PREM legend Alan Shearer is expecting another miserable weekend for Manchester United fans.
The Match of the Day pundit has revealed his predictions ahead of the Premier League‘s big return on Saturday.
It’s set to be a bumper weekend of action in the top flight as the players get back to business following the international break.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer has selected his winners and losers across a three-day feast of football.
Tottenham vs West Ham – Saturday 12.30pm
“This is a big game for Ange Postecoglou and a huge game for Spurs after what happened to them last time at Brighton.
“He has said himself that the biggest disappointment of his Spurs reign so far was the way they crumbled when winning 2-0 last time out.
“West Ham will take some encouragement from that performance – they can be brave, and they might believe they can get something out of the game.
“Ange will be looking and demanding a real performance after what happened in the last game, and because of that, I’ll go for Tottenham to edge it, just.”
PREDICTION: Tottenham WIN
Fulham vs Aston Villa – Saturday, 3pm
9
“I’ve been impressed with Fulham’s start to the season, they pushed Man City all the way last time out with all the chances they created.
“Adama Traore is a nightmare for defenders in terms of his strength and pace, but the one thing that lets him down is his ability in front of goal. He should score a lot more than he does.
“I think this will be a great game and there will be goals, and I’m going to go for a score draw in this one.”
PREDICTION: Draw
Ipswich vs Everton – Saturday, 3pm
9
“This is already a huge game for both clubs in terms of where they will want to be at the end of the season.
“Both managers will be thinking this is a real opportunity to get some points on the board.
I’m not sure if we’ll see a load of goals in this one, so I’m going to go for an away win for Everton, because I think they’ll be dangerous from set pieces, which could be the difference on the day.
PREDICTION: Everton WIN
Man Utd vs Brentford – Saturday, 3pm
9
“This is such a dangerous game for Man Utd because of the way we’ve seen Brentford start games so fast this season.
“They caused Man City problems too in the number of players they allowed to join the attacks on the counter.
“It’s a difficult game this one, and I think if Brentford go there, be brave and play their normal game, they can get something.
“If they can get a good start, then you can imagine the pressure that puts on Erik ten Hag and his team at Old Trafford. I will go for a draw.”
PREDICTION: Draw
Newcastle United v Brighton – Saturday, 3pm
“Brighton always represents a tough game for Newcastle, and this is another difficult one to call.
If reports are to be true, Newcastle have at least one of Callum Wilson or Aleksandar Isak back.
“The chances that pair create combined with the way Brighton play with a high-line, means I will predict a home win at St James’ Park.”
PREDICTION: Newcastle WIN
Southampton v Leicester – Saturday, 3pm
9
“This is a very similar game to Ipswich vs Everton, where you’re already thinking that it would be a huge bonus for one of these two teams to take all three points here.
“Both teams were promoted last season and Southampton are still without a win, with Leicester already five points ahead of them.
“Again, both managers will be looking at this one thinking ‘this is our chance’.
PREDICTION: Draw
Bournemouth v Arsenal – Saturday, 5.30pm
9
“I’d be really surprised if Bournemouth were to cause an upset here.
“This is a game where you’d like to see what state the players come back in from international duty, whether Bukayo Saka is going to be fit or not for example for Arsenal. We will have to wait and see.
“Arsenal have had a couple of scares lately, but they’ve managed to get results even though they’ve left it late, so I expect them to go there and get the three points once again.”
PREDICTION: Arsenal WIN
Wolves v Man City – Sunday, 2pm
9
“Wolves are under huge pressure after a poor start to the season. This is not the fixture you want to see when you are desperate for your first win of the season.
“I can’t see them taking anything from the game – City will get the three points.
“You have to look at the bigger picture for Gary O’Neil. If teams are showing promise and being unlucky, then that’s one thing, but if you look at a team and they’ve got no pattern, no understanding or confidence, then you must judge that.
“However, with what he did at Wolves last season, I hope he has got a little bit of time on his side and gets the chance to pull them out of trouble.”
PREDICTION: Man City WIN
Liverpool v Chelsea – Sunday, 4.30pm
9
“Chelsea will be happy to walk away from Anfield with a point, despite the injury to Alisson.
“I know they dropped points in their last home game vs Forest, but I would imagine Enzo Maresca would snap your hands off for a point here.
“The key battle will be in midfield, where I think Liverpool have been strong.
“Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister have been superb, alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.
“The international break always makes it a little bit tougher to call, as you wait to see how players are when the return to their clubs, whether they’re ready or not to start the game.
“If everyone is fit and everyone plays, that midfield battle will be key, and I think Liverpool will come out on top.”
PREDICTION: Liverpool WIN
Nottingham Forest v Palace – Monday, 8pm
“Crystal Palace have been a little bit disappointing in terms of their results and haven’t looked great in defensive situations.
“Losing Joachim Andersen and the noise around Marc Guehi and Newcastle can’t have helped.
“I fancy Nottingham Forest to win this game with the form they’re in.
“Chris Wood is scoring goals again and with home advantage here, they might have too much for Palace at this moment in time.”
PREDICTION: Nottingham Forest WIN
