Premier League GW8 Preview: Titans Clash at Anfield

Following my horrendous prediction of Ipswich securing their first win last gameweek, as The Tractor Boys suffered a 4-1 defeat to West Ham, I return from the 2 week international hiatus with new found energy for the return of Premier League action.

Check out the GW8 preview where I pick out 3 matches to tune in to. Inspired by Jack B, this edition will be following a new trend of match selections: The Meaty One, The Goals Fest and The Six-Pointer to offer a bit of variety to my pickings!

The Meaty One:

Liverpool vs Chelsea 4pm KO, 20/11

Set to be an absolute classic, 2 giants in Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Anfield in the penultimate game of the weekend. Both teams come into this game with Chelsea undefeated in the last 6 games since their opening day defeat to Manchester City. Liverpool have won their last 3 games, whilst also dominating across all competitions.

Entering the international break, Liverpool kept a 1 point lead over Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table. In a game of two halves against Crystal Palace, The Reds held on to a 0-1 away win. Slot has Liverpool cooking nicely, seemingly controlling nearly every game they play in.

Additionally, the Dutchman is bringing out the best in previously inconsistent players. Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation under Slot. Possessing the ability to break defensive lines with one turn on the ball, the former Bayern Munich man is in sensational form at the moment, a player Chelsea will need to limit.

Slot commented on a few injuries for his squad with the likes of Tsimikas, MacAllister and Endo all nursing niggles from the international break. The biggest blow is Alisson's hamstring injury, which appears to be a reoccurring issue, he picked up against Crystal Palace. His No.2 Kelleher is a capable replacement and is back at full fitness following 2 matches for Ireland in the past 2 weeks.

Chelsea were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in an eventful game against Nottingham Forest last game. A stunning performance by Matz Sels in goal kept The Blues at bay. Chelsea fans shouldn't feel disheartened by the draw as their side still sit 2nd for xG behind Tottenham, demonstrating that on another day they may have got a victory. Enzo Maresca, despite heaps of pressure, has begun the season strongly with Chelsea, allowing free-flowing football to develop.

Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana are suspended after accruing too many yellow cards. Supposedly Renato Veiga will be filling in at LB in place of Cucurella, despite the availability of out an out LB Ben Chilwell. Mo Salah could have a field day down Chelsea's left-hand side.

Liverpool vs Chelsea has always produced sensational matches, the two being fearsome foes for decades now. I feel the difference here will be the importance of the Anfield faithful. Getting behind their side, no matter what the game state, will be essential to push their lads on. I suspect Chelsea will be keen to cause an upset but, out of the two, would take a draw.

Jack's Prediction: Liverpool 2 - 1 Chelsea

The Goals Fest

Wolves vs Manchester City 2pm KO, 20/11

The team with the 4th worst xGC vs the team with the 4th best xG, Manchester City could run riot against a struggling Wolves side. Erling Haaland will be licking his lips at the prospect!

Languishing rock bottom of the league, Wolves have only 1 point this season. Prior to the break, they featured in a crazy game of football against Brentford, where they lost 5-3. Defensively, Wolves have been at sixes and sevens. Easy to play through, no structure and no ownership for errors, Gary O'Neil has often been seen a frustrated figure who can't quite believe how his side are defending. Indeed, Wolves have had a tough start to the season, facing 5 of last year's Top 7 in their opening fixtures. A visit from Manchester City is not what they would want.

Conversely, Manchester City remain undefeated in the league this season. They managed to get over the line in a 3-2 win in a less than convincing performance against Fulham. Rodri's injury has been a blow, but Mateo Kovacic has stepped up in his absence.

City, of course, are a force to be reckoned with going forward, but they have been exposed at the back. Fulham last weekend could've scored 4 or 5 goals had Adama Traore been better in front of goal. This should give Wolves some hope that they can get in behind against City, aiming to call on clinical nature of Cunha and Larsen. Moreover, with De Bruyne, Ake, Akanji and a few of the Brazilian players claiming to be doubts by Guardiola, Wolves might be facing a weakened City defence this weekend.

The stats from both teams are pointing to a high-scoring game. Wolves will be trying to get some kind of result out of this game, but I'm fully expecting Manchester City to put them to the sword. Haaland has blanked in his last two matches and will be hungry to get on the scoresheet. Wolves' only chance will be if they can steal the ball of City in their own defensive third and launch precise, quick counterattacks. Yet, due to the way they are playing, I think the Wolves may be whimpering come the end of the 90 minutes.

Jack's Prediction: Wolves 1 - 4 Manchester City

The Six-Pointer

Manchester United vs Brentford 3pm KO 19/11

Now, I could've chosen Ipswich vs Everton or Southampton vs Leicester as my six-pointer game this week, but let me explain why I've chosen the Manchester United vs Brentford game as my crunch match. The game mostly focuses on the pressured situation in the red side of Manchester, as Erik Ten Hag continues to come under mounting pressure, struggling to hold on to his job.

Before the bore draw with Aston Villa, Man Utd's upper hierarchy called an important meeting, likely discussing the future of the club which would involve the manager. I suspect, in short, Ten Hag was given a direct warning of the necessity to start winning matches. Also, The Red Devils need to improve their all-round performances, as they have looked extremely below par in recent matches.

Sitting in 14th position in a horrendous start to the campaign, Man United need to secure a crucial 3 points this season to avoid fan annoyance and the Dutchman edging closer to the guillotine, ending his turbulent career at Old Trafford. The 0-0 draw with Aston Villa was a good result under the circumstances, considering the Villains great form. But, three points is much needed to give the team a much needed boost.

Conversely, Brentford have been enjoying themselves of late. Taking the phrase "the early bird catches the worm" quite literally, The Bees have been netting goals within 2 minutes for fun. They could do this again this weekend against a typically slow starting United side. Defensively, they have been more suspect, having failed to keep a clean sheet all season so far, including conceding 3 to a shoddy Wolves side.

The return of key frontman Yoanne Wissa to the grass is positive news out of West London. Bryan Mbeumo has been doing a great job leading the line, but the Congolese's return would add even more joy to what has been a good start for The Bees.

Considering the importance of the result, United players will be feeling the heat playing at home. A misplaced pass, a conceded goal or poor body language will instantly turn fans who want their side to step up. With both teams poor defensively, this game could be filled with counterattacks and chances aplenty. Brentford will fancy themselves to secure 3 points against a trembling United side.

Jack's Prediction: Manchester United 1 - 2 Brentford