Arsenal and Liverpool lead the weekend’s games

Without any context, it would be strange to say that the top team in the table has a serious proof game against the team in ninth place and 11 points behind this weekend. But that’s exactly what Sunday’s game is for Arsenal.

The Gunners top the Premier League table for the first 20% of the season and have more than twice as many points as Liverpool. The Reds visit Arsenal in ninth place on Sunday and are only in the top 10 on goal difference.

Still, Arsenal aren’t a clear favorite to win. The Gunners only have +150 to claim the win while Liverpool have +160. Liverpool scored a win over Rangers in the Champions League this week when Jurgen Klopp changed the formation to bring all four of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunes, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz onto the field at the same time. Will we see similar form against Arsenal with Thiago and Jordan Henderson in front of the back four? It wouldn’t surprise us. Klopp’s substitutions on Tuesday certainly seemed to have the weekend in mind.

A win for Liverpool at this point is huge. The Reds just can’t afford to be 14 points behind first place eight games into the season. Arsenal, meanwhile, need to get as many points as possible to stay ahead of the Manchester City machine.

Here’s a look at all of the matchups this weekend. All odds are from BetMGM.

Newcastle v Brentford (2.5)

• Newcastle (-125)

• Brentford (+310)

• Tie (+280)

Newcastle is seventh, Brentford tenth. It’s a top 10 matchup to start the weekend and we’ll pick Newcastle.

Chelsea vs Wolves (2.5)

• Chelsea (-250)

• Wolves (+725)

• tie (+375)

This is Wolves’ first game after sacking Bruno Lage. The problems with scoring goals will probably remain for a while. Chelsea is the choice.

Manchester City vs Southampton (3.5)

• City (-800)

• Southampton (+1800)

• Tie (+900)

Southampton are in position to squeak out a point or lose this game 9-0. Over seems to be a better call here than taking advantage of the tiny chances of a City win.

The story goes on

Bournemouth v Leicester City (2.5)

• Bournemouth (+230)

• City (+110)

• tie (+260)

Let’s start with two in a row for Leicester City.

Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham (2.5)

• Brighton (+165)

• Tottenham (+150)

• Tie (+250)

Brighton should probably be favored at home here but Tottenham get the big name. We will go with Brighton to get the win.

West Ham vs Fulham (2.5)

• Westham (-135)

• Fulham (+340)

• Tie (+280)

Fulham may be without Aleksandar Mtrovic with an ankle injury. We’ll probably go out of the line-up with West Ham with him.

Crystal Palace vs Leeds (2.5)

• Palace (+110)

• Leeds (+225)

• tie (+260)

Palace tried to steal a point from Chelsea before former loanee Conor Gallagher broke their hearts late on. We wear a tie.

Arsenal v Liverpool (2.5)

• Armory (+150)

• Liverpool (+160)

• tie (+260)

Liverpool have not been on form this season and it’s time for things to change. That starts on Sunday.

Everton vs. Manchester United (2.5)

• Everton (+260)

• United (+100)

• tie (+260)

Everton have been better than expected so far this season and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they clinched all three points against an odd Manchester United side coming out of a Europa League game on Thursday.

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa (2.5)

• forest (+225)

• Villa (+120)

• tie (+240)

Forest were thrashed by Leicester last Monday while Villa is currently a mystery. We’ll go with the tie.