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Liverpool vs. Leicester City

Alongside the Manchester derby, this is one of the weekend’s big games.

It’s been that kind of start to the season for Liverpool when it seems like there’s a big game every two weeks. We’ve already faced two of the teams that finished in the top four and our next two fixtures will see us face the champions and the former champions. It’s difficult, but I think getting good results out of these fixtures early on will really set the tone for a good season for the Reds.

Leicester got their first win of the season in the last round and, although their performance against Swansea was not entirely convincing, they won’t really care because it was all about getting the three points after a poor start to their campaign.

Make no mistake about it, Liverpool are the favourites heading into this clash but I can assure you the Foxes will be up for it.

Did I forget to mention that this match represents our return to Anfield?

You probably didn’t even need reminding. There’s been plenty of excitement over the past two weeks, with fans getting a first glimpse of the stadium’s new main stand and it’s only going to grow the closer we get to the late kick-off on Saturday.

I think we’ll just win this one. When fans inside the stadium are bouncing in excitement for a game, it rubs off the players and I think the Anfield crowd will fire up the Reds on their way to victory over the champions.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leicester City

Manchester United vs. Manchester City

Before returning to Anfield, you’ll need no reminding of the huge matter that is the Manchester derby.

Over the years, it’s been Sir Alex Ferguson versus a whole host of Manchester City managers but this time, I think both clubs have raised the bar by throwing two of the world’s best managers, in José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, into the mix and the exciting thing? One of them has to prevail over the other.

They’ve both made ideal starts to the campaign and sit on top of the table on nine points respectively. This may be an early season encounter but losing or gaining three points will be significant in their race to the Premier League title.

I think the absence of striker Sergio Aguero (who has been banned following an elbow blow to West Ham’s Winston Reid in City’s last game) is a huge set-back for Guardiola because goals-aside, Aguero is a very influential player for his side. Who else have they got who can do what he does?

Man United, on the other hand, won’t have too many injury worries on their plate. Obviously, I’m not overlooking that of summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but the midfielder is yet to find his feet at Old Trafford in terms of fitness and Mourinho already has, more or less, a settled and strong starting line-up.

Ask most Liverpool fans who they’d like to see winning this match and the Red army will probably side with Man City, just to get the satisfaction of seeing their old rivals in defeat – and trust me, I’m no different.

But, if I have to be honest and unbiased, I really fancy Man United in this one. I think it’ll be tight but they’re just going to edge it.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City

West Ham United vs. Watford

It must be frustrating for a manager to prepare his squad well through pre-season, set it up for victory at the start of the new season only to see his plans derailed by multiple injuries to his key players.

That’s been the story of Slaven Bilič thus far. The West Ham boss has seen his side come short on two occasions against the big sides this season and even if those defeats to Chelsea and Man City were sandwiched by a home win against Bournemouth, it’s fair to say the Hammers haven’t looked their flattering best.

Meanwhile, Watford have made a winless start to their spell under coach Walter Mazzarri and if their 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal in the last round is anything to go by, then they’re not going to reach the bar they set high under Quique Sánchez Flores last season. I initially doubted whether Mazzarri would cope without experience in this league and so far, my doubt has been justified.

It’s back to the London Stadium for West Ham, where they’ll hope to bounce back to winning ways. The Watford that we saw last season were a difficult side to beat and were dangerous when led by Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo on the counter-attack but so far, the Hornets have been pedestrian. I’m predicting a win for the Hammers, who I think will take advantage of that.

Prediction: West Ham United 2-1 Watford