Gameweek 11 of the Premier League season is almost upon us, with all 20 teams in action on Saturday and Sunday.
We have set our sights on five of the 10 matches taking place, before the league breaks off for the last international break until 2025.
A £10 wager on our three-leg acca would pay out £40.76, while the same stake on our five-leg version offers a potential return of £159.16.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester City: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals (5/6)
Manchester City suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season last time out, going down 2-1 to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
City are only two points adrift of top spot, so there is no point getting carried away. However, their squad is thinner than many imagine and has been hurt by a few injuries of late.
Pep Guardiola’s team will be keen to bounce back against Brighton & Hove Albion, yet this has the feel of a potential banana skin.
Brighton can give anyone in the Premier League a game on their day. They will not simply sit back and hope for the best against the champions.
There is every reason to believe this will be an entertaining affair on the south coast.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Liverpool to win (9/20)
Liverpool keep on rolling. A come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend moved Arne Slot’s side to the summit of the standings.
As for Aston Villa, a 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur means they have won just one of their last five top-flight games.
Villa are going strong in the Champions League, but their participation in that tournament may have taken something away from their Premier League form.
That is not what Unai Emery needs ahead of a trip to Anfield, which is one of the toughest assignments in English football right now.
With their home fans behind them, Liverpool should get the job done in gameweek 11.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Chelsea or draw (8/15)
Arsenal are going through a sticky patch. Fifth in the Premier League with more than a quarter of the campaign having elapsed, Mikel Arteta has work to do.
It is true that Arsenal have had a few injuries and suspensions to deal with of late, but that must not be used as an excuse.
Even with the absentees they have endured, the Gunners should have collected more than one point from the last nine available.
A tricky trip to Chelsea awaits this weekend. The Blues have lost to both Manchester City and Liverpool so far this season, and it is now down to Arsenal to show they can defeat Enzo Maresca’s men.
We do not fancy their chances of doing so. Arsenal are not out of the title race just yet, but they have now shown much spark in recent weeks.
Chelsea should be able to pick up a point at the very least in this London derby.
Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United: Nottingham Forest to score first (20/21)
What a season this is turning out to be for Nottingham Forest. Relegation candidates in both 2023/24 and 2024/25, Nuno Espirito Santo’s head into the weekend in third place.
Forest have won five and drawn four of their first 10 games, losing just once. They have more points to their name than Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur – and Newcastle United.
The Magpies will hope that last weekend’s 1-0 defeat of Arsenal will kick-start their campaign, but their away record for much of Eddie Howe’s tenure leaves a lot to be desired.
It is worth noting, too, that Newcastle have conceded the first goal in four of their five matches in 2024/25. The exception was a 0-0 draw with Everton.
Forest can hit the front by opening the scoring in front of their own fans at the City Ground.
West Ham United vs Everton: Under 2.5 goals (Evens)
Optimism abounded at the London Stadium over the summer, but West Ham United are yet to catch fire this term.
A 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest last weekend was the latest setback suffered by Julen Lopetegui, who may start to come under pressure unless things pick up soon.
West Ham have been too easy to play against up to now. They need to find a way to become tougher to play through.
Saturday’s showdown against Everton would be a good place to start. The Toffees are not the most creative team in the division from open play, so this is a chance for West Ham to demonstrate an improvement in their out-of-possession game.
All things considered, goals are likely to be few and far between in east London.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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