2021/22 Premier League Matchday 5: Predictions

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With a Friday night treat seeing Leeds travel to Newcastle, Matchday 5 is shaping up to be a cracker. Arteta must desperately build upon Arsenal’s recent scrap of form, tasked with taking points home from Turf Moor. West Ham have to adapt to life without front-man, Michail Antonio, with a potential stab in the back from former loanee star, Jesse Lingard. Potential goal-fests await between Villa/Everton and Brighton/Leicester, but all eyes must be pinned on Norwich vs Watford. Five weeks into a season is hardly enough time to consider a contest a ‘relegation decider’, but Norwich and Watford have so far looked thoroughly behind the pace of the Premier League.

Missed last weeks action or need to jog your memory? Catch up with Premier League Review: Matchday 4!

Want to assess our mystical predicting chops? View Football Statistics: Match Day 4!

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Bitesize Predictions

Fixtures	Pintsized	Ryan	Steviano	Results
Friday, 17 September
Newcastle vs Leeds	1-2	2-1	2-0	1-1
Saturday, 18 September
Wolves vs Brentford	2-0	1-1	2-1	0-2
Burnley vs Arsenal	2-2	0-2	1-0	0-1
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace	3-0	3-1	3-0	3-0
Man City vs Southampton	4-0	3-0	4-1	0-0
Norwich vs Watford	2-1	1-0	2-2	1-3
Aston Villa vs Everton	2-3	2-2	3-3	3-0
Sunday, 19 September
Brighton vs Leicester	1-1	1-2	2-1	2-1
West Ham vs Man Utd	1-3	0-2	1-4	1-2
Spurs vs Chelsea	0-1	1-3	0-2	0-3

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Premier League Matchday 5: Friday, 17 September

Newcastle (#19, 1pts) vs Leeds (#17, 2pts)

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Since Leeds returned to the Premier League back in 2020, The Whites have found considerable success against Newcastle. The Geordie fanbase is disconsolate over recent form, registering just the sole point over the past four games. Steve Bruce has Newcastle playing solid attacking football, threatening in the final third through Allan Saint-Maximin, but failing to convert many chances. Defensively, Newcastle are awfully leaky. Leeds may not be riding high so far this season, but their pressure and pace will prove far too much for Newcastle at the back.

Prediction: 1-2

Ryan

To be fair to Newcastle, they didn’t play that badly at Old Trafford. The quality in the end was just too much for them. On the other hand, Leeds were well and truly beaten by a better Liverpool team with no real answers for them even before going down to 10 men. Second season syndrome may truly be a thing for Leeds here hence why I’ll go for the home win here.

Prediction: 2-1

Steviano

A key match for both teams who are seeking their first win of the season as Leeds struggle with second season syndrome and Newcastle just continue to struggle. No real logic to this prediction but just a feeling that the much maligned Mr Bruce might finally get a lucky break.

Prediction: 2-0

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Premier League Matchday 5: Saturday, 18 September

Wolves (#13, 3pts) vs Brentford (#10, 5pts)

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It didn’t quite matter the fashion in which Wolves won last weekend, breaking into the win column was tantamount. Wolves are a powerful team playing through the middle of the park and will prove far too strong to linger near the bottom of the table for long. After a heart-breaking last-minute collapse to Brighton, Brentford may well have lost their early-season high. The Bees defence is well-organised, and Wolves’ lack of bite in front of goal has plagued them this season, but this match-up has likely arrived a week late for Brentford.

Prediction: 2-0

Ryan

Wolves finally managed to add goals and points to their defensive steel with an important win at Watford. Brentford thought they’d continued their impressive unbeaten run against Brighton until a last minute winner ruined that. This could very well be a tight affair with not much if anything separating the two. Fence sitting time here with a draw.

Prediction: 1-1

Steviano

Wolves are a curious team who like Nuno’s Spurs have only conceded three goals and scored one less (two!) but sit 6 points behind them. Aiming for back to back wins they might just do it against a Brentford team who are still adjusting to life in the top tier.

Prediction: 2-1

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Burnley (#18, 1pts) vs Arsenal (#16, 3pts)

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Despite showing little support throughout the majority of the transfer window, Burnley have finally decided Sean Dyche remains the key man. Burnley may only be sitting on a point, but they have once again proved a difficult team to break down in their defeats. Arsenal may have the smallest breathing room after beating Norwich last weekend, but it was a thoroughly unconvincing performance. Ben White appears to have settled into the Gunner’s back-line, however and will be vital if Arsenal want to finish anywhere near the top-six.

Prediction: 2-2

Ryan

Another relegation 6 pointer? Burnley will be disappointed after initially taking the lead to then be blitzed by an Everton barrage in such a short timespan. Arsenal finally started their bid for survival with an unconvincing win over fellow strugglers Norwich at home. Despite neither team in the best of form at this moment, I can see Arsenal building on their first win last week with another at Turf Moor.

Prediction: 0-2

Steviano

Back to back relegation games for Arsenal who finally got a win against the seemingly doomed canaries last time out. I’m keeping faith with Dyche for this one and expect this to be a tight encounter where the young gunners may struggle against Burnley’s more physical approach to the game.

Prediction: 1-0

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Liverpool (#3, 10pts) vs Crystal Palace (#11, 5pts)

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A heroic mid-week turnaround against AC Milan will have fired up the ‘Pool lads. With effectively a full-strength squad, all finding form early in the season, this should be a walkover. Palace have been surprisingly successful under new manager, Patrick Vieira, but his youth team will be overawed in a similar fashion to their Stamford Bridge performance just a few weeks ago.

Prediction: 3-0

Ryan

What could have been a tough game at Leeds proved to be the complete opposite in the end with Liverpool walking over Bielsa’s boys. A very unfortunate injury to Harvey Elliott put quite the dampener on things overall. Palace meanwhile pulled off the upset of the weekend with a big 3-0 victory over former league leaders Spurs thanks in part to the latter playing with 10 men and an impressive debut from the bench for Odsonne Edouard. Whilst this has always been a bogey game of sorts for the home team, I’ll back Liverpool to continue their good form here.

Prediction: 3-1

Steviano

Palace sit in mid table currently and I’m sure Viera would be delighted if that was the case at the end of the season to prove his doubters (me) wrong.  I don’t imaging Klopp rested VVD mid-week with Palace particularly in mind but I expect the full strength Liverpool to have way too much for the Palace.

Prediction: 3-0

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Man City (#5, 9pts) vs Southampton (#14, 3pts)

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Quality striker or not, Man City have had no issue hitting the back of the net this season. With both Manchester teams leading the table with 11 Goals For, Southampton’s weakness at set-pieces will leave Pep salivating. Torres’ educated movement, and City’s pace on the wings, will carve Southampton apart. I’m expecting a red card this match.

Prediction: 4-0

Ryan

How important will those 3 points at Leicester be in the complexion of this season? A close affair sealed by an underrated Bernardo Silva. Southampton meanwhile continued to shop at IKEA picking up yet another draw to add to their collection against West Ham. These games always seem to be separated by surprisingly little but this should be a comfortable victory for the home team here.

Prediction: 3-0

Steviano

If City had a striker they would be dangerous – scoring 16 goals in three home games without an established number 9 is some going for any team. Southampton are coming off the back of three successive draws but that should not continue against a City team getting into their stride.

Prediction: 4-1

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Norwich (#20, 0pts) vs Watford (#15, 3pts)

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Norwich need Teemo Pukki more than they have ever needed the Finn before. Watford would be easier to back if their offensive set-pieces had been anything other than dire this season, as Norwich have shown a clear weakness in the air. With home advantage and an easing fixture list in terms of nightmare-ish opposition quality, Norwich should pip Watford.

Prediction: 2-1

Ryan

From Championship to Premiership (and probably back to Championship again?). This is the definition of a relegation 6 pointer with both teams surely amongst the favourites to go back down. Although unlucky against Arsenal, Norwich lost yet another game whilst Watford fell victim to Wolves’ first league goals. This is one of those games to flip a coin to and see where it lands. I’ll back the home win and first Norwich points on the board.

Prediction: 1-0

Steviano

Apart from Watford’s opening day win both teams would be pointless – this is a must win game for both teams for Norwich to finally get a point and for Watford to have some sort of cushion from the bottom of the table. I expect this to be an entertaining game although not necessarily for the right reasons and fear for a draw which won’t really benefit either team.

Prediction: 2-2

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Aston Villa (#12, 4pts) vs Everton (#4, 10pts)

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Two extremely in-form teams, despite Villa sitting 12th and coming off a 3-0 drubbing to Chelsea. Dean Smith possesses a menacing attack duo in Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, while Rafa Benitez continues to work his magic with the Toffees. Expecting a fast-paced, high-scoring game with Rafa’s experience edging Everton over the line in the second half.

Prediction: 2-3

Ryan

This could be a fun one. Both teams have European aspirations this season with a completely new look to their sides. Despite a 3-0 loss, Villa actually played well against Chelsea but just didn’t have enough to threaten. Everton came from behind against Burnley to show their quality in a short and exciting explosion in the second half. It seems difficult to separate the teams so I’ll stick with the draw.

Prediction: 2-2

Steviano

The Toffees are off to a flier under Rafa and sit in 3^rd place whilst Villa continue to assimilate their new players to the squad with mixed results to date. Everton will be keen to keep their momentum going but I think Villa will match them and this could be a cracker.

Prediction: 3-3

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Premier League Matchday 5: Sunday, 19 September

Brighton (#6, 9pts) vs Leicester (#9, 6pts)

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One day in the near future, Brighton will hold a global fan base with masses of Asian and South American fans worshipping Graham Potter. The incredibly efficient Seasiders have stolen nine points this season off the back of scoring five goals – a ludicrous return. Leicester will feel hard done after a spirited performance against City resulted in nothing more than a pat on the back. Another low-scorer with Brighton’s home advantage negated by Leicester’s superior quality.

Prediction: 1-1

Ryan

This one also looks fun. Brighton stole the victory against a brave Brentford last weekend to maintain their impressive start to the season. Leicester were also brave against a strong Man City but ultimately fell just short. Both teams will surely attack and play to win here with Leicester’s superior quality winning the battle on this day.

Prediction: 1-2

Steviano

Not the result I would have predicted at the start of the season but Brighton’s confidence and Leicester’s injury woes may be enough for the seagulls to continue their excellent start although squad depth will be an issue for them as the season progresses.

Prediction: 2-1

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West Ham (#8, 8pts) vs Man United (#1, 10pts)

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No Antonio, no party. Although the Hammers remain undefeated this season, it is difficult to see who can find the back of the net with the same consistency as Antonio. The pacey, strong forward would have found similar success as Adama Traore. Thankfully, if United start Jadon Sancho again, Moyes will only have to worry about ten opposition players. Shame then that Ronaldo will most likely boss proceedings.

Prediction: 1-3

Ryan

This is always a game with mixed results and differing performances. West Ham have slowed down a bit since their hot start although they still have a 0 next to the losses column. Likewise Man United continued their strong league form putting Newcastle to the sword again. The absence of Michail Antonio will be felt at the London Stadium over the next few games with the attack being blunted somewhat overall. This will have an impact in this game and should see United do the job here.

Prediction: 0-2

Steviano

The Ronaldo show is back in town and despite contrasting fortunes in Europe I expect Man U to be the ones who come out on top. The Hammers unbeaten record if likely to go against an inspired United team – odds on Lingard to score to rub salt in the wounds?

Prediction: 1-4

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Tottenham (#7, 9pts) vs Chelsea (#2, 10pts)

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As strange as it feels to type, Spurs would be best advised to rest Kane. Their talisman has nothing left in the tank after failing to receive any rest over the summer and has been spurning clear chances that the Kane of old would slot in with his eyes closed. Chelsea have been utterly dominant this season, but Spurs at Palace was just a blip. This will be a cagey affair, ala Liverpool vs Chelsea just a couple of matches ago, with Chelsea winning late by virtue of having a form, fit striker.

Prediction: 0-1

Ryan

10 men aside, Tottenham were fully dominated by a game Crystal Palace who looked more than up for the fight. Things don’t get easier for Nuno’s Spurs as they welcome their London rivals Chelsea who are on a hot streak of form at this point. Although this is a Zero Carbon game, previous history suggests this game will heat up and be fuelled by a strong challenge or two. Despite the size of the two clubs, it feels like an inevitable Chelsea win to continue their climb to the top of the league.

Prediction: 1-3

Steviano

Defensively sound, offensively misfiring Spurs still have 9 points from 4 matches which I’m sure they would have taken at the start of the season.  Chelsea visit them however with an in-form squad and an in-form striker with a continuing point to prove – unless Kane’s club form kicks in this is only going to go one way.

Prediction: 0-2

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