Liverpool’s rivals to drop points prior to Monday’s main event – Premier League Weekend Preview

With Liverpool not playing until Monday night, their top-six rivals take centre stage over the weekend, with Arsenal and Chelsea going head to head.

The Reds head to Crystal Palace for their first away day of 2018/19, looking to build on their impressive 4-0 opening-day win over West Ham.

Trips to Selhurst Park are never the most comfortable of affairs, so Jurgen Klopp‘s side will need to be at their best in south London.

Here’s a look at the other nine matches taking place on the second weekend of Premier League action.


Cardiff vs. Newcastle – Saturday, 12.30pm – Sky Sports

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday March 3, 2018. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

After both suffering defeats last weekend, two relegation candidates meet at St James’ Park.

For Cardiff City it’s a first home game back in the Premier League, while off-field matters continue to hamper Rafa Benitez and his Newcastle United players.

It could feel like a six-pointer come the business end of the season.

Prediction: Cardiff 1-1 Newcastle


Everton vs. Southampton – Saturday, 3pm

Southampton's Danny Ings during the Premier League match at St Mary's, Southampton (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire/PA Images)

Ten-man Everton drew 2-2 at Wolves in their opening match, with new signing Richarlison’s double giving them a taste of things to come.

Southampton could only manage a goalless draw in a drab meeting with Burnley, but Mark Hughes will hope Danny Ings‘ goals will help, following his loan move from Liverpool.

Go and do the business and silence the blue half of Merseyside, Danny!

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Southampton


Leicester City vs. Wolves – Saturday, 3pm

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Conor Coady during the Sky Bet Championship match at Molineux, Wolverhampton. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday November 3, 2017. See PA story SOCCER Wolves. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

Leicester City host Wolves at the King Power Stadium, with Claude Puel’s side searching for their first points of 2018/19.

Wolves toiled with an extra man against Everton and this is a big test of their credentials, with many tipping them for a top-half finish.

The Foxes may just have the edge, though, having made a decent account of themselves at Man United.

Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Wolves


Tottenham vs. Fulham – Saturday, 3pm

ROCHDALE, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 18, 2018: Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Moura during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Rochdale AFC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Spotland Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

It’s an all-London clash at Wembley, as Tottenham host Fulham in what will continue to be Spurs’ temporary home for the time being.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men proved that no summer transfer business was no big issue, seeing off Newcastle last Saturday, but Fulham‘s 2-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace was a surprise.

The Premier League newcomers won’t trouble Spurs too much here.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Fulham


West Ham vs. Bournemouth – Saturday, 3pm

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 12, 2018: West Ham United's manager Manuel Pellegrini during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

West Ham were swatted aside by a Liverpool team not even out of third gear last weekend, knocking the stuffing out of them after a strong summer in the transfer market.

This is their chance to bounce back in style, however, as they face a Bournemouth team who continue to over-perform in the top flight.

The money will be on the Hammers, but it’s easy to envisage a frustrating day at the office for them.

Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth


Chelsea vs. Arsenal – Saturday, 5.30pm – BT Sport

LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, August 11, 2017: Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette celebrates scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The standout match of the weekend sees rivals Chelsea and Arsenal clash at Stamford Bridge, in an early test for both Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery.

While the Blues strolled to victory over Huddersfield Town last time around, Arsenal were soundly beaten by champions Man City.

The Gunners’ record at Stamford Bridge is pitiful—don’t expect that to change on Saturday evening.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal


Burnley vs. Watford

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 14, 2017: Burnley's manager Sean Dyche before the FA Premier League match against Southampton at Turf Moor. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Burnley did little to alter their tag as the Premier League‘s dullest side last weekend, drawing 0-0 away to Southampton in an instantly forgettable contest.

Sean Dyche and his players host Watford on Sunday lunchtime, in what on paper does not look like a classic for the ages.

Can Watford remain on maximum points, having beaten Brighton 2-0 last time out?

Prediction: Burnley 0-0 Watford


Man City vs. Huddersfield – Sunday, 1.30pm – Sky Sports

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 26, 2017: Huddersfield Town's manager David Wagner before the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at the John Smith's Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

City were impressive without ever being at their best against Arsenal and Sunday’s trip to the Etihad looks a daunting one for Huddersfield.

Kevin De Bruyne’s injury is a major blow but Pep Guardiola has so much attacking quality at his disposal that they will not struggle to break the Terriers down.

David Wagner may just be out to avoid a cricket score.

Prediction: Man City 4-0 Huddersfield


Brighton vs. Man United – Sunday, 4pm – Sky Sports

STOKE-ON-TRENT, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 9, 2017: Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at the Bet365 Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

This is the latest opportunity to gauge Jose Mourinho’s mental state, as United head to Brighton for Sky Sports’ Sunday afternoon offering.

These are the matches Mourinho is a master at nicking three points in and a win would further ease the feel of doom and gloom at Old Trafford.

A Brighton win, or at least a draw, would be greatly appreciated. But don’t bank on it.

Prediction: Brighton 0-1 Man United

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