Manchester City vs Arsenal’s Title Race Clash & West Ham vs Chelsea in a London Derby, Plus SuperSport United vs Royal AM
The Premier League returns with a bang as Manchester City face Arsenal in a highly anticipated clash that could shape the title race. City’s unstoppable force, Erling Haaland, looks to add to his already impressive tally, while Arsenal aims to keep their momentum after a dominant victory in the North London Derby. But that’s not all—London rivalries heat up as West Ham host Chelsea, and Crystal Palace battle Manchester United in a Saturday night showdown. Over in the PSL, SuperSport United face Royal AM in an early-season showdown with both teams searching for their first win. Dive into our expert previews, key stats, and betting tips for the weekend’s biggest matchups.
Manchester City vs Arsenal: High Stakes Showdown
Manchester City sit comfortably atop the Premier League table with 12 points from their first four matches, once again proving they’re the team to beat. Erling Haaland, their unstoppable goal machine, continues to make Premier League history. With a brace against Brentford in their last match, Haaland has now scored nine goals in just four games—outscoring every other Premier League club by himself. He’ll be eager to keep up his blistering form and extend City’s winning streak, especially against Arsenal, a team he couldn’t score against in either meeting last season.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, however, come into this clash full of confidence after a big win over rivals Tottenham in the North London Derby. Arsenal vs. Manchester City has developed its own rivalry in recent seasons, thanks to Arsenal’s resurgence. Last year, they were the only team to seriously challenge City for the title, taking the race down to the final day. Arsenal held their own in both league encounters last season, taking four points and keeping City scoreless in both games—a rare achievement against Pep Guardiola’s attack.
This clash is set to be a tight, fiercely contested match that could have huge implications for the title race, when we look back at the end of the season. Both teams will be going all out for the win, though they’ll have to be cautious of each other’s firepower up front.
Key Stats:
- Arsenal’s last win away at Manchester City came in 2015.
- In the last 15 Premier League meetings against Arsenal, City have won 12, drawn 2, and lost 1.
- Arsenal have yet to concede an away goal this season.
- The Gunners have scored in 15 consecutive matches.
- Manchester City draw no bet
- Under 3.5 goals
- Manchester City 1-0 Arsenal – Correct score
West Ham vs Chelsea: London Derby Clash
West Ham host Chelsea in another fiery edition of the London derby to kick off this Premier League weekend. Despite a promising summer transfer window, new manager Julen Lopetegui has struggled to find his footing, managing just one win in their opening four matches. Their most recent game saw Danny Ings come off the bench to salvage a 95th-minute equaliser against Fulham, but the Hammers will need more than late heroics as they face a tougher challenge in Chelsea.
Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, have had a slightly better start to the season, earning seven points from their first four games. They come into this match off the back of a solid 1-0 win at Bournemouth, securing their first clean sheet in 18 league games. However, matches against West Ham are rarely quiet affairs—last season’s fixtures between the two teams produced nine goals, with Chelsea winning 5-0 at home and losing 1-3 away at the London Stadium.
This promises to be another action-packed encounter, with both sides looking to build momentum in this early part of the season.
Key Stats:
- The last 10 meetings between West Ham and Chelsea have seen an average of exactly three goals per game.
- West Ham have not lost at home against Chelsea in their last three encounters.
- West Ham have scored in every game this season across all competitions.
- Both teams to score
- Over 2.5 goals
- West Ham 1-2 Chelsea – Correct score
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: Selhurst Park Showdown
Crystal Palace welcome Manchester United to Selhurst Park this Saturday evening in a clash that promises plenty of drama. Palace are still searching for their first win of the season, with only two points from their opening four games. However, their recent comeback against Leicester City, where Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace—including a dramatic 92nd-minute equaliser—rescued a point, showed they’re not short on fight.
Manchester United are also feeling the heat after losing two of their first four Premier League matches, putting Erik ten Hag under early pressure. But the Red Devils are riding a wave of renewed confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Southampton, followed by a 7-0 demolition of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. Despite these recent wins, United will be wary—Palace did the double over them last season, winning 4-0 at Selhurst Park and 1-0 at Old Trafford, leaving United scoreless in both encounters.
With both teams looking to steady their rocky starts, expect a tense and closely fought battle at Selhurst Park.
Key Stats:
- Crystal Palace did the double over Manchester United last season.
- Manchester United have won just one of their last five Premier League matches against Palace.
- Only once since 2005 has this fixture seen over four goals in a match (27 meetings).
- Under 3.5 goals
- Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester United – Correct score
SuperSport United vs Royal AM: Early Season Showdown
SuperSport United host Royal AM this Saturday afternoon in their second fixture of the 2024/2025 Premier Division season. Both teams are still searching for their first win of the campaign. Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport will be looking to bounce back from a tough 2-0 defeat in their opener against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, where they only managed 27% possession. Meanwhile, Royal AM salvaged a point against Cape Town City thanks to Sera Motebang’s late equaliser.
In their last six meetings, SuperSport have the edge with three wins to Royal AM’s two, with one draw between them. SuperSport did the double over Royal AM last season, winning both encounters, adding to their confidence going into this match.
Key Stats:
- Both teams have scored in 14 of the last 18 meetings between SuperSport and Royal AM.
- The last 10 games between these teams have averaged 2.5 goals per match.
- Over 1.5 goals
- SuperSport United to win
- Both teams to score
- SuperSport United 2-1 Royal AM – Correct score
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Written by: Noah Ngcobo.
