2021/22 Premier League Matchday 4: Predictions
Pintsized Background
In what could be the fiercest relegation scrap over the Premier League’s short lifespan, Arsenal and Norwich face off in search of their first point of the season. Perhaps the pick of the weekend’s matches involves Leeds vs Liverpool, an affair that promises goals from both sides. Don’t sleep on Brentford vs Brighton, though. Both sides are more than happy to lean on the attacking side of the beautiful game, and Ivan Toney has already started to make good on carrying over his Championship form.
Missed last weeks action or need to jog your memory? Catch up with Matchday 3 Review!
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Bitesize Predictions
| Fixtures | Pintsized | Ryan | Steviano | Results |
| Saturday, 11 September | ||||
| Crystal Palace vs Spurs | 0-2 | 1-2 | 0-2 | 3-0 |
| Arsenal vs Norwich | 3-1 | 1-0 | 4-0 | 1-0 |
| Brentford vs Brighton | 2-2 | 2-2 | 2-1 | 0-1 |
| Leicester vs Man City | 2-1 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-0 |
| Man Utd vs Newcastle | 3-2 | 4-1 | 4-0 | 4-1 |
| Southampton vs West Ham | 1-2 | 1-3 | 1-3 | 0-0 |
| Watford vs Wolves | 0-1 | 2-0 | 2-1 | 0-2 |
| Chelsea vs Aston Villa | 3-0 | 4-2 | 3-1 | 3-0 |
| Sunday, 12 September | ||||
| Leeds vs Liverpool | 3-3 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 0-3 |
| Monday, 13 August | ||||
| Everton vs Burnley | 1-0 | 1-1 | 2-0 | 3-1 |
Premier League Matchday 4: Saturday
Crystal Palace (#14, 2pts) vs Spurs (#1, 9pts)
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In all fairness to Patrick Vieira, he is doing a better job than Mikel Arteta so far. Spurs have been deadly efficient in their past three games, snatching nine points with just three goals. As soon as Kane finds his scoring boots, following a long season and transfer saga, Tottenham will only grow stronger down the line. That is, of course, if the perennial bottlers don’t somehow capitulate under Nuno’s rapid counter-attacking style.
Prediction: 0-2
Ryan
Hands up if you’re happy with no international footy for a while (99% raised hands). It’s good to be back though and what better way to return than a (somewhat) London derby. Palace continued to be the in-form Hammers bogey team with their first goals earning them their second point. Meanwhile, top of the table Spurs have had a perfect start which continued sluggishly against Watford. Although a feisty home atmosphere will be a hurdle, Nuno and his tactics will squeak over the finishing line here.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
1-0 to the Tottenham as Nuno appears to have morphed into George Graham mk II with no goals conceded in three matches and a goal a game to secure the wins. Viera’s Palace 0 jibe last week came back to haunt me as they managed to score 2 against the Hammers coming from behind twice in the process for a second battling draw. I think this will be normal service resumed however and Kane’s Spurs will make it 4 out of 4.
Prediction: 0-2
Arsenal (#20, 0pts) vs Norwich (#19, 0pts)
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Hahaha. The relegation battle seems to be taking place pretty damn early this season. An abysmal Arsenal have managed to create just 1.77xG throughout the season, made worse by the fact they are yet to notch a goal. Compare that to Norwich, owning an 2.8xG, after enduring a similarly difficult season-opening on a fraction of the Gunner’s budget. A must-win match for Arteta’s reign, can Aubameyang finally find the back of the net?
Prediction: 3-1
Ryan
Good Lord, a relegation scrap already? 20th vs 19th is always tough to predict and this is no exception here. Arteta had a miserable time of it against his mentor whilst Norwich only barely managed to lose against a tough Leicester side. The fact a goal separates the two is somewhat pathetic. After deliberating on what to predict, I think that a break and fresh start for Arsenal will help them to get off the mark.
Prediction: 1-0
Steviano
A must win for Arsenal after 3 games with no goals scored and 9 shipped to leave them rock bottom after a defensive horror show against City compounded with a trademark Xhaka moment of madness to leave them woefully short in defensive midfield. There is hope however in this relegation clash with the Canaries who proudly sit above them courtesy of actually having scored a goal in their first 3 matches. Aubamayang and Lacazette should enjoy themselves in this one though against what is basically a Championship team who lack real quality in any position let alone defence.
Prediction: 4-0
Brentford (#10, 5pts) vs Brighton (#8, 6pts)
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Three games in the big leagues and Brentford have still conceded just a single goal. Much has been harked about Brentford’s data-central approach to the beautiful game, but the results speak for themselves. With Ivan Toney bagging himself his first of the season against Villa, Brentford may be able to rely upon their scoring supremo again. Brighton may have hit a bump at home against a resurgent Everton, but Potter-Ball will carry on unperturbed. The return of Solly March coincides with Marc Cucurella’s expected debut, don’t sleep on the ‘Gulls.
Prediction: 2-2
Ryan
Here’s my curveball this week, this will be a sleeper game of the season candidate. Brentford have already shown they’re not afraid to mix it up with the big boys as proven with their unbeaten record. Despite the loss to Everton, Brighton still play a somewhat exciting brand of football which I believe will make for an interesting game. I wasn’t sure whether to go for a home win so I’ll go for a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Steviano
Brentford will be delighted with their unbeaten start in the Premier league with two away draws including a trip to Villa a decent way to build on their opening day victory. Home form will be critical to the Bees and I feel they will still have the confidence and momentum to take all 3 points against an Albion team who lost their unbeaten start the week before.
Prediction: 2-1
Leicester (#9, 6PTS) vs Man City (#7, 6pts)
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Leicester can count themselves somewhat lucky to have snatched six points so far. Barely overcoming a scare against Norwich, the Foxes have also been on the receiving end of a 4-1 drubbing from West Ham. It wasn’t so long ago that Leicester pipped City’s mega squad in the Community Shield, however, and a win over the Citizens would undoubtedly re-align Leicester’s path. Without Gabriel Jesus, Ederson or back-up GK Zack Steffen for COVID-related debacles, Scott Carson is set to be the hero of the hour. With just the one game for City in the past three years, could we see a new beast in the PL?
Prediction: 2-1
Ryan
Why is this game on at 3 and not on telly? Champions League schedules have had an impact here. Nonetheless, this game always brings the entertainment. Leicester struggled to a win against a stubborn Norwich whilst City spent 90+ minutes making Arsenal squeal like a scarlet pimpernel (Tenacious D fans rejoice). Despite back to back 5-0 wins, I still feel like a lack of striker for City will cost them at some point. Nonetheless, this will be tough but based on form, I see City winning a close affair.
Prediction: 1-2
Steviano
No Kane and no Ronaldo to add to City’s lone striker Jesus who is playing on the right wing anyway, rather than meet the steep Levy charges they are sticking with Torres and a revolving false 9 option which has seen them score 10 goals in two games albeit against the bottom 2! Leicester have defensive injury worries which apart from making them more vulnerable also robs them of their base to attack – despite that they are level on points with Man City after winning 2 out of 3 at the start. I think City will have too much all round for Leicester but I expect it to be close.
Prediction: 1-2
Man UNited (#3, 7pts) vs Newcastle (#17, 1pts)
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Say what you will about salaries, transfer fees and egos entering the United changing room, but the transfer of Ronaldo confirms Man Utd have never been anything but a massive club. Effectively buying a name at this point will strengthen the corporate brand far more than any magic potentially produced on the pitch. Steve Bruce’s Newcastle may have outrageously underachieved so far, but his creative powerhouse wingers are primed to find space behind United’s narrow full-backs. A close-knit affair with big Ron’s introduction off the bench making the difference.
Prediction: 3-2
Ryan
Why is this game on at 3 and not on telly? Deja vu aside, I’m looking forward to seeing the return of one C Ronaldo. Last time out, I was correct in saying Wolves would be a laboured watch with a bit of magic separating the two although squandered chances also helped matters. Newcastle thought they’d bagged their first win in the 90th minute before more drama in this period meant they had to split the share of points. They always seem to score at Old Trafford for some reason but I can only see a repeat thrashing for the Red Devils.
Prediction: 4-1
Steviano
Newcastle will need Bruce Wayne rather than Steve Bruce to have any chance in this match as they come to an Old Trafford that will be absolutely rocking with the return of Ronaldo. I can’t see anything but a Man U demolition job here and the Toon army will be baying for Ashley’s head yet again.
Prediction: 4-0
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Southampton (#13, 2pts) vs West Ham (#2, 7pts)
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Never before have I expected so much from a West Ham side that started with such little faith at the start of last year’s season. Antonio’s rampant goal-scoring form and the Czech powerhouses littered throughout the field has a boy dreaming of Europa League glory. Napoli or Real Sociedad have nothing on the rock that is Craig Dawson. In fairness to Southampton, they have managed to maintain a stable-ish style despite another season of losing key players. Adam Armstrong and James Ward-Prowse are creating a beautiful partnership in Hasenhutti’s preferred attacking approach. Zouma may finally take some pressure off Ogbonna’s ancient shoulders, however.
Prediction: 1-2
Ryan
Continuing on from above, Southampton battled to rescue an important point at Newcastle whilst tying up their influential captain to a new deal. Good stuff on the South Coast. West Ham meanwhile remain unbeaten albeit not banishing their Palace demons at home. With some extra ammunition in the transfer market and a break for most of their players (bar Rice), this looks like a good opportunity to get back on the winning train.
Prediction: 1-3
Steviano
Key game for the Hammers to re-establish their top 6 credentials after letting the lead slip twice against a Palace side who had drawn blanks to that point. Southampton have drawn their last two which is encouraging but I am not sure what (quality) depth they really have in the squad and I think they will struggle. I’m backing the Moyessiah to get another performance out of the Hammers and Antonio to continue his fine form.
Prediction: 1-3
Watford (#12, 3PTS) vs Wolves (#18, 0pts)
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Watford have proven to be a surprisingly potent attacking threat at home, while Wolves have failed to find their teeth over 270minutes. Reviewing the Wolves performance against Man United, however, and you’re left scratching your head over their inability to find the net. Sure, Adama Traore couldn’t finish his dinner, but the team has a beautiful shape when pressing forward with lightning speed – it is only a matter of time till bad luck stops plaguing Wolves.
Prediction: 0-1
Ryan
Potential stinkiest game of the weekend goes to this one. Two toothless teams with a lot of protective gear go at it. Watford have somewhat surprised with their decent defence and only conceding 1 goal at Spurs with some creativity to boot. Wolves meanwhile have not surprised at all with a stern defence but bankrupt attack. Another fairly tough one to pick but let’s go with home advantage here.
Prediction: 2-0
Steviano
Wolves appear to have become the ying to Nuno’s yang with three 0-1 defeats in a row! I fancy them to break their scoring duck but not their points tally as they visit a Hornets team who will need to establish home form to have any hopes of survival in the league. Not really sure how this one got to be a TV match and I suspect it will draw the lowest viewing figures of the weekend!
Prediction: 2-1
Chelsea (#4, 7pts) vs Aston Villa (#11, 4pts)
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A draw last time out doesn’t do it justice. Earning a point away at Anfield, against a close to full fitness Liverpool squad, with ten men for most of the match? Tuchel has nudged Chelsea into title talks off the back of the gusty performance (and, of course, a Champions League last season). Villa have been an enjoyable mixed bag, understandable when acknowledging its status as a talented squad with a Grealish-sized hole in its heart. Without Emi Martinez or Emi Buendia in the team, though, Villa will struggle away.
Prediction: 3-0
Ryan
Chelsea must be considered title contenders at this point. They impressed a lot at Anfield to bring a point back with 10 men. Lukaku looks like the final piece of the puzzle here. Villa disappointed against Brentford with a draw, maybe their new players still taking time to gel with each other. I can see this being a goal fest and Chelsea will continue their good run of form into the Champions League this week.
Prediction: 4-2
Steviano
Chelsea underlined their title aspirations with a draw at a revitalised Anfield despite being reduced to 10 men. They face a Villa with the full set of win lose and draw performances so far. Whilst I think Villa will be comfortable this season I can’t see them being able to do anything in this one with the Blues far too string all round.
Prediction: 3-1
Premier League Matchday 4: Sunday
Leeds (#15, 2pts) vs Liverpool (#5, 7pts)
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Inject this straight to the old cranium. Liverpool are due a crazy score-line, as is early season tradition, and Leeds all-out Blitz are the perfect match. Earning a late point away at Burnley will have papered over the United heartbreak, and leave them motivated for war. Maybe it is the heart speaking, but I’m expecting a goal-fest.
Prediction: 3-3
Ryan
I’ll have games that break the spiceometer for $500. This should be another cracking watch with very attacking styles coming to the forefront. Leeds couldn’t break Burnley’s barrier last time out but ironically could have a better time of it against Liverpool. Speaking of which, title contenders should be putting away their 10 man rivals at home so that could be considered a wasted opportunity there. An exciting watch awaits us with Liverpool getting back to winning ways.
Prediction: 2-3
Steviano
This should be an absolute cracker of a game with both teams going for it. I expect there to be goals with the higher quality of the Reds prevailing against Bielsa’s men who are still looking for their first win of the season.
Prediction: 2-3
Premier League Matchday 4: Monday
Everton (#6, 7pts) vs Burnley (#16, 1pts)
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Stupid, sexy Rafa returning to the Premier League and doing a better job than Carlo Ancelotti in the process. Beating Brighton 2-0 away from the home is unironically an excellent achievement in 2021, and underlined the Toffees ability to crack awkward teams. With Burnley to concede almost all the possession while chasing their direct passing strategy, Everton should have the quality to get Calvert-Lewin firing.
Prediction: 1-0
Ryan
For some reason, this game just feels like the description of meh. Two compact and defensive teams clashing heads without exploding into excitement. Everton did well against an unbeaten Brighton team away despite Richarlison’s antics. Burnley put their first point on the board against a banana skin team in Leeds. This will also be a close one so I’ll once again sit on the fence and go with a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Steviano
Carlo who? Toffees fans upset at the loss of Chico Marx must surely be won over by Rafa’s excellent unbeaten start to the season whilst Rafa must be delighted not to have a chairman to complain about. Burnley are struggling to start their season, never an easy team to beat they suffer from lack of attacking options and I don’t see them having enough to take anything from this one.
Prediction: 2-0
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