Premier League Round 3 Preview
Round 3 of the Premier League hopes to host some stellar games as the opening 2 rounds delivered some great results.
Brighton v Manchester United
Manchester United’s away record continues to be put on display as they are undefeated in 7 games, 5 wins and 2 draws. This will give them confident going into this match. Meanwhile, Brighton’s 3-0 win against Newcastle United last round was the largest under their current manager. The last time Brighton won this fixture was in 2018. This can give United some confidence after losing their first round game to Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace v Everton
Both sides have maximum points, winning their first 2 games. Everton head to London with an abysmal record, they have won 1 game in their last 9. Head to head wise, Crystal Palace have not won since 2014 in this fixture. With both sides in great form, it looks promising for Crystal Palace and Everton and it will be a close encounter. Everton are also undefeated in their last 5 games. Crystal Palace have won 3 games and drawn 2 in their last 5 matches, and both sides have great form going into this match.
West Brom v Chelsea
These two teams go into the match with a loss under their belt in round 2. West Brom have not won this game since 2015, and are looking to grab a win in the season and to break that 5 year drought. A recent hat-trick by Havertz in their EFL Cup game vs Barnsley will give the new signings a confidence boost going into this match. Chelsea’s last head to head against West Brom was a 0-4 win away, which dates all the way back to 2017.
Burnley v Southampton
The last time Southampton have won this fixture was in 2016. On top of this, Southampton are looking to bounce back after losing to Tottenham Hotspur. Burnley have won 2 of their last 5 games, with Southampton losing 3 games in a row. Both sides are looking for their first wins in the Premier League. Burnley have scored 5 goals in their last 2 fixtures against Southampton.
Sheffield United v Leeds United
The battle of the United’s! Leeds’ first two games were a 4-3 result, with one win and one loss. 4 of their last 6 Championship games featured 4 goals, so this run of form is not unexpected at all. Contrastingly, Sheffield United are struggling losing their opening 2 games. This will be their first Premier League encounter since 1994, and Leeds have won 6 games in the PL against them whilst Sheffield only one.
Tottenham v Newcastle
Head to head wise, Tottenham have won 4 of the last 5 fixtures, with Newcastle winning one as well. Spurs have also lost their last home fixture. Newcastle away have won 4 of their last 5. Spurs have optimism after winning 5-2 against Southampton, whilst Newcastle need the confidence after losing their last game as well. But, Newcastle did score 7 in their EFL Cup match which can give them confidence for this game against Tottenham Hotspur. This game will certainly deliver.
Manchester City v Leicester City
City v city! The last time Leicester won this game was in 2018. Manchester City have not played at home since the start of August, and will hope to start off their Premier League campaign at home with a win. Leicester City have a huge blow as Ndidi will be out now for an extensive period of around 8-12 weeks. However, Leicester have won their last 2 games away, and sit top of the table with two wins from two.
West Ham v Wolves
A nine year drought for West Ham beating Wolves in the Premier League will give the away side confidence coming into this match at London Stadium. On top of that, West Ham are having many problems within the club, and have not won a game yet in the Premier League. West Ham have won the last 2 home games, whilst Wolves won their last away game as well. However, with all form aside, the fixture looks like a one sided affair with Wolves being clear favourites.
Fulham v Aston Villa
Fulham have won 4 of their last 5 against Aston Villa. The London side have won 3 of their last 5 games at home, with Villa winning their last away matchup. Fulham are not having the start they desired on their return to the Premier League, losing both games, whilst Aston Villa are a game behind, with a win, giving them high morale to go into Craven Cottage and do some work on the London club.
Liverpool v Arsenal
The game of the round. The last time these sides met, a penalty shootout was played and allowed Arsenal to lift the FA Community Shield. Confidence is high for both clubs who have won their opening two games. Both sides beat London clubs in Chelsea, West Ham and Fulham. This will be Arsenal’s first game outside of London for the season. Liverpool continue to maintain a fortress at Anfield, which should give them a strong shout in this game. Whilst Arsenal away, have won three in a row.
Photo Source: BBC.