Saturday’s Premier League schedule features three standout fixtures that could have a major impact on both ends of the table. Nottingham Forest open proceedings at the City Ground where Sean Dyche takes charge of his first home game against an improving Manchester United. Later in North London, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea renew their fierce rivalry in a derby that rarely disappoints, before the spotlight shifts to Anfield for a heavyweight evening clash between Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Ahead of this weekend’s action, the Premier League outright market sees Arsenal holding firm as clear favourites at 11/25, with Manchester City their nearest challengers at 9/2. Liverpool have drifted to 7/1 after recent setbacks, while Manchester United remain outsiders at 25/1. For those looking for a long shot, Chelsea are priced at 40/1, while the rest of the field are currently on offer at 66/1 or bigger.
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NOTTINGHAM FOREST v MANCHESTER UNITED – Click here to bet
Nottingham Forest welcome Manchester United to the City Ground on Saturday, where newly appointed manager Sean Dyche will be desperate to collect his first league points since taking over from Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days in charge. Dyche knows all too well how quickly fortunes can change in football, and results will be the only currency that buys him time in the Forest hot seat.
Dyche’s start has been a mixed bag, a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Porto in Europe was followed by a 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth last weekend, leaving Forest 18th in the table with just five points from their opening nine league games. Saturday marks his first home game in charge, and he’ll be eager to spark an upturn at the City Ground, where Forest have lost four of their last five home matches in all competitions, including three straight league defeats before his arrival.
With a hectic nine-day stretch ahead featuring three fixtures across league and European commitments, the Tricky Trees can ill afford to take their eye off the ball. Dyche’s immediate challenge will be to instil resilience and stop the rot on home soil against a Manchester United side who have quietly begun to find form.
Manchester United head into this fixture in confident mood after last weekend’s 3-2 win over Brighton at Old Trafford, their third successive league victory, which lifted them to sixth in the standings on 16 points from nine matches.
Free from the distraction of European football, Ruben Amorim’s men appear to be benefitting from the added focus on domestic duties. The Red Devils seem to be rediscovering some of their old steel after a turbulent few years, though they’ll know better than to get carried away. United’s away form remains patchy, having taken just four points from a possible 12 on the road this season (W1 D1 L2), underlining how much stronger they’ve been at Old Trafford.
Head-to-Head
Forest enjoyed rare success against United last season, completing a league double with a 3-2 win at Old Trafford followed by a 1-0 victory in this fixture at the City Ground.
Betting
Nottingham Forest 9/4
Draw 53/20
Manchester United 11/10
Verdict
United have shown real signs of improvement in recent weeks, but their away form remains a concern. Dyche’s first home match in charge should bring a response from the hosts, and while United may edge the quality battle, Forest are unlikely to go down without a fight.
Suggested Bet: Manchester United to win or Draw (Double Chance) & Both Teams to Score at 6/5
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v CHELSEA – Click here to bet
Spurs return home to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend for a high-stakes London derby against Chelsea. Thomas Frank’s men bounced back from their recent setback with a commanding 3-0 win away to Everton, a result that lifted them to third place on 17 points after nine matches.
While Spurs have impressed on the road, their home form remains a concern. They’ve taken just four points from a possible 12 in North London, suffering two defeats and keeping only one clean sheet across those fixtures. Frank will no doubt demand a reaction from his side, particularly given the rivalry and the opportunity to strengthen their top-four credentials.
Chelsea, meanwhile, saw their momentum halted last weekend as a 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland ended a five-match winning streak in all competitions. Enzo Maresca’s side now sit ninth on 14 points and will be eager to produce a response of their own. Away from home, the Blues have collected seven points from four outings, managing just one clean sheet while both teams have scored in three of those fixtures.
Both sides were in League Cup action in midweek, with Tottenham suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle United, while Chelsea edged a thrilling 4-3 victory at Wolves to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea completed a league double over Spurs last season, winning 4-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before edging the reverse 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have now won four consecutive meetings between the sides.
Betting
Tottenham Hotspur 17/10
Draw 5/2
Chelsea 6/4
Verdict
Tottenham have looked sharp away from home but continue to struggle in front of their own fans. Chelsea’s setback last weekend may temper confidence, though their recent record in this fixture can’t be ignored. Both sides are capable of finding the net, and given their defensive vulnerabilities, this could develop into another open, attacking London derby.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals at 1/1
LIVERPOOL v ASTON VILLA – Click here to bet
Anfield hosts another crucial Premier League fixture on Saturday evening as Liverpool look to halt their alarming dip in form when Aston Villa visit Merseyside. The Reds’ 3-2 defeat away to Brentford last weekend made it four consecutive league losses for Arne Slot’s side, a run that has seen them slide to seventh place on 15 points. Despite possessing one of the most talented attacking line-ups in the division, Liverpool’s transition under Slot continues to falter, with inconsistency and defensive lapses costing them dearly.
Home form has been their main source of comfort on the league front. The Reds have collected nine points from a possible twelve at Anfield (W3 L1), but a 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace midweek in the League Cup fourth round means Liverpool have now lost five of their last six matches in all competitions. Saturday’s clash provides a timely opportunity to reset before hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League just three days later.
Aston Villa arrive in buoyant mood after turning their early-season struggles around under Unai Emery. Having taken just two points from their opening four fixtures, Villa are now unbeaten in their last five league games (W4 D1), a run that has propelled them level on points with Liverpool, separated only by goal difference.
Away from home, Villa have been compact and disciplined, losing just once in four (W1 D2 L1). They’ve conceded only three goals on their travels, though their attacking output has been modest, also netting three. Emery’s men will view this as their toughest away challenge yet but take confidence from recent form and a manageable European schedule, with their next Conference League match not until Thursday at home to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool took four points from six against Villa last season, winning 2-0 at Anfield and drawing 2-2 in the reverse fixture. The Reds are unbeaten in their last ten meetings in all competitions (W7 D3).
Betting
Liverpool 61/100
Draw 7/2
Aston Villa 4/1
Verdict
It’s hard to keep Liverpool quiet at Anfield for long, and with the heat on Arne Slot’s men, I’m expecting a reaction. Villa are well-drilled and in good form, but this feels like a game where the Reds rediscover their spark and edge it in front of their home fans.
Suggested Bet: Liverpool to win & under 4.5 goals at 6/5
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
