Gameweek 5 Showdowns: Bold Premier League Predictions That Could Shake the Table

While the Champions League's comeback captured midweek attention, the Premier League is set to dominate our television viewing this weekend.

Three especially thrilling encounters await fans, along with compelling storylines at the bottom of the standings.

Below are Sports Illustrated's Premier League forecasts for Matchday 5.

Saturday, Sept. 20: The Merseyside Derby, Man Utd Host Chelsea

Dramatic late goals have rescued Liverpool throughout their Premier League championship defense in recent weeks, with similar last-minute theatrics following them into European competition midweek. Their streak of crucial strikes in the final moments cannot continue indefinitely, though this doesn't guarantee their flawless start will be broken in Saturday's Merseyside clash. Everton have shown significant improvement under David Moyes yet rarely triumph at Anfield, managing victory just once this century.

Tottenham Hotspur match Liverpool as impressive early performers this campaign with three wins from four matches under Thomas Frank. Nevertheless, they'll encounter recent nemesis Brighton & Hove Albion away from home this weekend, having dropped three of their previous four meetings with the Seagulls. This represents a significant examination of their Champions League ambitions.

Ange Postecoglou has suffered a disastrous beginning to his Nottingham Forest management, falling to a humiliating late loss against Swansea City midweek following defeat at Arsenal in his opening match. A trip to newly-promoted Burnley should offer a routine fixture for the Europa League participants, yet the Clarets demonstrated their defensive resilience again in a narrow defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

West Ham United received a reality check in their previous outing, suffering a 3–0 local derby loss at home to Tottenham. They return to the London Stadium looking to bounce back against another London rival in Crystal Palace, who maintain their unbeaten streak across four Premier League matches.

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain the league's sole pointless team but will believe they can break their drought at home against Leeds United. Should Vítor Pereira's squad fail to defeat their promoted opponents, serious concerns will arise.

Regarding struggling clubs, Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Saturday for another encounter with a traditional 'big six' opponent. The Red Devils welcome Chelsea after already falling to Arsenal and Manchester City, hoping to capitalize on any exhaustion in Enzo Maresca's squad following their midweek defeat at Bayern Munich. Another home loss for Ruben Amorim would intensify pressure on his position.

The Blues have faced west London neighbors Fulham and Brentford in their recent two Premier League fixtures, but the Cottagers and Bees clash in Saturday's evening kickoff. Though not England's most intense rivalry, local pride and three crucial points remain at stake.

Sunday, Sept. 21: An Enormous Battle in North London

Arsenal vs. Manchester City will certainly dominate Sunday's coverage as both teams seek to demonstrate their championship potential. The Gunners suffered defeat in their opening major challenge of the campaign at Anfield and must adopt a more attacking strategy to prevent a repeat result at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. City endured a 5–1 loss in this matchup last season and have already suffered two defeats this term, yet they remain perpetual title contenders.

Two matches precede the north London spectacle, taking place at opposite ends of England. Bournemouth will welcome Newcastle United while hoping to maintain their remarkably strong season start, achieving three victories from four under Andoni Iraola thus far. The Magpies have secured just one league win and must rapidly bounce back from their European loss to Barcelona on Thursday evening.

Sunderland hosts the other early Sunday fixture, receiving Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have claimed both their home league victories and face a Villa team that has netted only once across all competitions. Unai Emery's side lacks peak form but possesses the talent to trouble any opposition when performing well.