Alan Shearer has returned with his latest round of Premier League predictions after the international break. The weekend action starts in north London on Saturday lunchtime, where Arsenal will aim to recover from their heavy defeat to Brighton before the break by beating Leeds United. Chelsea will try to end their three-game winless run in the league against Bournemouth, while Manchester United and Tottenham meet as both look to build momentum after a sluggish start to the campaign. On Sunday, Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in a match intensified by City's off-pitch controversies during the international break.
Arsenal vs Leeds United
Shearer believes Leeds have been really good, which is not a surprise as he had them just above mid-table in his season predictions. He noted they are a good team with good signings and a really good start.
Despite Leeds' good start, Shearer thinks Arsenal will bounce back after their Brighton defeat, so he is going for a home win. Betfair Predicts give Arsenal a 71% chance, with a draw at 19% and Leeds at 11%.
Aston Villa vs Brentford and Chelsea vs Bournemouth
Shearer edges for a home win in the tough Aston Villa vs Brentford clash. He praised Keith Andrews and his team for their brilliant job last season and continuing that this season, saying anyone who plays them knows they are in for a game. Betfair Predicts give Aston Villa a 36% chance, a draw 27%, and Brentford 37%.
For Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Shearer noted Bournemouth have played well at times but have nothing to show for it, having gone 2-0 up at Newcastle and not won. He said they may tire after the first hour and a bit. With Chelsea's inconsistency and reports they might be missing key players, he is going for a score draw, citing defensive issues for Chelsea. Betfair Predicts give Chelsea a 57% chance, a draw 22%, and Bournemouth 20%.
Ipswich vs Fulham and Sunderland vs Brighton
Shearer has an inkling for Fulham in the Ipswich vs Fulham game, thinking they will just have enough, despite expecting a hard season for them. Betfair Predicts give Ipswich a 34% chance, a draw 27%, and Fulham 40%.
He is going for an away win for Brighton against Sunderland, noting Brian Brobbey's apparent injury for Sunderland as key because of his role in holding the ball up. He praised Fabian Hürzeler and his boys as superb, with Brighton flying high in the Champions League spots, though he expects them to finish around sixth or seventh. Betfair Predicts give Sunderland a 31% chance, a draw 28%, and Brighton 42%.
Manchester United vs Tottenham and Liverpool vs Manchester City
Shearer predicts a score draw in the huge Manchester United vs Tottenham game, saying he does not fancy either team defensively. He highlighted the pressure on both clubs and managers, including Michael Carrick and De Zerbi, and said the noise would be huge if one of them did not win. Betfair Predicts give Manchester United a 57% chance, a draw 22%, and Tottenham 21%.
For Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest, Shearer is going for a draw, saying both sides have not been great for him. Betfair Predicts give Crystal Palace a 36% chance, a draw 29%, and Nottingham Forest 36%.
Shearer is going for an away win for Everton against Hull, citing David Moyes' experience and a classic sit, defend and hit them on the break performance. He noted Everton did not do a lot in the transfer market but there was no panic from Moyes, which did not send panic to his squad. Betfair Predicts give Hull a 26% chance, a draw 29%, and Everton 47%.
In the Liverpool vs Manchester City blockbuster, Shearer is going for a home win for Liverpool in what he expects to be a white hot atmosphere. He noted Liverpool's injuries and City's doubts over Haaland, and said City do not have a great record at Anfield. He added that all eyes will be on the game for obvious reasons, with fans' reaction to City's off-pitch situation. Betfair Predicts give Liverpool a 35% chance, a draw 26%, and Manchester City 39%.
Finally, Shearer predicts a score draw in Coventry City vs Newcastle United. He noted Frank Lampard got the win he needed before the break and would have had a good three weeks, but said it could be tricky for Newcastle. Betfair Predicts give Coventry a 28% chance, a draw 27%, and Newcastle 46%.
