The English Premier League is back open for the weekend following the international break – and there are a pair of derbies to light up the return to action.
It’s a capital city affair on Saturday evening, as Chelsea and Arsenal renew hostilities at Stamford Bridge.
There’s more than bragging rights at stake, too, with the Gunners sitting pretty thanks to an unbeaten start that has seen them sweep up six wins from eight.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side weren’t in the market for a fortnight off either, coming into this one hoping the pause hasn’t killed the momentum that saw them pick up back-to-back victories for the first time in a fraught season.
Merseyside hosts the first rival clash of the EPL comeback when Liverpool play Everton in the Saturday lunchtime kick off.
The Reds were likely glad of the breather after their previously excellent start was marred by a defeat and a draw before the internationals.
Sean Dyche’s Toffees, meanwhile, have won two of their last three to pull away from the relegation zone.
There’s a stern test to be had for reigning champions Manchester City, who welcome Brighton to the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s men are second in the Premier League table and take on a Seagulls side just two points beneath them, under the impressive charge of Roberto de Zerbi.
Manchester United can nudge their way up towards European qualification when they go to rock bottom Sheffield United for the Saturday night kick off.
Erik ten Hag’s side employed their get out of jail free card to seal three points at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, but it did leave them with two victories from their last three.
The promoted Blades sit with just a single point to show for their efforts so far this season.
Another derby completes the long weekend in the capital city on Monday night, when top-of-the-table Tottenham host Fulham.
Spurs are leading the way under Australian coach Ange Postecoglou, while their west London opponents are bobbing along merrily in mid table.
Sunday’s sole EPL fixture is also high quality affair, as Aston Villa go up against West Ham.
It’s a claret and blue dust up for the pair, who come into the contest firmly in the mix to push for continental qualification next season.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Newcastle look to extend their four-match unbeaten run when Crystal Palace visit St James’ Park.
The Eagles are just a point and a place behind Eddie Howe’s side in the standings after an impressive start of their own under the wise old tutelage of veteran coach Roy Hodgson.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neill has a point to prove when he returns to his former club Bournemouth.
The rookie coach was harshly sacked by the Cherries, who come into this one in dire need of a result, sitting five points beneath their visitors.
Nottingham Forest are also eyeing three points to pull themselves away from trouble when they tackle spirited Luton at the City Ground.
Steve Cooper’s team are without a win in four but take on a side that has scored just six times so fat this Premier League season.
Another clash in the EPL’s nether regions polishes off the programme, as Brentford play Burnley.
Both have won just once this season, with the hosts in particular on a miserable run of form that sees them flirting with the relegation zone despite the best efforts of charismatic coach Thomas Frank.
English Premier League predictions for 21 – 23 October
Liverpool v Everton
| Result prediction | Liverpool to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Liverpool to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | Mohamed Salah(Liverpool), A. Doucouré(Everton) |
AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton Wanderers
| Result prediction | Wolverhampton Wanderers to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Wolverhampton Wanderers to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | Hwang Hee-Chan(Wolverhampton Wanderers) |
Brentford v Burnley
| Result prediction | Brentford to win |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Brentford to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | M. Jensen(Brentford) |
Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion
| Result prediction | draw |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Manchester City / draw |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | E. Haaland(Manchester City), E. Ferguson(Brighton & Hove Albion) |
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
| Result prediction | Newcastle United to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Newcastle United / Newcastle United to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | C. Wilson(Newcastle United), A. Isak(Newcastle United), O. Édouard(Crystal Palace) |
Nottingham Forest v Luton Town
| Result prediction | draw |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Luton Town / draw |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | n/a |
Chelsea v Arsenal
| Result prediction | Arsenal to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / Arsenal to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | B. Saka(Arsenal) |
Sheffield United v Manchester United
| Result prediction | draw |
| Over/Under prediction | under 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | draw / draw |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | n/a |
Aston Villa v West Ham United
| Result prediction | Aston Villa to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | West Ham United / Aston Villa to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | O. Watkins(Aston Villa), J. Bowen(West Ham United) |
Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham
| Result prediction | Tottenham Hotspur to win |
| Over/Under prediction | over 2.5 goals |
| HT / FT prediction | Tottenham Hotspur / Tottenham Hotspur to win |
| Team to Score prediction | both teams |
| Anytime Goalscorer prediction | Son Heung-Min(Tottenham Hotspur) |