Two weeks into the new Premier League season and we already have four perfect sides, a couple of big clubs under the pump, and more goals than anyone asked for.
The Offside Oracle has previewed all 10 fixtures for Game Week 3, with score predictions and a potential goal scorer for every match below.
Liverpool are still searching for their first win under Andoni Iraola after draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, conceding twice in both fixtures.
The Reds have looked dangerous going forward, with Alexander Isak getting off the mark against Forest and Victor Munoz also finding the back of the net, but they’ve made life far too difficult at the other end.
Ipswich had their pants pulled down by Man United last weekend, conceding five at Old Trafford after taking an early lead.
Gary O’Neil’s side will be far more comfortable back at Portman Road, but Liverpool should have too much firepower if they bring their shooting boots.
Score Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-3 Liverpool
Potential Goal Scorer: Alexander Isak
The Toon have made a nice start to life under Matthias Jaissle, following their draw with Liverpool by going to Tottenham and keeping a clean sheet.
Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa did the damage against Spurs, while new keeper Lukas Hornicek was massive between the sticks.
Newcastle might have lost some serious talent in the off-season, but the early signs are that they’ll still be a nightmare at St James’ Park.
Bournemouth have competed well enough in draws against City and Everton, but they are yet to win and have a new-look backline still finding its feet.
Give me the Toon at home.
Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 AFC Bournemouth
Potential Goal Scorer: Yoane Wissa
Brentford have started the season in tidy fashion, smashing Spurs 3-0 before claiming a point away at Leeds.
Keith Andrews’ side are difficult to play against, dangerous on the break and have one of the league’s best finishers in Igor Thiago.
The Brazilian bagged 22 league goals last season, and he’ll fancy his chances against anyone at the Gtech.
Sunderland bounced back from their opening-day loss at Ipswich with a 1-0 win over Fulham, but this is a harder away assignment.
The Black Cats will make it competitive, but the Bees should have enough.
Score Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Sunderland AFC
Potential Goal Scorer: Igor Thiago
Brighton have played two games and scored seven goals.
The bad news? They’ve also conceded three against Chelsea and somehow left Stamford Bridge empty-handed after leading the possession count 74 per cent to 26.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have no shortage of attacking talent, and Malick Yalcouyé has already shown he can arrive late and cause problems around the box.
Leeds remain unbeaten after beating Forest and drawing with Brentford, so this will not be a walkover.
Daniel Farke’s side have plenty of legs, a strong shape and enough quality to hurt Brighton on the counter.
Still, I’m siding with the Seagulls at home.
Score Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Leeds United
Potential Goal Scorer: Malick Yalcouyé
Not a great fixture here.
Fulham have lost both games to start the Álvaro Arbeloa era, while Palace have scored just once and conceded six under Pierre Sage. Somebody has to blink eventually.
The Cottagers have at least shown some attacking intent in their two defeats, and Gonzalo Garcia looks the man most likely to lead the line following Raul Jimenez’s departure.
Palace made some late moves in the transfer window, but a trip to Craven Cottage only days later is not exactly ideal preparation.
I can’t split them, but I can see goals.
Score Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace
Potential Goal Scorer: Gonzalo Garcia
Man City have quietly gone about their business, winning both games under Enzo Maresca and sticking four past Palace last weekend.
There has been plenty of change at the Etihad, particularly through midfield, but City have looked far more settled than most expected this early in the campaign.
Erling Haaland remains the obvious problem for every opposition defence.
Coventry have lost both games since returning to the Premier League, failing to score against Arsenal or Hull.
Frank Lampard’s side will make the game physical and look to test City from set pieces, but it is hard to see them keeping the champions-in-waiting quiet for 90 minutes.
Score Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Coventry City
Potential Goal Scorer: Erling Haaland
Spurs are in a world of pain.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have lost both league games without scoring, while conceding five goals in the process.
They dominated periods against Newcastle last weekend, but two Newcastle shots on target turned into two goals. Story of their season already? Maybe.
Forest remain winless too, but showed plenty of fight at Anfield.
Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White both scored as the Trees twice took the lead against Liverpool.
The City Ground is not where you want to visit when confidence is low.
I’m backing Forest to make Spurs’ early-season misery worse.
Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Potential Goal Scorer: Morgan Gibbs-White
How about the Tigers?
Hull have won their opening two games, kept two clean sheets and knocked off Man United along the way.
Konstantinos Tzolakis has been massive in goal, while the side’s direct, physical style is making life uncomfortable for everyone they face.
Villa, meanwhile, are 0-2 to start the season and are yet to score following losses to Brighton and Arsenal.
Unai Emery has had to rebuild the side after a huge summer of movement, and it is showing early.
Villa are too good to stay down forever, but Hull have earned the right to be respected here.
Score Prediction: Hull City 1-2 Aston Villa
Potential Goal Scorer: Oli McBurnie
Man United bounced back from their Hull horror show by putting five past Ipswich, with Bruno Fernandes stealing the show through a hat-trick.
The Red Devils looked much more like themselves going forward, but conceding twice to a promoted side means there are still a few question marks at the back.
Everton are unbeaten through two games, having beaten Palace before grinding out a draw at Bournemouth.
David Moyes has them organised, they’ll have a packed new stadium behind them, and this will be far from easy for Carrick’s side.
I can see United scoring, but I’m not convinced they keep another clean sheet.
Score Prediction: Everton FC 1-2 Manchester United
Potential Goal Scorer: Bruno Fernandes
Game Week 3 wraps with the match of the round, as Arsenal host Chelsea in a massive early London derby.
The Gunners have started their title defence perfectly, beating Coventry 3-0 before grinding out a huge 1-0 win at Villa Park.
Bukayo Saka scored the winner, and Arsenal are yet to concede despite William Saliba’s long-term absence.
Chelsea have also won both league games under Xabi Alonso, scoring seven goals in the process.
Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are already forming a serious front three, although the Blues have conceded five goals across those wins.
This has goals written all over it, but Arsenal at the Emirates are a different beast.
Score Prediction: Arsenal FC 2-1 Chelsea
Potential Goal Scorer: Bukayo Saka
