’s opening four fixtures - Liverpool, Man City, Leicester, Arsenal - could have gone one of two ways. They could have returned to the Premier League with a bang and pulled off a miracle or lose all four. Unfortunately for them, I think tomorrow’s match will look very similar to last weekend’s loss against the Reds.

While Man City disappointed in their narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, they will no doubt bounce back against the Canaries tomorrow afternoon.

Their return to the Etihad Stadium against a newly promoted team could be the perfect opportunity for Jack Grealish to showcase his ability following a tricky start to life in Manchester.

Prediction: Man City 5-0 Norwich City

Brighton & Hove Albion v Watford

Watford looked very positive in their win against Aston Villa last weekend.

Their attacking options suggest they are unlikely to struggle for goals this season, however their back four that conceded two to Villa included three of the same defenders that were relegated from the Premier League last summer.

Meanwhile, Brighton are the complete opposite - last season their struggle for goals was their downfall, while their defence was pretty solid.

I expect this fixture to be tight but it is very hard to call.

Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Watford

Southampton v Manchester United

Manchester United showed in their win against Leeds United what they will bring to the Premier League this season and it seems very unlikely that Southampton are the team to stop that.

Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba were in exceptional form at Old Trafford and could easily run rings round any defence if they are to carry it on.

Prediction: Southampton 1-4 Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur

Wolves struggled to impress last season and following the departure of Nuno Espírito Santo it is hard to tell which direction they will go in.

Meanwhile Spurs, who snapped up the former Wolves boss this summer, enjoyed a dream start with a win over Premier League champions Man City.

They followed that up with a disappointing defeat in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night and that could have a negative impact on the team’s morale ahead of their trip to the Midlands.

If Harry Kane is still absent tomorrow afternoon then they will struggle, unless Son Heung-min can pull off another brilliant performance.

Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Spurs

Arsenal v Chelsea

After a shocking start to their campaign it is difficult to picture anything but defeat for Arsenal now.

The arrival of Martin Ødegaard on a permanent deal could give the Gunners a much needed lift, however given Chelsea’s current form they will be feeling very positive ahead of their short trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Romelu Lukaku could be in line to make his debut on Sunday, making life for Arsenal’s defence even harder.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-3 Chelsea

West Ham v Leicester City

Monday Night Football is back!

West Ham and Leicester will both be looking for back-to-back victories following their opening day wins over Newcastle United and Wolves respectively.

Leicester are struggling with defensive injuries ahead of their trip to the capital, but the return of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes following last season’s absence - as well as impressive starts to the season for Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho - could prove pivotal in Monday’s clash.

West Ham have failed to bolster their ranks after a successful 2020/21 campaign and I expect them to be punished for it on several occasions this season.

Prediction: West Ham 2-3 Leicester