Brentford V Man Utd (Prediction 1-2): Brentford at home are never an easy opponent. Their direct style, reliance on aerial dominance and high pressing intensity often make visiting sides deeply uncomfortable. They will look to push United into defensive duels, target set-piece situations and feed off second balls in advanced areas. United, though, carry more composure in possession and can absorb that early pressure before gradually asserting themselves. If they manage to bypass Brentford’s press, United should create openings through controlled build-up and transitions. Brentford are good enough to land a blow, most likely from a set piece or a long, direct passage of play but United’s superior sharpness in decisive moments should give them the edge in a tight and physical battle.

Chelsea V Brighton (Prediction 2-1): Chelsea welcome Brighton in what should be one of the more tactically intriguing contests of the weekend. Brighton are brave and committed to playing their way out from the back, even against pressing sides. That courage can bring rewards, especially against opponents who leave spaces between lines but it also risks costly turnovers against high-pressure systems. Chelsea at home will likely push high and look to capitalise on those errors, while also using their wide players to stretch Brighton’s shape. Brighton will definitely enjoy spells of possession and will create chances, yet Chelsea’s defensive resilience and home crowd advantage should see them through. A narrow win seems likely but it will come only after Brighton ask plenty of questions.

Man City V Burnley (Prediction 3-0): The Etihad has often been a fortress for City and Burnley arrive facing an enormous challenge. Burnley’s natural instinct will be to press aggressively and play on the front foot but doing so against City is a risk that often leads to being pulled apart positionally. City are experts at recycling the ball until gaps appear, then punishing opponents with ruthless precision. Burnley may hold out in the opening quarter but once City find their rhythm it will become an exercise in patience and control. We expect City to steadily wear their visitors down, scoring before half-time and adding more after the break in what should be a routine, comfortable home win.

Crystal Palace V Liverpool (Prediction 0-2): Selhurst Park is known for its noise and intensity and Palace will lean on that to make Liverpool’s life difficult. They will set up compact, blocking central areas and forcing Liverpool wide, while waiting to spring on the counter. For periods this may work, as Palace have the discipline and work rate to frustrate. But Liverpool are champions for a reason and their ability to sustain pressure wave after wave usually breaks resistance. Palace will likely tire in the final half hour and Liverpool’s pressing will limit their counter-attacking opportunities. Expect a professional away win, with Liverpool staying patient until their breakthrough arrives before killing the game late on.

Leeds V Bournemouth (Prediction 2-1): Elland Road will host a frantic, end-to-end affair as Leeds’ relentless pressing meets Bournemouth’s direct attacking approach. Leeds will aim to suffocate Bournemouth in midfield, forcing mistakes and creating chaos that leads to chances. Bournemouth will fight back with surges of their own, exploiting any defensive gaps Leeds leave when overcommitting forward. Both defences are vulnerable, which points to an open game filled with opportunities at both ends. The deciding factor may be the relentless energy Leeds get from their home crowd, giving them the push to edge a high-octane contest.

Nottingham Forest V Sunderland (Prediction 1-1): Forest at the City Ground are at their best when playing with aggression, pressing high and feeding off the crowd’s energy. Sunderland though, despite being newly promoted, bring a fearless approach, closing down quickly and breaking forward with speed. Forest will have periods of control, particularly from wide play and set pieces but Sunderland’s willingness to attack with intensity means they will have chances of their own. Both sides are still searching for consistency and it feels like this contest may end in a stalemate, with each team scoring but lacking the control to seal all three points.

Tottenham V Wolves (Prediction 2-0): Tottenham will see this fixture as a chance to assert themselves in front of their supporters. Expect them to dominate possession, keeping Wolves pinned in their own half while looking for openings in wide areas and through quick rotations around the box. Wolves will likely adopt a deep defensive block, aiming to hit on the counter when possible. Their discipline could keep them in the contest for a while but their lack of consistent attacking punch makes it hard to see them hurting Spurs enough. Over ninety minutes, Tottenham should find the gaps, scoring once in each half to secure a controlled victory.

Aston Villa V Fulham (Prediction 2-1): Villa Park has become a stronghold and the home side will be expected to push Fulham back with relentless waves of pressure. Villa will focus on controlling the tempo and sustaining attacks in advanced areas but Fulham’s resilience means they will stay in the game and could strike on the break. Fulham’s compactness often makes them tough to break down but Villa’s persistence and ability to create overloads in the final third should eventually pay off. We expect Fulham to make it nervy with a goal but Villa’s pressure should be enough to see them through.

Newcastle V Arsenal (Prediction 1-2): St James’ Park will provide a raucous backdrop as Newcastle try to impose themselves physically and disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. Newcastle’s aerial strength and direct approach will trouble Arsenal at times, particularly from set pieces. Yet Arsenal’s composure in possession, ability to dictate tempo and sharp attacking combinations give them the tools to control long stretches. It will likely be a fierce battle but Arsenal’s superior efficiency in front of goal should allow them to emerge with a narrow win that speaks volumes about their title credentials.

Everton V West Ham (Prediction 1-1): Goodison Park under the lights on a Monday night is rarely a straightforward task for any visiting side. Everton will push the tempo with aggressive pressing and aerial duels, looking to turn the game into a physical scrap. West Ham are comfortable in such scenarios, often thriving off set pieces and long, direct moves. Both sides will have their moments, and while Everton may strike first, West Ham’s ability to respond in chaotic matches should see them grab a goal of their own. The game has all the hallmarks of an even contest ending in a draw.

The Weekly Narrative:
Gameweek 6 feels like one of those pivotal early-season rounds that reveal as much about mentality as ability. Liverpool face a potentially awkward trip to Palace but should find a way to underline their authority as champions, while City are expected to roll past Burnley without much fuss. The real intrigue comes elsewhere: Arsenal’s visit to Newcastle could prove a test of title ambitions, Chelsea must prove their consistency against Brighton, and Tottenham will look to turn control into results when Wolves come calling. Brentford’s battle with United offers a clash of styles, while Everton’s showdown with West Ham highlights the dogfight developing in mid-table. Leeds and Bournemouth promise goals, Forest and Sunderland offer intensity and Villa will be keen to prove their home form is no fluke. By the end of the round, we may see the top beginning to stabilise around Liverpool, Arsenal, and City — but also clear signs of which sides are already at risk of being dragged into the survival scrap.