Premier League Preview: Newcastle host Tottenham Hotspur in first match since takeover

It has been an action-packed international break as Mike Ashley made way for Newcastle United’s new owners in a Saudi-backed takeover that sees them shoot up in the football club rich list.

The Magpies will host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in their first fixture since Ashley’s departure, however it is looking like Steve Bruce will still remain in charge for the clash.

Elsewhere, Manchester United will look to redeem themselves as they take on Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City after a tricky spell that has seen them pick up two wins in six matches in all competitions.

Arsenal will end the weekend’s football as they host London rivals Crystal Palace on Monday night as Mikel Arteta’s side look to extend their four-game unbeaten run in the league.

Here are the predictions for the upcoming Premier League matches...

Watford v Liverpool

Watford are set for their first match since they sacked Xisco Munoz and replaced him with former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri.

Premier League fans will remember the Hornets’ shock 3-0 win over Liverpool last year, however I don’t think we will be seeing a repeat of that given the Reds’ current form.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been exceptional so far this season and I can’t see them slipping up against the newly promoted club - even without Brazilians Fabinho and Alisson, who will miss out due to international duty.

Prediction: Watford 0-2 Liverpool

Aston Villa v Wolves

Despite a poor start to the campiagn, Wolves are in impressive form at the moment, picking up three wins and three clean sheets in their last four league fixtures.

Meanwhile, Villa have endured a tough run of games that has seen them fall to defeat against Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Dean Smith’s side will be ready to kick on following the international break, however Wolves will be difficult to crack given their recent defensive record.

Prediction: Villa 1-1 Wolves

Leicester v Manchester United

Leicester City have massively impressed under Brendan Rodgers over the past couple of seasons, however they have had a particularly difficult start to the current campaign as they sit in 13th place with only two wins.

Jamie Vardy is currently the joint top goalscorer in the league but has been unable to guide his team further up the table, with the Foxes without a Premier League victory during the whole of September.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has been excellent for Manchester United since his return to the club, however the Red Devils on a whole have been rather underwhelming.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have needed this break after a couple of difficult results and I expect them to bounce back as they travel to the King Power Stadium.

Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Man Utd

Manchester City v Burnley

Manchester City host Burnley this weekend and this tie is probably one of the easiest to predict.

City currently sit third in the league and can potentially go top with a win, while the Clarets find themselves searching for their first victory of the season after seven games.

Burnley haven’t beaten Pep Guardiola’s side since 2015 and I don’t expect them to pull off any surprises tomorrow afternoon.

Prediction: Man City 3-0 Burnley

Norwich v Brighton & Hove Albion

Norwich are another team still on the hunt for their first win and it doesn’t look like they are going to find it anytime soon.

The Canaries currently sit glued to the bottom of the table and have scored only twice in seven matches.

Meanwhile, Brighton have enjoyed a brilliant start and sit in sixth - only two points from top.

Neal Maupay is also in excellent form for the Seagulls and will be hoping to add to his goal tally this weekend.

Prediction: Norwich 1-3 Brighton

Southampton v Leeds United

Southampton are struggling so far this season and will be even worse off this weekend as they are missing two key men in Che Adams (muscle injury) and captain James Ward-Prowse (ban).

Leeds United claimed their first win against Watford and will be hoping to pick up where they left off this weekend as they travel to the south coast.

Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Leeds United

Brentford v Chelsea

Brentford have already proven themselves to be a huge challenge for the big teams of the Premier League, taking four points from Arsenal and Liverpool since their promotion.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are top of the league after winning five of their opening seven fixtures - dropping points against fellow title challengers Man City and Liverpool.

Thomas Frank’s team will be confident going into this weekend’s match, however I’m not sure the Blues will be quite capable of such a slip up this early on.

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Chelsea

Everton v West Ham

Everton have enjoyed a surprisingly positive start to the 2021/22 campaign, sitting in fifth after winning four of their seven matches.

West Ham have looked a rejuvenated side under David Moyes, however have only managed one five points out of a possible 15 in their last five games.

Michail Antonio has been in fine form and will be keen to continue to add to his tally on Merseyside this weekend.

I predict a very tight tie between the two sides who will be vying for a European spot come the end of the season.

Prediction: Everton 2-2 West Ham

Newcastle United v Spurs

Prior to the international break Newcastle fans would be expecting yet another loss as they host Spurs, however fans will be brimming with confidence given their recent takeover.

Despite Steve Bruce remaining in charge for Sunday’s match, it is likely the Magpies will be keen to impress their new owners and, given Spurs’ poor form, will be aiming for the three points.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Spurs

Arsenal v Crystal Palace

Arsenal host Crystal Palace in next week’s Monday Night Football and Mikel Arteta will be more than excited given his Manager of the Month award he received in September.

The Gunners went unbeaten last month, conceding only once in their 3-1 win over fierce rivals Spurs.

Meanwhile, Palace have had an up-and-down start to the season but have shown they are more than capable of causing an upset given their 3-0 victory over Nuno’s side in September.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace