The Premier League returned with a bang after the international break, with late drama, a big shock on the South Coast and the pressure piling on managers at the bottom.
The most exciting league in the world can also be very unpredictable. Nobody could have predicted Bournemouth would run out 2-0 winners over Arsenal, the Gunners having a man sent off for the third time this season proving costly. But that’s why we love it, we want that unpredictability and excitement. It makes picking an acca more difficult, let’s see if I have more luck this week.
Aston Villa vs Bournemouth – Home Win
Details: Saturday, October 26th, 3.00 pm
These are heady days for Aston Villa. If you had asked Villa fans when Unai Emery took over that in 2024 they would be fourth in the league and top of the Champions League table, they would have laughed. What a job Emery has done, turning Villa into a serious threat to the established order. They are organised, have threats in attack in the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers and as they proved at Fulham last week, can overcome tricky starts to come back and win. The sky is the limit at the moment for the Villans.
Another team feeling good about themselves is Bournemouth, beating Arsenal 2-0 last week in an excellent performance. Sure, the early sending off of William Saliba played a big part, but the Cherries still had to get the job done and they did so comfortably. Andoni Iraola has got them playing some high quality stuff, and they fancy their chances whoever they come up against.
This will be a really good match, but I think Villa are on such a roll and that will carry on.
Brentford vs Ipswich – Home Win
Details: Saturday, October 26th, 3.00 pm
Brentford will be disappointed they didn’t pick up at least a point last week at Old Trafford, especially after taking the lead on the stroke of half time through Ethan Pinnock. Despite the defeat, it has been a solid start to the season for Thomas Frank’s men, with Bryan Mbuemo in red hot form. The Bees will want to kick on from here, and have the perfect opportunity to do so this weekend at home to Ipswich.
It felt like a really bad defeat for Ipswich last week at home to Everton. Those are the types of games newly promoted teams really need to get something from. They only really created one decent chance in the entire game though Jack Clarke early on, and the manner of the defeat will be a big disappointment for manager Kieran McKenna. They need to start picking up points soon otherwise they will be cut adrift.
I can only see more misery for Ipswich this weekend.
Everton vs Fulham – Home Win
Details: Saturday, October 26th, 5.30 pm
Sean Dyche is one again doing an underrated job at Everton. He has had to deal with numerous issues throughout his tenure at Goodison Park, but has kept dignified and just got on with his job. His style might not be the most exciting but it is effective and it looks as though Everton will be well clear of the trap door this season. Iliman Ndiaye is proving to be a great signing, he scored the first in their win over Ipswich last week, and the future looks bright for the Toffees.
Everything started so well for Fulham at home to Villa last week. They got the early goal and despite being pegged back, had the perfect chance to restore their lead from the penalty spot. Unfortunately for Marco Silva’s men, Andreas Pereira missed and the game turned on its head. The 3-1 score line felt harsh, and they will want to put that right straight away.
I think Everton have found momentum and will get the three points at home.
Man City vs Southampton – Home Win
Details: Saturday, October 26th, 3.00 pm
John Stone was the hero for City at Molineux, heading in a last minute winner from a corner to spark jubilant scenes in the away end. It was a nervy wait, as the goal was referred to VAR due to Bernando Silva appearing to be offside, but the goal was given too much relief to Pep Guardiola and his men. They weren’t at their fluent best, as they haven’t been very often this season, but champions win when not playing well and that is what City continue to do.
This will surely be a comfortable home win.
Premier League Acca
I am quietly confident this week. The only one I think might go the other way or a draw is Everton, but they are playing well and Goodison can be a tough place to go.
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