Bournemouth V Fulham (Prediction 1-1): The weekend begins under the Friday night lights at the Vitality where both sides will see this as a chance to build confidence. Bournemouth will be aggressive in their press and try to feed off the energy of the home crowd by forcing Fulham into rushed passes around their own box. Fulham will be more measured, slowing the game when they can and attempting to exploit Bournemouth’s tendency to overcommit by countering through wide areas. Bournemouth will likely carve out chances by sheer persistence but Fulham’s discipline and patience in possession should allow them to respond. This feels like an even contest where neither side can impose themselves for long enough to win outright.

Leeds V Tottenham (Prediction 1-2): Elland Road will be rocking as Leeds try to overwhelm Tottenham with their intensity. They will look to press high and push Spurs into mistakes, creating a frantic tempo that could catch the visitors cold in the opening stages. Tottenham however have the composure and experience to deal with that type of game. Their ability to sit in, absorb pressure, and then counter into the spaces Leeds leave behind could be decisive. Leeds are unlikely to change their approach which may mean they score one through relentless energy, yet Spurs’ efficiency in transitions should give them the cutting edge.

Man Utd V Sunderland (Prediction 2-0): United at Old Trafford will be expected to dominate from the outset, using possession to pin Sunderland deep. The visitors will arrive full of fight and determination but their inexperience at this level will make it difficult to keep United quiet for the full ninety minutes. Sunderland may have isolated moments on the counter but United’s control of midfield and sustained attacking presence should wear them down. A goal in the first half would settle nerves and another after the break should secure a comfortable home win.

Arsenal V West Ham (Prediction 2-1): Arsenal will want to impose their game at the Emirates, dominating possession and moving the ball quickly to create openings. West Ham are well-drilled in defending deep and will try to frustrate Arsenal by crowding central areas before striking through set pieces or long balls into dangerous zones. Arsenal will have to stay concentrated against that type of threat but their attacking rhythm at home usually brings chances. West Ham are too resilient not to have a say and could score from a direct move, yet Arsenal’s sustained pressure across the full game should see them edge it narrowly.

Chelsea V Liverpool (Prediction 1-2): Stamford Bridge hosts the weekend’s biggest clash. Chelsea will try to dictate phases with controlled possession and a compact defensive shape but Liverpool’s pressing intensity and ability to force turnovers high up the pitch are likely to unsettle them. The game will be cagey early on with both sides probing but Liverpool’s relentlessness usually finds a way to break through. Chelsea should create chances of their own particularly in moments when Liverpool leave spaces in behind but over ninety minutes the champions’ sharpness in decisive moments should tilt the contest in their favour.

Newcastle V Nottingham Forest (Prediction 2-0): St James’ Park will drive Newcastle forward and they will look to dominate physically and territorially. Forest will be disciplined and compact, waiting for their chance to break, but Newcastle’s relentless energy at home is difficult to contain. The hosts will look to win aerial battles and force second balls in advanced areas which should bring them steady control. Forest may defend bravely but Newcastle’s pressure should eventually produce goals either side of half-time.

Wolves V Brighton (Prediction 1-2): Wolves will approach this game by keeping their shape tight and aiming to frustrate Brighton with numbers behind the ball. Brighton however will stick to their principles of patient build-up, looking for overloads and angles to open the pitch. Wolves’ best chance is to hit quickly on the counter when Brighton push numbers forward which may bring them a goal, but Brighton’s confidence in possession should allow them to control territory and eventually break through. Their composure in the second half should tilt the game in their favour.

Everton V Crystal Palace (Prediction 1-1): This fixture at Goodison Park has the makings of a gritty mid-table battle. Everton will try to impose themselves with physicality, second balls, and set pieces while Palace will stay organised and pick their moments to spring forward on the break. Everton’s crowd will demand intensity and that pressure should bring them chances, but Palace have enough resilience to absorb long spells and still strike back. We see both sides finding the net but neither having enough quality to fully impose themselves.

Aston Villa V Burnley (Prediction 2-0): Villa Park has become a place where Villa are confident in taking charge, and they will look to suffocate Burnley with territory and control. Burnley will press in moments but they are likely to find themselves pushed deeper as the game progresses. Villa’s ability to sustain pressure and create overloads in the final third should eventually carve Burnley open. Provided they maintain defensive focus, Villa should be able to keep a clean sheet while scoring twice to secure a comfortable victory.

Brentford V Man City (Prediction 1-3): Brentford’s home crowd will make this one a hostile environment for City, and Brentford will try to unsettle them with high pressing and aerial power. They may well create moments from set pieces or direct play, and a goal for the home side is very possible. City though thrive in situations where they can control territory and rhythm. Once they establish possession high up the pitch, they will force Brentford into long defensive sequences and eventually break them down. A professional City performance should see them through with multiple goals despite Brentford’s spirited effort.

The Weekly Narrative:
Gameweek 7 offers a wide range of storylines that could shape the complexion of the season. Liverpool face a stern test at Stamford Bridge but if they come through it with victory they will further cement their control at the top. Arsenal’s home tie with West Ham and City’s visit to Brentford both promise challenges for title contenders, while Tottenham’s trip to Elland Road could showcase their efficiency against Leeds’ chaos. United and Villa will be under pressure to deliver expected home wins against newly promoted and struggling sides which could build momentum heading into the next block of fixtures. At the other end Everton, Palace, Bournemouth, and Fulham are fighting to find rhythm and their meetings feel crucial for shaping confidence in the middle of the table. Wolves, Burnley, and Forest will all view their games as chances to show resilience but this round may instead reinforce the growing gap between the league’s top challengers and those already facing a season-long battle for survival.