After the roller coaster week that intervened between matchday two and matchday three of the 2021/22 English Premier League, the teams are finally ready to take to the field for the third round of league matches this season.
Manchester was the source of the biggest news during the week as Cristiano Ronaldo completed his return to Manchester United from Juventus after he was linked with a move to rivals Manchester City.
Here is our English Premier League matchday three preview and tips from our in-house experts.
Manchester City vs Arsenal: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will lead his team out against his mentor and former boss Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal have lost both of their league matches so far this season. Manchester City won their last match against Norwich City 5-0, and the Gunners finally got off the mark for the season with a 6-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup.
The champions are clear favourites, with recent history also in their favour. Manchester City win- 1.34 odds; Arsenal win- 8.50 odds; Draw- 4.95 odds.
Aston Villa vs Brentford: Newly-promoted Brentford will face a stern test against Aston Villa after remaining unbeaten in their first two matches of the season.
They will face an Aston Villa side that picked up their first win of the season on matchday two.
Aston Villa win- 1.95 odds; Brentford win- 3.80 odds; Draw- 3.35 odds.
Brighton vs Everton: Brighton have won both of their matches this season, while Everton have picked up four points from their two matches so far this season. Brighton will look to pick up a third straight win this season against Rafa Benitez’s men. Everton have won two of their last three meetings against Brighton.
Brighton win- 2.30 odds; Everton win- 3.15 odds; Draw- 3.15 odds.
Newcastle United vs Southampton: Newcastle have lost both of their matches in the league this season, but have a good record against Southampton. The Magpies have won three of their last four meetings against Southampton in the league, but Southampton will be buoyed by their draw against Manchester United in their last match.
Newcastle win- 2.40 odds; Southampton win- 3.85 odds; Draw- 3.30 odds.
Norwich City vs Leicester City: Newly-promoted Norwich have lost both of their games this season and would be up against a wounded Leicester side that suffered a heavy defeat in their last outing. Norwich defeated Leicester City on their last visit to Carrow Road and would be looking for a repeat of that outcome once again.
Norwich win- 3.85 odds; Leicester win- 1.90 odds; Draw- 3.55 odds.
West Ham United vs Crystal Palace: Surprise leaders West Ham will take on a struggling Crystal Palace side that is still yet to find its feet under Patrick Vieira. The Eagles were knocked out of the Carabao Cup during the week and will be looking to pick up maximum points in this London derby.
West Ham win- 1.51 odds; Crystal Palace win- 6.25 odds; Draw- 4.05 odds.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Two of the league’s title contenders will put their title credentials to the test when they lock horns at Anfield. Both sides have won their matches this season by the exact same scorelines and sit atop the standings alongside West Ham. Chelsea defeated Liverpool in their last visit to Anfield but expect to face a different kind of challenge this time around.
Liverpool win- 2.50 odds; Chelsea win- 2.80 odds; Draw- 3.15 odds.
Burnley vs Leeds United: Burnley will face a Leeds United side that they lost to twice last season at Turf Moor on the back of a defeat to Liverpool. The Clarets have lost both of their opening matches this season and would look to get off the mark at home to Leeds United.
Burnley win- 3.00 odds; Leeds United win- 2.25 odds; Draw- 3.35 odds.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Watford: Newly-promoted Watford will face Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the hopes of upsetting the North London side. Tottenham can welcome Harry Kane to their starting lineup after his two-goal showing in their Europa Conference League match in the midweek. The home side have won both of their matches this season, while Watford have won one and lost one of their matches.
Tottenham win- 1.41 odds; Watford win- 8.25 odds; Draw- 4.25 odds.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United: Manchester United will play with a spring in their step when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers only days after confirming the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the club. The Red Devils have picked up four points to this season and would look to pick up all three points against a winless Wolves side.
Wolves win- 4.50 odds; Manchester United win- 1.83 odds; Draw- 3.25 odds.
