2021/22 Premier League Matchday 3: Predictions
Pintsized Background
Hey guys, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but I think Ronaldo could be on the move? As the transfer window spins out of control under the aura of the Messi’s, Ronaldo’s, Mbappe’s and Haaland’s of the footballing world, West Ham has prospered in the shadows. Snatching Kurt Zouma for around £25m is a bargain when considering Ogbonna’s age and their lack of quality at centre-back. When does the hallowed Moysiah stop being seen as a meme? In other news, with Richarlison about to jet off to France, Rafa Benitez may have to call upon Andros Townsend more than previously hoped for.
Missed last weeks action or need to jog your memory? Catch up with Matchday 2 Review!
Want to assess our mystical predicting chops? View Match Day 2 Statistics!
Bitesize Predictions
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Saturday, 28 August | ||||
| Man City vs Arsenal | 2-1 | 3-1 | 3-1 | 5-0 |
| Aston Villa vs Brentford | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 1-1 |
| Brighton vs Everton | 2-0 | 2-2 | 1-1 | 0-2 |
| Newcastle vs Southampton | 2-0 | 2-1 | 1-1 | 2-2 |
| Norwich vs Leicester | 1-1 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 1-2 |
| West Ham vs Crystal Palace | 3-1 | 4-0 | 4-0 | 2-2 |
| Liverpool vs Chelsea | 0-0 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 1-1 |
| Sunday, 29 August | ||||
| Burnley vs Leeds | 0-2 | 0-3 | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Spurs vs Watford | 2-0 | 3-0 | 4-0 | 1-0 |
| Wolves vs Man United | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 0-1 |
Premier League Matchday 3: Saturday 28 August
Man City (#9, 3pts) vs Arsenal (#19, 0pts)
Pintsized
Forget Liverpool vs Chelsea, this is the real game of the week. In a master meets student battle, Mikel Arteta enters Saturday for his first match with no real pressure. Even on top form, Arsenal were unlikely to have expected anything more than a point at the Etihad. An Aubameyang hat-trick and a Lacazette feature against West Brom during the mid-week has breathed life into a stale Arsenal attack. The Baggies may be a far cry from the City mega squad, but as seen against Spurs, without an elite striker they aren’t as potent as yesteryear. Of course, we’re still talking about Banter FC, a team that City loves to batter black and blue.
Prediction: 2-1
Ryan
Yippee, an international break coming up already… Arsenal fans will enjoy not losing 3 points at least. City bounced back sweetly last weekend with almost a literal walk in the park 5-0 win. Arsenal meanwhile laboured against their West London rivals, Lukaku feasting on a defensive disaster piece. Despite a big Carabao Cup victory mid-week, don’t expect Arsenal’s fortunes in the league to change. A comfortable win for City again.
Prediction: 3-1
Steviano
Putting six past WBA at least reminds the Gunners how to score but City will be a different prospect than the paper baggies defence. At least they wont be facing Harry Kane but you still expect City to have too much for them.
Prediction: 3-1
Aston Villa (#10, 3pts) vs Brentford (#8, 4pts)
Pintsized
Villa found their first post-Grealish victory last weekend against a hit or miss Newcastle side. Ings, with two goals in two games, is proving to be just what Villa needed – and everything Wesley failed to offer. Brentford have got to fancy their chances with the form they find themselves on. Out-performing their promotion class, the Bs have so far looked confident and capable at the top level. Ivan Toney may have failed to bag a couple of chances against Palace, but he is too skilled to continue missing the mark.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
Villa bounced back after a disappointing opener to Watford against Newcastle, highlighted by a stunning Ings strike and mid-week thumping of poor Barrow. Another home game will be great for them to continue their momentum. On the other side, if you told Brentford that they’d have a minimum of 4 points from their first 3 games, there would be plenty of snapped hands in London. There’s always a chance given their steely performances to improve on this but I think Villa have a bit too much on this occasion for them. It will still be close though.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
The Bees are buzzing with 4 points from their opening two games but I fear the Villains will give them their first set back. Post Grealish players are still settling in but the squad overall is stronger than last season and should prevail.
Prediction: 2-1
Brighton (#4, 6pts) vs Everton (#7, 4pts)
Pintsized
It’s time to start the #PottyforPotter trend, lads. Two games in and I am already subscribed to the wizard-like Potter ball. Jokes aside, Brighton have a ridiculously talented player on their hands in Yves Bissouma. Completing 5 interceptions and winning 7 of 10 ground duels, Bissouma is a relentless force in the middle of the park. If Richarlison has his eye turned already towards PSG, he may not fancy taking on Bissouma’s heavy-handed pressure. Calvert-Lewin is finding a lot of service under the Benitez regime but really needs to be finding the back of the net with more consistency to cement himself as numero uno Toffee striker.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
An interesting clash of styles here with an attacking Brighton and more compact Everton, this could be a cracker. Brighton have impressed early season following the opener with a solid win against new boys Watford. Everton meanwhile played out an exciting draw against Leeds although they’d be disappointed not to sneak the 3 points back to Goodison Park. I can’t split this one – Brighton will have home advantage and I can’t see Everton losing this one either.
Prediction: 2-2
Steviano
Brighton have made an excellent start to the season which will give them confidence but Everton too have started quickly under Rafa and will be Potter’s stiffest test so far. I think both teams will be content to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Prediction: 1-1
Newcastle (#18, 0pts) vs Southampton (#13, 1pts)
Pintsized
Big Steve Bruce’s days as the Newcastle gaffer may be drawing to a close. Two defeats in the League, and aside from an entertaining first half against West Ham, two gutless performances. The United legend will need his defence to wake up and provide some sort of resistance to allow Allan Saint-Maximin and Joe Willock to work their magic. Southampton impressed in a sleepy 1-1 draw to a strong Man United side, Adam Armstrong, in particular, looking capable of making the leap from the Championship.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
This is traditionally a mid-table game with nothing much on the line. However both teams may be looking at a tough time near the bottom. Newcastle disappointed against Villa but Southampton somehow escaped with a draw against a labouring United. What I’ve noticed is that teams who overachieve against United one weekend tend to fall short the next weekend. That trend plus home advantage should drive the Geordies to their first points of the season.
Prediction: 2-1
Steviano
Expecting this to be a snorefest of a match which probably means it will be a 5-4 thriller. The Toon need to take something from this game whilst Southampton will look to build on last weeks battling draw with United.
Prediction: 1-1
Norwich (#20, 0pts) vs Leicester (#12, 3pts)
Pintsized
You would hope that despite their run of form, the Norwich dressing room is not too disheartened. Suffering one of the harshest League openings for a recently promoted team, brighter days will follow after Leicester. The Foxes aren’t exactly lighting the world alight. Their attack remains strong, even without an in-form Maddison, but their defence at times is woefully open. Pukki is the type of goal-scorer who will latch onto any half-chance offered his way.
Prediction: 1-1
Ryan
0 points, 0 goals and 8 conceded? That sounds like Norwich to me. Admittedly Liverpool and City back to back is an unenviable task for any team, let alone a promoted one. Their lack of character should worry fans though with no resistance offered whatsoever. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend either. Speaking of character, Brendan Rodgers and his Foxes were shell shocked against an in-form Hammers albeit not helped by a reckless red card horror tackle from Ayoze Perez. If Carlsberg did bounce back games, this would be it for Leicester and they should be back in the wins column.
Prediction: 1-3
Steviano
Liverpool, Man City and then Leicester has not been kind to the canaries as a re-introduction to the premier league however there abject performance at City last week is very worrying. Leicester are hampered by injuries and don’t have any real momentum yet but that should change on Saturday.
Prediction: 0-2
West Ham (#1, 6pts) vs Crystal Palace (#14, 1pts)
Pintsized
Hahaha, we’re so massive, it’s unreal. It will likely be a green Palace side that throws the Hammers’ their first hurdle – such is life as a West Ham fan. Vieira will be desperate to secure his team’s first goal before they can consider the prospect of a positive result. Nice and early in the season before the congested fixtures that a Europa season brings – expect West Ham to carry on their burning hot form.
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
Top of the table, fair play to the Hammers. Scoring 4 a piece in their first 2 games so far, Moyes’ boys have really impressed and would like to maintain their somewhat lofty position at the head of the table (insert Roman Reigns joke here). This could not have come at a worse time for Vieira and Palace who are yet to score a goal. There wasn’t much to speak about against Brentford and they don’t really seem to be offering much at the moment. I’ll go for West Ham to continue their 4 goal trend against a struggling Palace.
Prediction: 4-0
Steviano
Palace 0 may well become their new name if the goal drought continues. Viera inherited probably the toughest job in the premier league this season to rebuild Uncle Roy’s team from scratch on a shoestring budget – it does not look good for him. Moyes conversely can do no wrong – harsh to lose the Hammers job first time round it’s a shame to think how much progress they could have made if they had backed him properly then.
Prediction: 4-0
Liverpool (#3, 6pts) vs Chelsea (#2, 6pts)
Pintsized
Okay, maybe I got ahead of myself. Liverpool vs Chelsea is the real match of the week, but this could well descend into a defensive display from both sides. So early in the season and with van Dijk likely to pocket Lukaku, I’m expecting a match similar to the Champions League final (with Liverpool filling the role of City). A Chelsea win would be a huge scalp, however, and could set an early season pace that the Big 6 will find difficult to contend with.
Prediction: 0-0
Ryan
Game of the weekend right? At least it’ll be the most hyped with all sorts of predictions flying about. Liverpool have had a smooth start to their season, ditto Chelsea. One could argue there’s another clash of styles with a naturally offensive Liverpool against a naturally defensive Chelsea. Two of Germany’s finest managers battling each other. I’m not sure how this will go but one thing is certain, there will be at least 100% record no longer intact. I’m going to say that both records will be broken and an entertaining or overhyped draw will play out.
Prediction: 0-0
Steviano
Match of the weekend on paper and this should be a cracker with Lukaku set to test the fitness of VVD to the limit. Honestly I could argue for either side to win so I’ll sit on the fence for this one and admire the match instead.
Prediction: 2-2
Premier League Matchday 3: Sunday 29 August
Burnley (#17, 0pts) vs Leeds (#15, 1pts)
Pintsized
Burnley at home is historically, and rightfully, considered one of the least pleasant grounds to play at. That was, up until last season. Without any board backing, Dyche’s Clarets are lacking that form of ‘wow’ factor, to the degree that their honest physical style may prove inadequate. Bielsa’s ‘run your socks’ mentality will push Burnley to an uncomfortable pace and see them comfortably over the line.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
Despite a predictable loss at Anfield, Burnley weren’t that bad and gave a good account of themselves for the most part. They haven’t really strengthened their squad or brought some fresh blood in which might be a problem throughout the season. Leeds bounced back from their satisfying thumping with a good comeback against Everton to split the points. Second season syndrome may be a thing for Bielsa but they seem to enjoy playing against defensive minded teams. I’m backing Leeds to get the victory here in similar vein to last season’s fixture.
Prediction: 0-3
Steviano
I don’t expect a Sean Dyche team to lose three on the bounce and I’ll think they’ll focus on getting the point against an adventurous Leeds team. Enough said.
Prediction: 1-1
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66822994/1209498343.jpg.0.jpg?ssl=1)
Spurs (#5, 6pts) vs Watford (#11, 3pts)
Pintsized
Ah, King Kane has ‘voluntarily’ and ‘happily’ agreed to stay at Spurs for the time being. The fans will be quick to forget Kane’s transgressions, while Nuno will surely be thanking his lucky stars to retain such heavy artillery. The Europa Conference League can be a cruel mistress without one of the top strikers in the world. Watford seem to have settled back into the quality we expected after a shock opening day victory. Good luck picking up points away anytime soon.
Prediction: 2-0
Ryan
Another team with a 100% record which is quite the surprise for Spurs. On top of an excellent start, they seem to have succeeding in keeping their talismanic captain for at least another season. Woe betide the defence coming up against a motivated Harry Kane. Watford have to play that unfortunate role on Sunday. An unimpressive display against Brighton gave the Hornets what they deserved last time out. This is a tough test and I can only see a predictably comfortable win for Spurs here.
Prediction: 3-0
Steviano
Kane hat trick anyone? After the Kane mutiny in the summer he will be out to make amends and Watford are likely to suffer as a result. Nuno appears to have tightened the defence with back to back 1-0 wins but I feel the attacking play will be unleashed in this one.
Prediction: 4-0
Wolves (#16, 0pts) vs Man United (#6, 4pts)
Pintsized
United have to be kicking themselves after their shoddy showing against Southampton. Lacking any of the creativity or energy seen against Leeds, there needs to be greater risk allowed in the centre of the park. Pogba can often lose the ball while attempting the spectacular, but he possesses the raw skill that necessitates the freedom to create. Wolves find themselves pretty unlucky to be sitting with no points, defensively they are far too strong to stick around at the bottom of the table for long.
Prediction: 1-2
Ryan
A tale of two halves regarding Wolves so far – defensively sound, offensively sad. They’ve only conceded 2 this season which isn’t that bad but this has also come with 2 losses. Essentially they’ve been tough to beat without threatening. United stumbled against a poor Southampton with some Pogba and Greenwood magic helping to bring something back to Old Trafford. This has traditionally been a tough fixture, one this United fan never looks forward to and I don’t see this being much different here. My heart says United win, my head says draw. Either way, this will be laboured and painful to watch.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
United were unable to follow up on the opening drubbing of Leeds last week and will look to put that right at a toothless Wolves who are goalless to date and look to have regressed from the team of previous seasons.
Prediction: 1-3
Tipping Jar
Pintsized Interests is just a baby finding its first steps in the big, bad world of sports journalism. If you enjoy the content that is regularly uploaded then please consider donating via the link below. Any amount is greatly appreciated, and will go towards ensuring the survival of Pintsized Interests in the long-term.
