WHO had Crystal Palace versus Everton down as an early title-decider? Alright that's a bit much. Top four six-pointer? Top six grudge match? Top… half battle of wits? Well, whatever we have in store at Selhurst Palace, at least one of the Premier League's eight 100% records be gone.
Elsewhere this Saturday, we see if Brighton can win two in a row, and in doing so inflict a second straight defeat for Man Utd, we find out if Chelsea can bounce back from defeat at Liverpool, and whether Ralph Hasenhuttl will tweak Southampton's dangerously high line away at Burnley. Here are this Saturday's Premier League tips.
Brighton vs Man Utd | Saturday September 26, 12:30
Brighton were arguably the better side against Chelsea but sloppy defending and clinical finishing saw them beaten 3-1. However, Graham Potter's side have bounced back well, with three straight clean sheet wins, albeit with two coming in the Carabao Cup. The Seagulls have also won three of their last four home games against Man Utd, although the Red Devils have won the sides' last three meetings, including a 3-0 win in this fixture last season.
Late goals for Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood away at Luton gave Man Utd the degree of comfort they were looking for after a tricky season-opener at home to Crystal Palace. United's first two matches have suggested they're still far more comfortable playing on the break rather than dominating the ball, which ought to come in useful against Brighton who have had the majority of possession in each of their three matches this season.
Yves Bissouma's suspension will make it much tougher for the Seagulls to control the centre where Man Utd are strongest. A repeat of Brighton's season-opener against Chelsea could be on the cards: promising approach play, wasteful finishing, sloppy concessions and ultimately an away win.
Match odds: Brighton (18/5) Draw (27/10) Man Utd (10/13)
Correct score: Brighton 1-2 Man Utd (7/1)
Tip: Marcus Rashford to score and get an assists (11/1)
Crystal Palace vs Everton | Saturday, September 26, 15:00
Despite averaging just 27% possession so far this season, Palace have won their two opening fixtures of a Premier League campaign for the first time. Roy Hodgson may even feel disappointed the margins weren't greater – a sentiment likely shared by fellow 100 per center Carlo Ancelotti who has seen Everton rack up a whopping 64 shots in their three matches so far.
Palace are winless in 11 games against the Toffees dating back to a hammerblow 3-2 victory at Goodison Park the last time Everton were in top four contention. The Blues have six clean sheets in their last seven visits to Selhurst Park, although Wilfried Zaha – a long-time transfer target for the Blues – has three goals in two games this season having managed four goals in 38 last season.
The Eagles scored more goals away from home than they did on their own patch last season, and they've started the season in the same vein. Southampton managed 71% of possession at Selhurst Park on the opening weekend – put simply, allow Everton so much of the ball, they will punish you. I unsuccessfully tipped Richarlison for a goal against West Brom, but after his brace at Fleetwood, I'm backing him to make amends on Saturday.
Match odds: Crystal Palace (14/5) Draw (12/5) Everton (21/20)
Correct score: Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton (15/2)
Tip: Richarlison to score any time (15/8)
West Brom vs Chelsea | Saturday September 26, 17:30
West Brom have conceded eight goals so far – both a Premier League high for the current season, and the most they've ever shipped in the first two games of a league campaign. Up next? Chelsea, who have inflicted more Premier League defeats on the Baggies (18) than any other side. Throw in the fact that Kieran Gibbs and Slaven Bilic will be suspended, it's already looking like a tough evening for the top flight newbies.
Frank Lampard will be desperate to bounce back with a win after his side threw away an opportunity to take points off Liverpool, but Chelsea are far from firing on all cylinders at the moment. In their opening games, the only players to have more than one shot on target were Kurt Zouma and Jorginho, one of the latter's being a saved penalty. New signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are yet to fully settle in the Premier League, however Havertz bagging the first hat-trick of his senior career against Barnsley will help immensely.
The Blues can lay claim to a measly one clean sheet from their 20 Premier League away games under Frank Lampard. The Chelsea boss suggested new signing Eduoard Mendy will be fit to start. If true, and without meaning to be too harsh, the absence of Kepa will be a huge boost to Chelsea's defence. Enough, I'd suggest, to see them win comfortably at the Hawthorns.
Match odds: West Brom (17/2) Draw (4/1) Chelsea (4/11)
Correct score: West Brom 1-3 Chelsea (19/2)
Tip: Match multi – Full time Chelsea, Timo Werner to score (57/50)
Burnley vs Southampton | Sunday, September 26, 20:00
Burnley lost their final game of the 2019/20 season, and their opening game of the 2020/21 season – as many Premier League games had they had lost in the previous 15. But they have a good record against Southampton. In fact, the Clarets' five home games without defeat to Saints is their longest such run against any opponent. Sean Dyche is also likely to have been encouraged by Saints' lacklustre defensive display at home to Spurs.
Four goals scored by the same player (Son Heung-Min), all assisted by the same player (Harry Kane) suggests Southampton couldn't resolve themselves no matter how clear the threat was. With Dyche utterly unshakable from his big man/ little man, two-up-top combo, expect plenty of passes that miss out Saints' high press and expose their shaky defence.
Since December 2018 when Ralph Hassenhuttl took over, no Premier League side has dropped more points from winning positions than Southampton (37) so even if they forge ahead, I'd back Burnley to come back, but 11/5 is too big a price to resist for the win.
Match odds: Burnley (11/5) Draw (47/20) Southampton (23/20)
Correct score: Burnley 2-0 Southampton (13/1)
Tip: Chris Wood to score any time (7/4)
Click here to read our preview of Sunday's Premier League fixtures, including Man City vs Leicester City.
