Premier League predictions GW2: Man Utd to lose at Brighton, Arsenal to edge Villa

That is the first of seven games on a busy Saturday this weekend, with champions Manchester City hosting Ipswich Town and Tottenham Hotspur entertaining Everton among the standout 3pm kickoffs.

The first meeting of the season between two of last term's top four then closes out the day, with Arsenal visiting Aston Villa.

The remaining three games then take place on Sunday, with Liverpool rounding off the gameweek against Brentford in Arne Slot's first home game as manager.

Each gameweek, Sports Mole is taking on a famous musician or band in a prediction competition, and this week it is the turn of Max Lewin, drummer of Bristol-based indie risers Make Friends.

Brighton vs. Man Utd

Saturday, 12.30pm

Max: Brighton 2-1 Man Utd

Sports Mole: Brighton 2-2 Man Utd

Brighton head into their first home match of the new season in buoyant mood following their comfortable win at Everton, and their recent record against Man United should provide them with an additional psychological boost.

The Seagulls could prove to be a tricker opponent for Man United than Fulham, but the Red Devils themselves will likely pose a sterner test to Hurzeler's men than Everton. With both teams possessing threats in the final third, we can see an entertaining score draw being played out at the Amex Stadium.

Crystal Palace vs. West Ham

Saturday, 3pm

Max: Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham

Sports Mole: Crystal Palace 2-2 West Ham

Goals are to be expected in Saturday's intriguing fixture; both teams have scored in each of the last 14 meetings between Crystal Palace and West Ham, while the last four encounters at Selhurst Park have produced 24 goals (13 for Palace and 11 for West Ham).

The Eagles have prevailed in their last two home matches with the Hammers, but we expect a response from Lopetegui's men and they may do enough to claim at least a share of the spoils from an entertaining contest.

Fulham vs. Leicester

Saturday, 3pm

Max: Fulham 1-1 Leicester

Sports Mole: Fulham 1-1 Leicester

Despite both failing to come out on top on matchday one, Saturday's competitors arguably had more positives than negatives to evaluate, even if Leicester were atrocious in the first 45 against Tottenham before cleaning up their act in the second.

A similarly slow start may not prove fatal against a Fulham side whose lack of penetration let them down at Old Trafford, though, and we can see the points being split evenly in this one.

Man City vs. Ipswich

Saturday, 3pm

Max: Man City 4-0 Ipswich

Sports Mole: Man City 3-0 Ipswich

Ipswich certainly gave a good account of themselves against Liverpool last weekend, but they ultimately came up short against a stronger opponent and will once again be up against it when they face a Man City side who are unbeaten in 45 games at the Etihad across all competitions.

Indeed, it is difficult to see how the Tractor Boys can come away with a positive result against the reigning champions, who should have few problems claiming maximum points in comfortable fashion.

Southampton vs. Nott'm Forest

Saturday, 3pm

Max: Southampton 2-1 Nott'm Forest

Sports Mole: Southampton 1-1 Nott'm Forest

With a little bit more of a killer instinct, Southampton could have made the long journey home from Newcastle with one or indeed three points, but their issues when it comes to ruthlessness will not be solved in a week.

The Saints also possess a horrendous home record against Forest, who have made a habit of beating promoted teams away from home in recent months, but from our point of view, this battle has low-scoring stalemate written all over it.

Spurs vs. Everton

Saturday, 3pm

Max: Spurs 2-1 Everton

Sports Mole: Spurs 3-0 Everton

Tottenham should have been out of sight by half time in their clash with Leicester, only to be their own worst enemies in front of goal, but the Lilywhites should rectify those mistakes with ease on Saturday.

Working around a rearguard crisis and also boasting a distinct lack of senior midfield options, Everton should be no match for Postecoglou's men as the Toffees' terrible start continues.

Aston Villa vs. Arsenal

Saturday, 5.30pm

Max: Aston Villa 2-3 Arsenal

Sports Mole: Aston Villa 1-1 Arsenal

Fourteen wins at Villa Park is Arsenal's joint-most at an away Premier League venue, but the Gunners were fortunate not to have been punished for some sloppy play against Wolves, where they were not at their scintillating best.

Arteta's men can always be backed to keep things watertight - or close to watertight - in defence, but with Duran and Ollie Watkins carrying a potent threat up front for Villa, we can envisage Saturday's contest ending in a hotly-contested draw.

Wolves vs. Chelsea

Sunday, 2pm

Max: Wolves 1-3 Chelsea

Sports Mole: Wolves 1-2 Chelsea

Each of Chelsea's last 16 Premier League away matches has seen the Blues concede at least one goal, and their defensive deficiencies should be at least momentarily exposed by a Wolves side who have had their number over the past 18 months.

However, with a spring in their step from Thursday's victory and an astonishing squad depth allowing them to call on plenty of fresh legs, we still have faith in Maresca's men to eke out a win over an off-colour Wolves outfit, but it may not be pretty.

Bournemouth vs. Newcastle

Sunday, 2pm

Max: Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle

Sports Mole: Bournemouth 0-2 Newcastle

Only salvaging a point against Forest in the dying embers, Bournemouth could find themselves fighting a losing battle against the Newcastle defence - even a decimated one - if Southampton's fruitless pursuits are anything to go by.

As such, we have faith in the Magpies - who have scored 10 goals in their last three Premier League away games - to end their recent hoodoo in this fixture.

Liverpool vs. Brentford

Sunday, 4.30pm

Max: Liverpool 2-1 Brentford

Sports Mole: Liverpool 3-1 Brentford

Brentford breaking down the Liverpool rearguard is not beyond the realm of possibility at all; as well as Wissa's recent hot streak, Mbeumo averages a goal contribution every 108 minutes when Toney is missing, compared to one every 250 when he plays.

However, Frank conceded that the Bees still rode their luck at times against Palace, and Slot's full-strength Liverpool should mercilessly punish any lapses from the visitors as they maintain their perfect start to 2024-25.

Max Lewin Q&A

How did you come to support Chelsea and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?

Max: My dad was always obsessed with Zola and Lampard was my favourite player when playing footy as a kid so naturally was always backing the Blues especially through the first Mourinho era.

I'll always remember, for my birthday me and dad went to see them away at Man Utd in 2010 for what was essentially a title decider - seeing Drogba smash in the winner and celebrate right in front of us to virtually clinch the title was awesome, will always be a fond memory.

Who have been your favourite five players for your club?

Max: Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, Didier Drogba, Juan Mata, John Terry

What's going on with the band at the moment?

Max: We've just released our latest single 'I Lose, You Lose' ahead of our Loaded Fun EP which is out in September. Alongside this we've been busy with lots of writing as a band and collaboratively with other artists which has been great fun and seemingly very fruitful so far.

We're rehearsing for live dates at the moment as well, so it's nice to be juggling a few bits and we're looking forward to playing a few more of new songs live for the first time.

'I Lose, You Lose', the latest release from Make Friends, is available now on all digital streaming platforms.

You can follow Make Friends on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

2024-25 SEASON LEADERBOARD (ARTISTS)

Scores are calculated as one point for a correct result and five points for a correct scoreline.

1. Everyone Says Hi's Nick Hodgson (13pts | Gameweek 1)

2024-25 COMPETITION HISTORY

Gameweek 1: Everyone Says Hi's Nick Hodgson 13-14 Sports Mole