Sports Illustrated has released predictions for all Premier League Gameweek 4 fixtures, with several standout matches shaping the title race and table standings.
The Manchester derby on Sunday is described as the round’s standout fixture. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Liverpool face favorable home ties at Stamford Bridge and Anfield respectively, while reigning champions Arsenal travel to Sunderland for an away fixture.
In the Midlands derby, Aston Villa are favored against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park. Both clubs enter without a Premier League victory, according to the source. Villa are considered favorites after their midweek Champions League triumph over Club Brugge, and won both matchups against Forest last season, including a 4–0 Europa League semifinal victory.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are heavily favored to defeat Hull City. According to the source, Hull’s strong start—including seven points, three clean sheets, and a win over Manchester United—is partially unsustainable, with their 5.0 expected goals conceded ranking among the division’s worst records. Chelsea, which has recorded 3–2, 4–3, and 6–3 wins this season, should prove more routine.
Liverpool host Fulham at Anfield in a clash between a confident Liverpool side and a Fulham team that has suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats. The source notes that Fulham manager Andoni Iraola has won back-to-back matches against Ipswich and Atlético Madrid in midweek competition.
Crystal Palace take on Ipswich Town after consecutive victories—a win over Fulham followed by a 3–0 midweek victory against Middlesbrough. Ipswich, newly promoted, beat Sunderland in their opening match but have since suffered defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool.
Tottenham host Everton despite Spurs’ continued struggles despite spending $425 million in the summer transfer window. Tottenham remain without a Premier League victory this season following defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United, plus a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal travel to Sunderland after maintaining their perfect campaign with a 1–0 win over Napoli in midweek, though the source notes this scoreline did not reflect their dominance with 4.05 expected goals created. Sunderland have scored only once in each of their four competitive games so far.
Key facts
- Manchester derby is the standout Gameweek 4 fixture
- Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest enter without Premier League victories
- Chelsea heavily favored despite Hull’s strong start to season
- Tottenham remain without a Premier League win despite $425 million summer spending
- Arsenal won 1–0 over Napoli in midweek Champions League action
- Liverpool face Fulham who have lost all three Premier League matches