We say: Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham
Fulham may have ruined the festive celebrations at Selhurst Park last year, but Hodgson’s men have since proven to be a tough nut to crack on their own turf – even Man City and Arsenal only managed a solitary goal in SE25.
A lukewarm Fulham attack will likely have to settle for the one goal at best too, which is not beyond the realm of possibility given Palace’s recent defensive frailties, and a low-scoring draw seems the likeliest outcome in this mid-table battle.
We say: Luton Town 0-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves’ most recent trip to Kenilworth Road 10 years ago may have been a miserable affair, but O’Neil’s men have displayed plenty of guile on the attacking front so far this term, albeit with a dash of wastefulness too.
Either way, the visitors should have no problem carving out plenty of opportunities against a permeable Luton backline, and a fifth loss from five surely awaits the Hatters this weekend.
We say: Manchester City 3-3 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have already caused plenty of problems on their travels to Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea this term, albeit the latter two teams are not at their best at present, and another positive display is required if they are to cause an upset on Saturday.
Man City have conceded in each of their last four games which will be a slight cause for concern for Guardiola, but given the abundance of attacking quality at the Citizens’ disposal, this time around they should have some few problems their backline en route to a first draw at home.
We say: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Wolfsburg
Dortmund may have thrashed Wolfsburg in their last two home meetings, but a tighter affair could be in store on Saturday considering that there is little to separate these two clubs in the early stages of the campaign.
Terzic will be seeking a response from his BVB players on home soil after their midweek loss in Europe, and we believe that they may just have the edge in the final third to claim all three points.
We say: Burnley 1-2 Manchester United
Burnley could arguably not be playing Man United at a better time on account of the Red Devils’ multiple crises, as injuries, defensive deficiencies and off-the-pitch scandals threaten to derail Ten Hag’s preparations once again.
The leaky Red Devils backline should not emerge unscathed, but on the other hand, Burnley have also been conceding goals at will on home soil, and Man United’s potent attacking forces can fight fire with fire to redeem themselves with a hard-fought away win.
We say: Brentford 0-2 Everton
So far this season, goals have been easier to come by for Everton on the road than they have at Goodison Park, and last season’s respectable results against Brentford should also stand the Toffees in good stead.
We say: Livingston 0-2 Celtic
Livingston have proven themselves to be difficult to defeat so far this season, and that should lead to the Lions putting up a strong test against their opponents.
However, the league leaders should have enough quality overall to take all three points, with the attacking ability of Celtic likely being too much.
We say: AC Milan 2-0 Hellas Verona
With precedent firmly on their side, Milan can bounce back from a tough week to post their fourth win from five Serie A matches this season. Verona may have overachieved in the early days of the 2023-24 campaign, but their limitations remain more or less the same as last year – and they have never before beaten Milan in a top-flight match at San Siro.
We say: Sassuolo 1-2 Juventus
A dire record against Juventus and some slipshod defending so far this season could set Sassuolo up for a fourth loss from five to start the Serie A season. Juve have shown signs of the synchronicity missing since their last Scudetto win, and they are proving particularly effective away from home.
We say: Lazio 2-1 Monza
Neither Sarri’s team nor Monza head into Saturday’s game in top form, and the visitors ideally should back themselves to secure a first point against Sarri’s men at the Olimpico.
However, the away side’s defeats at Inter and Atalanta BC suggest another loss could be on the cards despite Lazio’s European exertions on Tuesday.
We say: Bayern Munich 4-1 VfL Bochum
Bayern will be regarded as strong favourites to claim all three points on Saturday, and their in-form attackers should have plenty of joy in the final third against a Bochum side who have already conceded seven goals in two away games this term.
The hosts have shown their own signs of defensive frailties this season, conceding seven goals in their last four matches, but Tuchel’s men should ultimately have too much quality for the visitors.
We say: Borussia Monchengladbach 1-3 RB Leipzig
Considering the contrasting starts that both teams have made to the new season, Leipzig will be regarded as favourites to claim maximum points on Saturday.
Monchengladbach have had plenty of success in their recent home meetings with Leipzig, but we believe that the in-form visitors will claim a comfortable victory at Borussia-Park this time around.
