Tottenham vs. West Ham
Tottenham’s devastating 3-2 loss to Brighton was the worst result for any Premier League team on Matchday 7 before the international break. The North London club blew a 2-0 lead to the Seagulls in the second half.
Manager Ange Postecoglou looked despondent after the match, and stressed that what he saw from his side was unacceptable. Admittedly, it’s a bit silly to say, but I can’t see this Tottenham side losing again after such an embarrassing loss. I don’t think ‘Big Ange’ will let them. It’s not just that though.
Son Heung-min is back from injury. Having their club captain back makes Spurs a totally different team on both sides of the ball. Tottenham’s opponents are another reason I’m confident about the Lilywhites’ chances this weekend.
West Ham have been one of the biggest underachievers in the EPL so far this season. They don’t seem to have any real identity under Julen Lopetegui and currently sit 12th in the table. Even a struggling Tottenham side should be able to get a good result against West Ham.
The Hammers are undefeated in their last three matches and won this fixture last season. West Ham are also undefeated in their last three away London derby matches, so I don’t expect them to completely roll over for Tottenham. Lopetegui’s side will probably score and scare Spurs fans a little, but I can’t see them winning this match.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 West Ham
Newcastle vs. Brighton
Brighton have won just one of their last five Premier League matches. However, that sole win was the previously-mentioned comeback against Spurs, so the Seagulls come into this match flying high off the back of that result. Newcastle, meanwhile, are winless in their last three EPL matches, and could only manage to get a 1-1 draw against Everton before the international break.
While Brighton have the slightly better form, Eddie Howe’s sides are huge favorites here. The trip to St. James’ Park is the farthest road trip Brighton will have all season. In the past, this trip has been a notoriously difficult away day for the Seagulls.
Newcastle have won two of their last three home matches against Brighton. The Seagulls were very fortunate to get a 1-1 draw at Newcastle last season. They will have to get lucky this season as well if they want to claim all three points here. Brighton have scored more than one goal at St. James’ Park just one time in their eight trips to Newcastle since 2016.
Eddie Howe’s team has a lot of injuries right now, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Brighton manage to get a draw, but I think history will repeat itself here and Newcastle will get the win.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brighton
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
Chelsea have won five of their last six matches and Cole Palmer has taken his game to yet another level after his strong season last year. So, it’s time to ask “Are Chelsea back?” Despite their recent form, I think the answer is no. Chelsea are not back. Not yet at least.
Enzo Maresca’s side have looked good against bad defensive teams. And even in those games, they’ve shown signs that they are still their old selves. The goals Chelsea conceded against Brighton were outright comical. Against more solid defenses–like Nottingham Forest’s before the international break–Chelsea have struggled to score.
Another thing against the Blues here is that they have been very lucky away from home. They have a +8 goal differential in away matches this season. According to Fbref, Chelsea’s expected goal differential in those matches is just +0.2 xG. These numbers are not sustainable, and Chelsea will eventually regress. I think this regression will happen this weekend.
Liverpool have allowed just two goals in the Premier League season, and have won six straight matches across all competitions. Like Chelsea, Arne Slot’s side haven’t been tested. Unlike the Blues though, this Liverpool team has a proven track record, especially against Chelsea.
The Reds have not lost to Chelsea in normal time since March 2021. Liverpool won this fixture 4-1 last season. I think something similar will happen this year.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Chelsea
