Chelsea V Fulham (Prediction 2-0): Chelsea open the weekend in the early kick-off and will want to impose themselves quickly. Fulham’s compact defending could frustrate them in the first half but over time Chelsea’s patient build-up and quality in wide areas should stretch the visitors. Fulham may create half-chances on the break yet the weight of possession should eventually see Chelsea break them down for a solid home win.

Man Utd V Burnley (Prediction 2-0): United at Old Trafford will look to set a dominant tone by pinning Burnley back with waves of pressure. Burnley will not lack for work rate and will test United in aerial duels and direct attacks but their resistance is unlikely to last the full ninety minutes. United’s ability to control midfield areas and recycle attacks should see them collect three points in steady fashion.

Wolves V Everton (Prediction 1-1): Wolves at home will be disciplined in their defensive shape and try to exploit Everton on the counter. Everton’s physicality and direct play should keep the game scrappy and contested in midfield. Neither side has the consistency to take full control which suggests a match where both score but ultimately settle for a draw.

Tottenham V Bournemouth (Prediction 3-1): Tottenham will seek to dominate from the outset and use their attacking options to keep Bournemouth penned back. Bournemouth’s pressing and direct bursts may give them a route to goal but Spurs should prove too strong across the pitch. Sustained possession and sharper finishing should result in a convincing home win.

Sunderland V Brentford (Prediction 1-2): Sunderland will be lifted by their supporters at the Stadium of Light and will attempt to unsettle Brentford with intensity and direct attacks. Brentford however are an awkward opponent who can manage pressure well and strike decisively from set plays or second balls. Sunderland could find a breakthrough but Brentford’s experience at this level should give them the edge in a close contest.

Leeds V Newcastle (Prediction 1-2): Leeds will push hard at Elland Road with their aggressive pressing style and may cause Newcastle real discomfort early on. Newcastle however are strong on the break and can exploit the space that Leeds leave behind. We expect a lively and open game with goals at both ends but Newcastle’s clinical edge in transitions should make the difference.

Brighton V Man City (Prediction 1-2): Brighton will stay true to their approach by attempting to play through City’s press and dominate passages of possession. City however are relentless at disrupting rhythm and pinning teams back around their own box. Brighton’s bravery may be rewarded with a goal yet City’s ability to sustain pressure for long stretches makes them the more likely winners.

Nottingham Forest V West Ham (Prediction 1-1): Forest will use the City Ground atmosphere to push forward and unsettle West Ham with pace and aggression. West Ham though are very effective at turning games into battles and can strike through direct moves and set pieces. The balance here points to an even contest where both sides find the net but neither can pull away.

Liverpool V Arsenal (Prediction 2-1): This is the headline fixture of the weekend and promises to be fiercely competitive. Arsenal will look to control periods with possession but Liverpool at Anfield are relentless when it comes to pressing and creating chaos in the final third. The visitors may carve a goal from their composure but Liverpool’s intensity and home advantage should prove decisive.

Aston Villa V Crystal Palace (Prediction 2-0): Villa will aim to take charge at home by pinning Palace deep with possession and fast ball circulation. Palace are always dangerous on the break but their resilience will be tested under long spells of defending. If Villa keep their composure and avoid being caught in transitions they should find goals and secure a confident home victory.

The Weekly Narrative:
Gameweek 3 carries weight across the table with both early momentum and reputations on the line. Liverpool and Arsenal headline the round at Anfield where the champions look to underline their authority against one of their key challengers. Manchester United will be expected to handle Burnley comfortably while Chelsea begin the weekend with a derby that offers them the chance to steady their start. Manchester City’s trip to Brighton will test their ability to impose themselves against a side brave enough to play through their press. At the other end Sunderland’s clash with Brentford is an early test of survival instincts and Leeds against Newcastle should be a breathless affair between two sides who thrive on intensity. By the time Villa close the round on Sunday evening the table will already show which clubs are setting a platform for the season ahead and which are scrambling to keep pace.