Arsenal V Nottingham Forest (Prediction 3-0): Arsenal have the lunchtime stage and the chance to set the tone for the weekend. We expect them to control possession and pin Forest into long defensive phases where second balls and sustained pressure tell. Forest can threaten from direct transitions but sustaining territory at the Emirates is difficult. Over ninety minutes Arsenal’s circulation and set-piece threat should create enough chances to win with comfort.

Newcastle V Wolves (Prediction 2-0): Newcastle’s home intensity usually compresses games into the Wolves half which limits the visitors’ ability to build cleanly. Wolves will try to slow the rhythm and counter into the channels but they may spend long spells without the ball. If Newcastle keep their rest-defence tidy they will reduce counters and keep momentum. We see a patient home win secured by territory and pressure.

Bournemouth V Brighton (Prediction 1-2): Bournemouth’s aggressive press at the Vitality can rattle visiting sides early. Brighton are accustomed to riding those first waves then establishing calm through structured build-up. This should swing back and forth in phases but Brighton’s ability to create overloads wide and recycle attacks points to a narrow away success. Bournemouth stay dangerous yet may be forced to chase the game late.

Fulham V Leeds (Prediction 2-1): Fulham at Craven Cottage tend to control tempo through patient passing and quick switches that stretch a press. Leeds will bring intensity and vertical attacks which can unsettle the hosts but that approach can also leave gaps between the lines. If Fulham play through the first line cleanly the final third should open up. We lean toward a tight home win with both defences exposed at times.

Everton V Aston Villa (Prediction 1-1): Goodison will demand front-foot football and Everton’s direct pressure should create a scrappy battle for territory. Villa are comfortable absorbing an early surge then building controlled sequences to quieten the noise. This feels like a game of momentum swings rather than constant dominance. We see both sides landing blows then settling for a share of the points.

Crystal Palace V Sunderland (Prediction 2-1): Palace’s structure at Selhurst Park is usually reliable which forces opponents into low-value crosses. Sunderland bring promotion energy and fast breaks that can hurt any side yet their defensive concentration will be tested under long pressure sequences. Palace should generate enough set-piece and second-phase looks to tilt it. We expect a committed Sunderland showing but home control to prevail.

West Ham V Tottenham (Prediction 1-2): The London Stadium will be fierce and West Ham are adept at making this a physical contest with dangerous restarts. Tottenham will try to keep the ball moving and avoid a stop-start rhythm where West Ham thrive. If Spurs manage the first press and avoid turnovers the game should open up for them between the lines. We favour the visitors by a single goal in a match of fine margins.

Brentford V Chelsea (Prediction 1-2): Brentford’s aerial power and direct entries make their home fixtures uncomfortable and they will target long throws and corners. Chelsea will seek to slow the chaos with ball retention and quick switches away from pressure. The contest likely hinges on defensive set-piece discipline and transition control. We edge toward Chelsea who may create the clearer late chances once the game stretches.

Burnley V Liverpool (Prediction 0-3): The champions visit a ground that demands duels and second-ball focus. Liverpool’s pressing and counter-counter-press should keep Burnley penned in for extended periods which limits the hosts to sporadic direct breaks. If Liverpool establish their rhythm early the shot volume will climb steadily. We anticipate a professional away performance that underlines why they set the pace.

Man City V Man Utd (Prediction 2-1): City are not on a perfect run which adds edge to a derby that already carries weight. Expect long City spells around the box with United aiming to spring quickly when lines are broken. The key will be City’s rest-defence against counters and United’s set-piece execution under pressure. We see City edging a tight game through territory control and late pressure.

The Weekly Narrative:
GW4 starts with Arsenal in the early slot where a convincing win would let them apply scoreboard pressure before the heavyweight clashes. The Saturday card then fractures into contrasting styles as Brighton try to pass through Bournemouth’s press while Fulham and Leeds trade control for chaos on the river. Tottenham’s trip across London feels like a litmus test of composure because West Ham can turn any game into a fight if allowed. Brentford under the lights will probe Chelsea’s resolve at set pieces which could shape the narrative of their month. Sunday belongs to the champions and the derby. Liverpool can reinforce their authority with a no-nonsense job at Burnley which would push the onus onto the late kick-off. City need a statement without the safety of a winning streak and United arrive with a plan built around transitions. By the final whistle we should know whether the chase is settling into a familiar rhythm with Liverpool setting the pace and whether City have steadied themselves enough to keep the title picture taut through September.