Premier League GW5 Preview: Can Arsenal Halt Haaland?

Following a 1-month trip around Mexico, Jack H is back writing again! He hasn't missed any of the Premier League action despite the 6/7 hour time difference. Jack lends his views on the upcoming weekend's proceedings, giving his predictions for each game!

West Ham vs Chelsea, 21/09 12:30pm KO

Both of these London sides have experienced mixed starts to the season. West Ham sit down in 14th with 1W-1D-2L. The Lopetegui project certainly needs some time to be implemented, with much improvement required.

The Hammers are 16th for xGC with 7.92, conceding chances a plenty. Transitioning from a pragmatic Moyes style of football to the Spaniard's more possession-based football will take time. They sit middle of the pack for xG as well.

Additionally, 3/4 of their opponents faced finished in the top half last season, with a visit from Chelsea not making it any easier.

Chelsea have started fairly strongly under Enzo Maresca. The Italian's full throttle attacking style appeals to the plethora of talent in The Blues' attack, being the 2nd highest goal-scorers with 8 this season in the league. Defensively, they've looked suspect at times but I do think this has come from individual errors, characterised by Wesley Fofana's horrendous backpass last week, fortunately salvaged by Sanchéz's penalty save. They didn't deserve to beat Bournemouth last week, but getting over the line has been an issue for Chelsea, thus a step in the right direction.

Only losing to last year's champions, Chelsea have been on a favourable fixture run and will be hungry with the prospect of a leaky West Ham side.

I fully expect Chelsea to come to the London Stadium and turn The Hammers over here. The West Ham is new, with lots of the players familiarising themselves with each other. Despite their numbers, Maresca has worked out who he wants and has created a team around 4/5 individuals. If West Ham can draw on their set piece prowess under Moyes and stay resolute they could grab a shock result.

Jack's Prediction: West Ham 1 - 3 Chelsea

Aston Villa vs Wolves, 21/09 3pm KO

2 very contrasting sides here. Villa have been enjoying life in the Premier League, winning 3/4 and starting their UCL campaign off with 0-3 win away to Young Boys, Villa Park will be bouncing on Saturday for the Black Country derby.

Last week's win against Everton was vital in bringing frontman Ollie Watkins back into form. He's been rusty since returning from the summer but has now found his groove again, especially as backup striker Jhon Durán has been smashing in goals for fun from the bench.

Wolves on the other hand have faced a torrid start to the season. Indeed, they've had arguably the hardest fixture run so far but have failed to make much of an impact. They failed to hold onto a 1-0 lead against an out of sorts Newcastle side, but did look much better against Brighton in the League Cup defeat midweek.

Gary O'Neil will know this will be a tough test but also an opportunity to grab a vital 3 points to propel Wolves out of the relegation zone.

Villa will be clear favourites here, oozing with confidence. However, Wolves should exploit the high line Unai Emery likes to employ. The pace that Wolves have on the transition is electrifying and I definitely see them scoring against Villa. The Villains should have enough to keep them out though and will be seeking to wrap up the game quickly in order to rest key players for their UCL exploits.

Jack's Prediction: Aston Villa 3 - 1 Wolves

Fulham vs Newcastle, 21/09 3pm KO

Fulham have begun the season in a steady fashion, only losing once so far. I've been intrigued by the performance's of new and current players, including Robinson and Smith-Rowe, the former who in my opinion has been an outstanding performer so far for Fulham.

Also, it appears Fulham have solved their striker goal drought, with Raúl Jimenez scoring on his return to the starting XI following Rodrigo Muniz's wasteful performances of late. I expect the Mexican to retain his spot as the Brazilian failed to impress as Fulham crashed out of the League Cup midweek.

Newcastle, despite being undefeated so far this season, have looked a shadow of their former selves under Eddie Howe. They've looked rather toothless so far this season, depending more on individual to salvage games. This was evident in the 2-1 win against Wolves where cracking goals from Barnes and Schär reversed a 1 goal lead of Wolves.

Alexander Isak looks set to miss the game with a toe injury, good news for Fulham fans. Newcastle's xG of 3.86 in definitely below par compared to what we normally expect from Eddie Howe's sides, creativity he must rectify quickly as Newcastle face some crucial games in the next 6.

This match is very hard to predict. Fulham's doggedness has not always got them the points they deserve but they might be able to keep out a poor Newcastle attack this time around. But neither side are exploding going forward which may produce a relatively boring stalemate, potentially broken by a moment of individual brilliance.

Jack's Prediction: Fulham 1 - 1 Newcastle

Leicester vs Everton, 21/09 3pm KO

2 sides who are both yet to register a win, this game feels like a 6-pointer despite being game number 5 of the season.

2 draws against Spurs and Crystal Palace will give Steve Cooper encouragement heading into the match. His side have been struggling at both ends of the pitch with the jump up to the Prem being quite significant for The Foxes. Jamie Vardy has been leading the line well however, scoring twice so far in four games.

Everton sit rock bottom of the league, failing to get a single point so far. Whilst they have a lengthy injury list, Sean Dyche's philosophy appears to have gone out the window as The Toffees look to be playing a more progressive attacking brand of football.

I think this is partially due to the defensive absentees but it has unlocked attacking players such as Calvert-Lewin and McNeil who have 6 attacking involvements between them.

This match will be a scrappy affair for sure but also will see lots of goals due to the poor nature of the defences on display. Whilst the Leicester home support will be vital, Everton do tend to perform better on their travels with less pressure from their fans and may secure their first points of the season.

Jack's Prediction: Leicester 2 - 2 Everton

Liverpool vs Bournemouth, 21/09 3pm KO

Life under Arne Slot has been sensational so far. 3/4 wins in the Premier League and 3-1 away win against AC Milan in the UCL, Liverpool manager scouting has been on point yet again.

Slot's controlled style of football has seen The Reds only concede once in the Premier League. Moreover, Slot has gotten the best out of a revitalised Gravenberch, a sharp Diaz, a potent Salah and the ever-creative Alexander-Arnold.

The shock loss to a solid Nottingham Forest side will be cause for reaction this weekend, especially being at home. They already reacted in the UCL and fans will be clamouring for goals this weekend to set things straight once again.

Bournemouth feel like they are reliving the start of last season yet again. Life under Iraola was slow at the start of last season and the same is happening again. To clarify, Bournemouth haven't been playing bad and arguably should still be undefeated after somehow not beating Chelsea last weekend. But they are not converting their chances, a vital skill to exist in the Premier League elite.

New signing Evanilson is still adapting to Premier League life, after failing to convert a spot-kick last weekend. The Brazilian is full of potential however and, those who watched him at Porto know his sublime quality.

If Liverpool can cut through the Bournemouth press with one killer pass from van Dijk or Alexander-Arnold, The Cherries may have a problem on their hands here. The roars of the home crowd will be deafening, spurring Liverpool on. Bournemouth will stick to the philosophy but I would strongly suggest they adapt a more pragmatic approach this game to prevent a cricket score.

Jack's Prediction: Liverpool 3 - 0 Bournemouth

Southampton vs Ipswich, 21/09 3pm KO

A massive six-pointer, 2 promoted sides go head-to-head in a huge fixture. The Saints are yet to register a single point this season, with their playing out from the back punishing them so far. Russell Martin's play style is reminiscent of Burnley under Kompany last season. Unfortunately, at least for the first season, not adapting your play style to the Premier League will get punished.

Ipswich, despite not winning as of yet, have grabbed solid draws against Brighton and Fulham after a tricky start against Liverpool and City. McKenna should be very proud of the performances so far, certainly showing enough to potentially stay up this year.

Despite sitting bottom for xG and xGC, I think it's unfair to question Ipswich's stats at this current stage due to the opposition they've faced. A win against The Saints will be a massive boost.

Set to be a crucial set of 3 points for both sides, neither team will be sitting back in this game. Last season, Ipswich did the double in the Championship and I do think this will continue in the Premier League. Both Ramsdale and Muric will be busy, that's all I will say for 18th and 20th for xGC in the league.

Jack's Prediction: Southampton 0 - 1 Ipswich

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford, 21/09 3pm KO

Spurs have not started the season well so far, registering 1 win against struggling Everton. The Lilywhites have not been clicking as a unit, playing rather lethargically.

A visit from Brentford will be no easy task, especially following their appalling performance midweek against Coventry which was salvaged by impact subs.

I'm a big admirer of Ange but right now he is not getting the best out of his side with many under-par performers weighing the team down.

Brentford, on the other hand, have completely surprised me. I was convinced with their injuries, departures and lack of recruitment that they would struggle. 2 wins out of 4 including a valiant performance against City have made me question my football predicting abilities!

Star men Mbeumo and Wissa have been vital to The Bees, with the latter now set to be out for 2 months. The Cameroonian Mbeumo will now be the focal point of the Brentford attack as Thomas Frank will need to find a way to replace Wissa.

Carvalho had 3 attacking involvements midweek and showed his promise, whilst young talent Kevin Schade now has ample opportunity to stake his claim for a starting role.

Goals will be a guarantee, with both sides enjoying high pressing to win the ball back. I certainly see Brentford taking a lead and I'm not sure if Spurs will be able to turn it completely around based on their current form and mood in camp. I'm still haunted by the loss last season at home to The Bees, something the Spurs boys should be highly aware of.

Jack's Prediction: Spurs 2 - 2 Brentford

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, 21/09 5:30pm KO

Crystal Palace are yet to live up to the hype so far this season, failing to win this season. I tipped The Eagles for a breakout season and they have had an extremely slow start.

Defensively they've been all over the place with uninspiring performances from the trusted Dean Henderson.

Offensively, they've created chances but failed to convert. However, with the restoration of Mateta to the starting lineup and Nketiah impressing last game, Palace might be beginning an upwards trajectory.

Manchester United continue as they always have been under Erik Ten Hag: inconsistent. 2 wins and 2 losses with mixed performances shows that there is much to do at old Trafford.

Midweek's 7-0 thralling of Barnsley was a positive sign but also a breeze in the park. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen all got involved in the goals, giving The Red Devils a much needed morale boost.

I do think Manchester United will struggle here, as the space they leave between the lines will be exploited by a plucky Crystal Palace side. Expect to see Eze and Nketiah popping up in pockets with Mateta waiting to finish off the chances. The home crowd will want to see their team dominate against a shaky United side.

Jack's Prediction: Crystal Palace 2 - 1 Manchester United

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest, 22/09 2pm KO

Both sides are undefeated in this intriguing matchup. 2 wins and 2 draws for both teams reflects the positive starts for both in the 2024/25 season.

Brighton are enjoying life under Hürzeler. The August manager of the month has continued the Brighton project well, delivering a much more direct transitional style of football which is garnering greater consistency than under De Zerbi.

The attack is flourishing, the defence solid and new signings are settling in well, there is much for optimism at the Amex Stadium.

Many were unable to see the good work Nuno has done with Forest from last season due to their final league position. But, with a full summer to establish his philosophy and recruit the players he needs, the Portuguese has constructed a resilient and well-oiled machine.

The shock 1-0 win away at Liverpool epitomising the strength that Forest have built from the back along with the pace on the counter, characterised by Hudson-Odoi's winner.

This game is probably the hardest one to predict this gameweek. 2 strong defences, 2 attacks that are potent for different reasons. I can only see this playing out in a draw.

Jack's Prediction: Brighton 1 - 1 Nottingham Forest

Manchester City vs Arsenal, 22/09 4:30pm KO

2 Premier League heavyweights go head-to-head in the final game of the weekend. Both have started the season strongly, remaining undefeated with City possessing the perfect start with 4/4 wins.

Erling Haaland is a man on fire, scoring 9 times in 4 matches. Arsenal will have their work cut out trying to limit the Norwegian scoring again as he aims to make it 5 matches in a row hitting the back of the net.

Arsenal played a masterclass in the North London Derby as Gabriel's bullet header profited from Spurs' prime weakness. The Gunners will be missing key man Ødegaard who's absence shows in Arsenal's slightly quieter attack. But the return of Rice from suspension will please the Arsenal faithful, in what will be a defence before attack game.

Mikel Arteta has accrued experience in these games, knowing that losing cannot be an option if they want to keep their title hopes alive. I fully expect Arsenal to sit in and wither the City storm, maintaining a rigid box around Haaland so he won't be able to cause damage. Don't be surprised if this ends 0-0 as Arsenal will be the happier of the two with a draw.

Jack's Prediction: Manchester City 0 - 0 Arsenal