Sophia
The international break is behind us, and the Premier League roars back into action this weekend with a captivating lineup of fixtures. After a two-week hiatus, fans are treated to a packed schedule, including two highly anticipated derbies and the return of a familiar face to the dugout.
Get ready for 36 hours of non-stop football action, as Friday and Monday night games are off the menu. Here are Sports Illustrated’s Premier League predictions for Gameweek 4, offering insights into what promises to be a thrilling return to domestic football.
Saturday, September 13: Ange Postecoglou’s Return and Derby Drama
The headline act for Saturday sees the swift return of Ange Postecoglou to the Premier League. Barely three months after his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, Postecoglou takes the reins at Nottingham Forest, succeeding Nuno Espirito Santo. His tenure begins with an immediate test as Forest travels to the Emirates to face title hopefuls Arsenal in the early kick-off.
While Postecoglou might not be looking to do his former club any favors, a positive start against Spurs’ fiercest rivals would certainly endear him to the Forest faithful.
Mid-Afternoon Clashes and European Ambitions
A host of 3 p.m. kick-offs will keep fans glued to their screens, including an intriguing south coast derby between Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Vitality Stadium. Both sides enjoyed impressive results before the break and are eyeing a push for European qualification this season.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa, still searching for their first goal of the season, visit Everton’s new stadium. An injury-hit Sunderland makes their first trip to London this season to face a Crystal Palace side that remarkably held onto the services of Marc Guéhi.
Leeds United also heads to the capital, taking on Fulham at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, Newcastle United hosts Wolverhampton Wanderers, though the Magpies will be without new signing Yoane Wissa due to injury.
Evening Encounters: London Derbies and Debutants
The evening brings more excitement, starting with West Ham United welcoming back Mohammed Kudus to the London Stadium. Tottenham will be eager to return to winning ways against the Hammers, with Thomas Frank potentially unleashing new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani for the first time.
The day concludes with another London derby as Chelsea makes the short trip across west London to face Brentford.
Saturday’s Predictions:
| Kick-Off Time | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET | Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest | 3–1 |
| 3:00 p.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. ET | Bournemouth vs. Brighton | 1–2 |
| 3:00 p.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. ET | Crystal Palace vs. Sunderland | 2–0 |
| 3:00 p.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. ET | Everton vs. Aston Villa | 2–1 |
| 3:00 p.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. ET | Fulham vs. Leeds | 3–1 |
| 3:00 p.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. ET | Newcastle vs. Wolves | 2–0 |
| 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET | West Ham vs. Tottenham | 1–2 |
| 8:00 p.m. BST / 2:45 p.m. ET | Brentford vs. Chelsea | 1–1 |
Sunday, September 14: Manchester Bragging Rights on the Line
Sunday delivers the highly anticipated Manchester derby, a clash that always promises drama and intensity. Manchester City, surprisingly winless in their last two outings after a dazzling Gameweek 1, will be desperate to reclaim local bragging rights against Manchester United.
The Red Devils, under Ruben Amorim, secured a much-needed victory against Burnley two weeks ago. Despite their perceived flaws, United have often proven more effective against stronger opposition under the Portuguese coach. Last season saw United win both Manchester derbies, including a crucial 2-1 victory at the Etihad.
Liverpool’s Title Charge and Isak’s Return
Earlier on Sunday, Liverpool travels to Turf Moor to face newly promoted Burnley. The champions, despite a historic summer spend, are yet to hit top gear but have secured maximum points so far. Fans will be eager to potentially see Alexander Isak in action for the first time since his record-breaking move to Liverpool on Deadline Day. The Swedish international featured briefly during the international break as he works his way back to full match fitness.
The Reds will be keen to assert their dominance and secure a comfortable victory against Burnley to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Sunday’s Predictions:
| Kick-Off Time | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 p.m. BST / 9:00 a.m. ET | Burnley vs. Liverpool | 1–4 |
| 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET | Man City vs. Man Utd | 2–2 |
Gameweek 4 promises a return to thrilling Premier League action, with pivotal matches across the country. From managerial debuts to fierce derbies, every fixture holds significance as teams look to establish their positions early in the season.
