Premier League GW10 Preview: The Saints to Spook The Toffees to Claim Their First Victory?

Welcome back to the weekly Premier League Preview. Being Halloween, I pick out 3 spine-chilling fixtures for the weekend ahead. Will you be watching from behind the sofa or stuffing your face with sweets whilst your team breezes to victory? Read on to find out MUHAHAHAHAHA!

The Meaty One:

Manchester United vs Chelsea 03/11, 4:30pm KO

This weekend there is a whole host of huge games that could've stolen the spotlight for me.

Spurs vs Aston Villa - what is set to be an attacking end-to-end game for 2 sides contending for European football.

Liverpool vs Brighton - The Seagulls will be seeking revenge following their narrow exit in the EFL Cup in the reverse fixture

Newcastle vs Arsenal - 2 teams who have recently played themselves back into form in the cup (league for Arsenal) following torrid spells.

But the United game seems pivotal for me, especially after the sacking of Erik Ten Hag, a decision that had been coming for a long time. Despite winning 2 trophies in his previous 2 seasons, Ten Hag has always been a divisive personality with questionable tactics, a sour persona and ridiculous backing which has culminated in extremely consistent results. His departure was inevitable.

Whilst rumours fly around with Ruben Amorim, the successful Sporting Lisbon coach, heavily swirling around Manchester, it is fan favourite Ruud van Nistelrooy who takes charge of his 2nd game as United Interim Head Coach.

His first match was an outstanding success, as The Red Devils ran rampant against Leicester in a 5-2 win in the EFL Cup, propelling them to the Quarter-Finals. United enjoyed attacking football without the handbrake and players looked much happier without the previous manager's presence. Yet, the real test lies against a far superior Chelsea side (no disrespect Leicester).

Despite losing against Newcastle midweek in the EFL Cup, Chelsea bounced back to winning ways in the league against the same opposition last time out. Notably, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson delivered sublime performances in their 2-1 win, both attackers getting on the scoresheet.

Despite not directly passing to each other the whole match, the pair telekinetically know where the ball will go, Palmer playing a delightful ball to Pedro neto who set up the Senegalese for a tap-in. With Palmer on 7 for the season and Jackson on 6, goals aren't an issue for Maresca's exciting side. Defensively there are still questions. In my opinion, Robert Sanchez is not good enough for The Blues.

This match is extremely difficult to predict with United a relative unknown under van Nistelrooy. Both sides create plenty of chances in attack, but poor defensively so this could be a fun watch. Clinical conversion is the main focus here and could propel one of the teams into a comfortable lead if they take their chances well.

Jack's Prediction: Manchester United 2 - 2 Chelsea

The Goals Fest:

Fulham vs Brentford 04/11, 8pm KO

Genuinely, the most exciting team to watch this season has been The Bees. I think it must be a rollercoaster as a fan but as a neutral, I love watching Brentford's crazy football matches. Any game that involves Thomas Frank's side will likely lead to goals. I deeply apologise for predicting them to be relegated, I got that completely wrong!

In every game this season that involves Brentford there has been at least 2+ goals. In 4 of those 9 games there has been 4+ goals! The Bees sit 5th for xG behind usual creators Man City, Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool - that's very good company!

Their last match against Ipswich was a spectacle to watch in a 4-3 win, sealed by a final minute stoppage time winner from Bryan Mbeumo's untainted cross. Against Fulham, I could see a similar type of game. The return of Yoanne Wissa has only improved Brentford's attacking threat and his pace will be key to exposing Fulham's defence.

Fulham will feel frustrated with their 1-1 draw against Everton last weekend. In a game they completely dominated, their hard work was undone by Beto's late equaliser. Fulham continue their solid start to the season, but know that they could've had more points had they been able to see games out.

Both sides have much attacking quality in their arsenals and I could see a goal onslaught ensuing. Both teams press well which should create gaps in behind and defensive mistakes. Fulham are better defensively but I'm still not 100% convinced, also being susceptible at set pieces which Brentford thrive at. I'm so happy this is on MNF as this should be a classic. Any less than 3 goals and I'll be disappointed.

Jack's Prediction: Fulham 2 - 3 Brentford

The Six Pointer:

Southampton vs Everton 02/11, 3pm KO

Winless in 9 games, Southampton will be desperate to secure all 3 points against relegation rivals Everton on Saturday. With 1 draw in their 9 games, they sit rock bottom of the table and need to start collecting points soon or risk being left in the dust.

The Saints put in a spirited performance against the reigning champions in a 1-0 loss last weekend. City could've thrashed the visitors if it weren't for last ditch defensive tackles and class goalkeeping. But, in terms of the long game, conceding 1 goal against City will help their goal difference, a factor which could be vital come the end of the season. A 3-2 win against Stoke in the EFL Cup will give The Saints a boost coming into the weekend.

Contrastingly, Everton are currently on an unbeaten 5 match run in the Premier League. Following a torrid start to the season, Sean Dyche's trademark resilience is beginning to come back. From conceding 13 in their first 4 games to 3 in their last 5, Everon are looking far sturdier at the back.

Offensively, questions are still being asked. Dyche can't quite seem to find the balance between defence and attack. Against Fulham, Everton looked lifeless, simply playing long balls into thin air with no idea as Jordan Pickford waved his arms in frustration. Additionally, Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot finish his dinner. The Englishman has missed 6 big chances, an awful statistic.

If Southampton play their cards right, they have the technical footballing ability to blow Everton away. I expect Everton will press The Saints to win the ball back which should allow Russell Martin's men to play triangles around them. But, never trust that Southampton will be flawless, mistakes will be made and, if Dwight McNeil is fit, chances should be converted.

Jack's Prediction: Southampton 1 - 1 Everton