Predictions for the 8th round of the Premier League, October 18-20
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
The international break is over! Club football returns, along with the beloved EPL. The eighth round of the world's strongest league kicks off in Nottingham, where Ange Postecoglou's team, on the brink of dismissal, will host Chelsea. The "Foresters" haven't won since the start of autumn, while Chelsea has secured two significant victories in a row – against Benfica (1:0) and Liverpool (2:1). It seems everything favors the "Pensioners," but not quite. Away from home this EPL season, they haven't performed well, earning only four points in three matches, and in head-to-head meetings with Nottingham, they often have to part with precious points – this has happened in 4 of the last 6 encounters, with both teams scoring in four of them. Considering the personnel losses of the Londoners, we expect a similar outcome this time.
Prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: both teams to score (yes)
Brighton vs Newcastle
One of the most unpredictable matches of the round will take place in Brighton. The local team will host Newcastle at the "Falmer" stadium. Interestingly, the opponents occupy adjacent positions in the middle of the table, having an equal number of points. Also noteworthy is that the "Magpies" haven't beaten the "Seagulls" in five consecutive matches, and if we consider only away games, it's eight! Fabian Hurzeler's team is known for causing trouble to the top teams – this season, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Chelsea have experienced it. Considering the head-to-head statistics, we believe Newcastle is at high risk of joining the list.
Prediction for Brighton vs Newcastle: Brighton will not lose
Burnley vs Leeds
Here comes the battle of recent Championship neighbors. Relegation-zone Burnley will welcome Leeds, also in the lower part of the table, at their home "Turf Moor." The "Peacocks" have picked up a decent pace, earning points in 3 of the last 5 rounds. And in head-to-head meetings with the "Clarets," they have everything in order – unbeaten in 5 of the last 6. However, we are not confident in their away victory, even considering their favorite status. Burnley struggles with point accumulation, but Scott Parker's team consistently scores – even Manchester City and Aston Villa have suffered. The teams have been playing high-scoring matches lately, and we believe they won't lock up this Saturday, exchanging goals.
Prediction for Burnley vs Leeds: both teams to score (yes)
Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth
In the current EPL season, there are no undefeated teams left. Crystal Palace was confidently extending their unbeaten run, but it didn't reach 20 matches, ending against Everton (1:2). Bournemouth, after a slight slump, returned to winning ways, overcoming Fulham (3:1) thanks to three productive actions from the magnificent Antoine Semenyo. We believe that the top-4 "Cherries" will significantly test the nerves of the "Selhurst Park" hosts and are likely to earn points. However, the match is unlikely to be exciting, as the last nine consecutive encounters between these teams have resulted in low totals. We expect a tense and low-scoring game.
Prediction for Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth: total under 2.5 goals
Manchester City vs Everton
Will Everton surpass the "Citizens" in the upcoming match? For that, the "Toffees" need to win at the "Etihad," but the problem is that Pep's squad has been unbeaten since the start of autumn. Moreover, in head-to-head meetings, the Merseysiders rarely succeed, having taken points from the favorite in only 1 of the last 5 encounters. The international break hasn't affected Manchester's squad depth, whereas the opponent has a significant loss – Jack Grealish, on loan from the "Sky Blues," will not participate in the game. Therefore, we do not expect an upset here.
Prediction for Manchester City vs Everton: Manchester City to win with handicap (-1)
Sunderland vs Wolverhampton
The next stop on our journey is Sunderland. The "Black Cats" have been a revelation at the start of the season, building a long unbeaten streak, but just before the international break, they lost to Man United (0:2) without a chance. Wolverhampton, on the other hand, is starting to find its form, earning points in two consecutive rounds, despite facing tough opponents – Tottenham (1:1) and Brighton (1:1). Sunderland still seems to be the favorite, but they consistently concede at home (in 7 of the last 8 matches), and the "Wolves" rarely leave the pitch without scoring, so a bet on both teams to score (yes) seems logical.
Prediction for Sunderland vs Wolverhampton: both teams to score (yes)
Fulham vs Arsenal
A London derby at "Craven Cottage." Arsenal arrives on a winning streak, while Fulham is preparing to host the title contender in less than ideal spirits, having lost their last two matches. However, it's important to note that the "Cottagers" have only lost away from home, while their home game results place them in the top-7. In head-to-head meetings with the "Gunners," they also like to surprise, regularly taking points from the favorite. Therefore, we are convinced that Mikel Arteta's boys are in for anything but an easy walk.
Prediction for Fulham vs Arsenal: Fulham to win with handicap (+1.5)
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
A clash between contenders for European competition spots. Aston Villa is currently much lower than Tottenham in the table, but in better form, having secured four consecutive wins across all competitions. The "Spurs" remain unbeaten in the autumn stretch, but they often drop points and generally display unconvincing football. There is a sense that UnaiEmery might outsmart Thomas Frank in this clash, as the Londoners are a favorable opponent for him. The "Villans" have won 5 of the last 7 head-to-head encounters.
Prediction for Tottenham vs Aston Villa: Aston Villa will not lose
Liverpool vs Manchester United
The North West derby is undoubtedly the marquee match of the round. It's not just the billing that draws attention, but also the emerging intrigue. Liverpool has suffered three consecutive defeats and lost the top spot in the Premier League, whereas Manchester United secured a very confident victory in their last match. Yes, the "Red Devils" have not been shining away from home this season, but they know how to gear up for such crucial encounters, as we well know. The Merseysiders have won only 1 of the last 5 head-to-head confrontations. And it's far from certain that this time they will delight the crowd gathered at Anfield. Looking at past encounters (with the total over 2.5 goals being hit in four consecutive matches) and the current state of the teams, there is much more confidence in a high-scoring game.
Prediction for Liverpool vs Manchester United: total over 2.5 goals
West Ham vs Brentford
The 8th round will close with an intriguing match where there is no clear favorite. In terms of results, West Ham is certainly worse than Brentford, but in terms of squad quality, they are definitely not inferior, and Nuno Espírito Santo finally had time to work with the team. The anomaly of this encounter is that the "Hammers" have lost all their home matches in the current Premier League campaign, while the "Bees" have lost all their away matches, making it very difficult to choose one side. And is there even a need to? A draw is a rare occurrence in battles between West Ham and Brentford, but in this case, it seems the most likely outcome.
