Chris Knows: Manchester United vs Tottenham Prediction & More

Manchester United needed the three-week-long international break perhaps more than any other team in the Premier League. Ironically, the only team that needed it more than them is their opponents on Saturday evening, Tottenham Hotspur.

Old Trafford will be acutely aware of how important October will be for the team’s season, with some pivotal matches in both the league and Champions League.

The Spurs clash is the first of a triple-header which features tough away trips to Atletico Madrid and Leeds United.

Michael Carrick knows he has to start picking up results; a return of five points from the team’s opening five matches has been a major disappointment.

Pressure from outside will inevitably rise if United stumble against Tottenham, who sit rock bottom of the league table after scoring just two goals in their first five matches.

Injuries, though, are a problem for the Reds, with the full-back position having been decimated over the break.

Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are both injured, whilst Luke Shaw’s fitness is questionable.

This will be a tight, nervy game. I don’t think either team will look especially brilliant. United’s home advantage should be enough.

Arsenal VS Leeds United

Arsenal are back in action at the Emirates Stadium against Leeds United on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s new contract has brought a wave of fresh optimism around North London, but they will need to keep up their strong start to the season.

Leeds sit in fifth, starting the campaign impressively well, but their defence is a concern.

Arsenal’s forward line can cause teams problems when they’re firing and Bukayo Saka was incredibly sharp during the international break.

I think Arsenal will want to lay down a marker, especially after the Manchester City news, and will win comfortably, likely to score over 2.5 goals.

Aston Villa VS Brentford

Aston Villa host Brentford on Saturday afternoon in a meeting of two of the Premier League’s most progressive teams.

This is a fascinating battle of tactical nuance and individual quality, with Villa’s home advantage perhaps proving crucial.

Unai Emery’s side have struggled at the back over their opening five matches, and haven’t picked up as many points as they’d have hoped… but they usually start slowly and pick up as the winter nights draw in.

Brentford are full of confidence and have a legitimate game-changer in Mikkel Damsgaard. I’m staggered nobody picked him up during the summer.

I think him getting a goal or assist at any time is a really smart bet at 15/8 with Bet365.

I still think Villa will have enough to avoid defeat. It’s difficult to give them too much of an edge in terms of winning. I like this as a BTTS draw.

Liverpool VS Manchester City

The biggest match of the weekend is undoubtedly the clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

This will be City’s first match after being officially found guilty and declared cheats due to breaches of financial rules.

As one of the teams most maligned by City’s cheating, Liverpool fans will create a raucous atmosphere on Sunday, and that will have an impact on the game.

Nobody yet knows how City’s players will react to their club being officially found guilty of cheating, and Liverpool will look to press them early and maximise their discomfort.

I think this could be a wild one, with plenty of goals. I wouldn’t rule out a Liverpool steamrolling.