PL Preview: Any upsets in Matchweek 7?
The PL enters matchweek 7 with Man City setting a formidable pace at the top of the table, Arsenal leading the pursuit and several established clubs struggling to meet expectations. We’ve taken a look at all 10 matches in this weekend’s game round from England!
The weekend’s schedule offers an intriguing mixture of title-race pressure, local rivalries and important fixtures at the bottom, where the early results are already creating considerable anxiety.
City have won all six league matches under Enzo Maresca, while Brighton have emerged as one of the season’s most entertaining teams. Liverpool and Manchester United are searching for greater consistency, and Tottenham remain without a victory. With all 20 clubs in action between Saturday and Monday, we examine the ten fixtures and identify a recommended bet for each encounter.
Everton vs Chelsea
Saturday at 13:30 CEST
Everton’s unbeaten start has been one of the PL’s more encouraging early-season stories. With ten points from six matches, they sit fifth and have demonstrated an ability to remain competitive even when opponents enjoy greater possession. Their 2-2 draw away to Hull City last weekend maintained that record, although David Moyes will want his team to turn more of their draws into victories.
Chelsea arrive level on points following an emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth, which provided a welcome response to their inconsistent opening weeks. Xabi Alonso’s team possess considerable attacking quality, with João Pedro and Morgan Rogers among the players capable of influencing matches, but their defensive record remains a concern. Chelsea have scored freely while also conceding too many opportunities, creating an imbalance that stronger opponents can exploit.
Everton should attempt to make this a physical contest, restricting Chelsea’s space between the lines and looking for opportunities from set pieces. The visitors will prefer to control possession and use their technical advantage to create openings, although Everton’s organisation makes that difficult.
Chelsea’s attacking quality gives them a slight edge, but Everton’s unbeaten record and home advantage suggest the visitors will face a demanding afternoon.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score at 1.55
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Chelsea
Brentford vs Liverpool
Saturday at 16:00 CEST
Brentford have made an impressive start, remaining unbeaten through six league matches and climbing above Liverpool in the standings. Their ability to defend compactly and compete physically has made them difficult opponents, while their direct attacking approach allows them to create opportunities without dominating possession.
Liverpool’s campaign has been less convincing. Andoni Iraola’s side have collected nine points and suffered their first league defeat in last weekend’s 3-0 loss against Manchester City. Although Liverpool responded with an emphatic CL victory over LASK, their domestic performances have lacked consistency, particularly when opponents successfully resist their aggressive pressing.
Brentford’s tactical approach could therefore cause significant problems. The hosts are comfortable defending without possession and can bypass Liverpool’s pressure through direct passes into attacking areas. That reduces the effectiveness of Iraola’s preferred system, which depends on recovering possession high up the pitch and attacking before opponents reorganise.
Liverpool possess greater individual quality, but Brentford’s unbeaten record is not accidental. Their defensive discipline and ability to disrupt opponents make them particularly dangerous at home, while Liverpool must also manage the physical demands of their midweek European fixture.
The visitors may create enough chances to score, but Brentford look capable of extending their unbeaten run.
Recommended bet: Brentford or draw (double chance) at 1.45
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Liverpool
Fulham vs Hull City
Saturday at 16:00 CEST
Fulham enter this fixture bottom of the PL with only two points from six matches, leaving Álvaro Arbeloa under considerable pressure to secure his first league victory. Their latest defeat was particularly damaging, as Ipswich Town scored twice late on to turn an apparent Fulham victory into a 2-1 loss.
The hosts have struggled to convert possession into goals, and Gonzalo García’s finishing has attracted attention during the opening weeks. Fulham have created opportunities without demonstrating the efficiency required to secure results, while defensive lapses have repeatedly undermined otherwise competitive performances.
Hull City have enjoyed a more encouraging return to the PL, collecting nine points from their opening six fixtures. However, their recent results suggest that the initial momentum is beginning to fade. A four-match winless sequence has exposed defensive weaknesses, with Hull conceding twice in each of their last three league matches.
This represents an important opportunity for Fulham because Hull are likely to provide more attacking space than several of their previous opponents. Arbeloa’s side must approach the fixture positively without becoming reckless, particularly given the psychological pressure created by their position at the bottom.
Hull possess enough attacking quality to threaten, but Fulham’s urgency and home advantage could finally produce a breakthrough.
Recommended bet: Fulham to win at 1.70
Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Hull City
Manchester City vs Ipswich Town
Saturday at 16:00 CEST
Manchester City have been the outstanding PL team so far, winning all six matches under Enzo Maresca and establishing a three-point lead over Arsenal. Their latest league performance was especially impressive, with a 3-0 victory at Liverpool demonstrating that they can dominate major opponents through both possession and direct attacking football.
Their #9 remains the central threat, while Jérémy Doku, Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo provide a variety of attacking options. Maresca has also demonstrated tactical flexibility, allowing City to exploit opponents through quicker transitions when sustained possession is less effective.
Ipswich deserve considerable credit for collecting nine points from six matches, including their dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham last weekend. However, their defensive performances against stronger opponents suggest that this trip to the Etihad could be particularly difficult. Ipswich conceded five goals against Manchester United earlier in the campaign and have struggled to prevent elite attacking teams from creating opportunities.
The visitors are unlikely to enjoy extended periods of possession, making their defensive organisation and ability to counterattack especially important. City should dominate territory and create numerous chances, although Maresca may consider some rotation following Wednesday’s CL fixture against PSG.
Even with potential changes, the hosts possess considerably greater quality and should maintain their perfect league record.
Recommended bet: Manchester City to win and over 2.5 goals at 1.58
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Ipswich Town
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
Saturday at 18:30 CEST
Newcastle return to St James’ Park seeking a response to their disappointing 4-1 defeat against Coventry City, a result that increased scrutiny of Matthias Jaissle’s early work. The Magpies have collected eight points from six matches, but their defensive record is concerning, with 13 goals conceded and too many opponents finding opportunities in dangerous central areas.
Aston Villa have also experienced a difficult domestic start, taking five points and sitting close to the relegation places. Nevertheless, their attacking performances have shown signs of improvement, particularly through the developing partnership between Nicolas Jackson and Yohan Manzambi. Villa’s emphatic 6-0 CL victory over Fenerbahçe demonstrated the attacking quality available when their forwards receive effective service.
Both teams have struggled defensively, which creates the possibility of an open encounter. Newcastle have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 12 home matches, while Villa have conceded 11 league goals and face additional concerns at left-back.
Newcastle should attempt to use the atmosphere at St James’ Park to establish an aggressive tempo, but Villa possess the attacking movement to exploit space behind the hosts’ defensive line. The visitors’ improved confidence in Europe could also influence their approach, although Newcastle will be determined to produce a more convincing performance.
With neither defence providing much reassurance, goals appear more attractive than selecting a winner.
Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals at 1.60
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Aston Villa
Bournemouth vs Sunderland
Sunday at 15:00 CEST
Bournemouth and Sunderland meet with both clubs searching for improvements after difficult opening weeks. Bournemouth remain without a PL victory, collecting three points from six matches, and their 5-1 defeat against Chelsea exposed significant defensive weaknesses.
Sunderland have managed four points and occupy the final relegation position, although their performances have occasionally offered greater encouragement than the results suggest. Brian Brobbey has provided an important attacking presence, but Sunderland have struggled to maintain control against technically stronger opponents.
The hosts will hope that returning to the Vitality Stadium provides an opportunity to play with greater confidence. Justin Kluivert’s creativity and movement could become particularly important against a Sunderland defence that has struggled to prevent opponents from progressing through midfield.
Both clubs have also faced demanding schedules, including European commitments, which could influence their intensity and team selections. Bournemouth will want to establish control through possession, while Sunderland may prefer to remain compact and attack the spaces created when the hosts advance.
The pressure on Bournemouth to secure their first victory is considerable, but Sunderland’s defensive problems offer encouragement. Home advantage could be decisive if Bournemouth can avoid the individual mistakes that have undermined recent performances.
Recommended bet: Bournemouth to win at 2.10
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Sunderland
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Sunday at 15:00 CEST
Brighton have emerged as one of the PL’s most impressive teams, collecting 13 points from six matches and scoring a league-high 18 goals. Fabian Hürzeler’s side have combined attacking ambition with increasingly effective movement, and their 2-0 victory at Sunderland last weekend strengthened their position in the top three.
Crystal Palace have experienced a more inconsistent campaign, taking seven points, although their 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest demonstrated that Oliver Glasner’s team remain capable of producing dangerous attacking performances.
This rivalry has frequently produced unpredictable results, and Palace have enjoyed considerable recent success at Brighton. However, the hosts’ current attacking form makes them difficult to oppose, particularly against a Palace defence that has allowed opponents a substantial number of shooting opportunities.
Brighton’s ability to create overloads in wide areas and move possession quickly through midfield could prove decisive. Palace will attempt to remain compact before exploiting space through counterattacks, but sustaining defensive concentration against a team averaging three goals per league match will be challenging.
The visitors have enough quality to create opportunities, particularly if Brighton commit players forward, but Hürzeler’s side have demonstrated greater consistency and attacking efficiency.
Recommended bet: Brighton to win at 1.50
Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Crystal Palace
Leeds United vs Manchester United
Sunday at 15:00 CEST
The rivalry between Leeds and Manchester United adds considerable intensity to a fixture that already carries important consequences for both clubs. Leeds have made an encouraging start to their PL campaign, collecting nine points and establishing themselves in the top half, despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against Arsenal last weekend.
Manchester United have been considerably less convincing under Michael Carrick, taking six points from six matches. Their 1-1 draw against Tottenham extended a frustrating sequence of results, although Bryan Mbeumo’s goal demonstrated the attacking quality available when United move possession effectively into dangerous areas.
Elland Road will provide a demanding environment for the visitors, particularly because Leeds have demonstrated a willingness to compete aggressively in midfield. Their ability to win second balls and disrupt opponents could create problems for a United team that has frequently struggled to maintain control.
Carrick will hope that Carlos Baleba can provide greater defensive protection, while Bruno Fernandes remains crucial to the visitors’ creativity. However, Leeds possess enough energy and attacking quality to exploit the spaces United leave when committing players forward.
United’s superior individual talent makes them dangerous, but their inconsistent performances offer little justification for treating them as clear favourites. Leeds have demonstrated greater collective discipline, and home advantage could prove significant.
Recommended bet: Leeds or draw (double chance) at 1.42
Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Manchester United
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Sunday at 17:30 CEST
Arsenal travel to the City Ground attempting to maintain pressure on Manchester City at the top of the PL. The defending champions have collected 15 points from six matches, with their latest victory coming against Leeds, although they required a second-half comeback to secure the result.
Nottingham Forest have experienced a more difficult opening period, collecting five points and struggling to turn competitive performances into victories. Their 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace highlighted familiar concerns about defensive organisation, although Forest have created opportunities that their results have not always reflected.
Arsenal’s strength lies in their ability to combine patient possession with dangerous movement around the penalty area. Bukayo Saka remains an important attacking outlet, while their captain’s creativity provides opportunities for teammates to exploit space between defenders.
Forest are unlikely to dominate possession, but their ability to defend compactly and counterattack could make this a demanding afternoon. Arsenal have occasionally struggled against opponents who remain disciplined and restrict central passing options, making the opening goal particularly important.
Nevertheless, Arsenal possess greater attacking quality and a more reliable defensive structure. Forest should compete physically and may create opportunities, but the visitors appear better equipped to manage the decisive moments.
Recommended bet: Arsenal to win at 1.60
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
Tottenham vs Coventry City
Monday at 21:00 CEST
Tottenham conclude the game round still searching for their first PL victory under Roberto De Zerbi. Three draws and three defeats have left Spurs in the relegation places, with their 1-1 draw at Manchester United providing a point but doing little to remove concerns about their attacking performances.
Coventry arrive with renewed confidence following an emphatic 4-1 victory over Newcastle, a result that demonstrated their ability to exploit defensive mistakes and convert opportunities efficiently. The promoted club have collected six points from six matches, but their latest performance suggests they possess enough attacking quality to trouble opponents who struggle to defend transitions.
That could be particularly significant against Tottenham. De Zerbi’s preference for building attacks from deep positions has not yet produced the fluency expected, and Spurs have repeatedly appeared vulnerable when possession is lost in midfield.
Coventry should attempt to remain compact and exploit those moments, while Tottenham will look to establish territorial control and create opportunities through sustained possession. The hosts possess greater individual quality, but their lack of confidence makes it difficult to assume that they will dominate proceedings.
The pressure on De Zerbi will increase considerably if Tottenham fail to win, and Coventry’s recent attacking performance suggests the visitors are capable of making this an uncomfortable evening.
Recommended bet: Both teams to score at 1.68
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Coventry City
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this match, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 16.10.2026
