Gameweek 7 Premier League Showdowns: Bold Predictions and Must-Watch Clashes

With yet another unwelcome international break approaching, Gameweek 7 offers the final batch of Premier League matches before the mid-October resumption.

Nine elite clubs participated in European competitions during the week, with England's representatives experiencing mixed fortunes across the continent. The so-called "smaller teams" will look to capitalize on their rivals' exhaustion to head into the international window with momentum.

Here are Sports Illustrated's Premier League forecasts for the coming round of matches.

Friday, Oct. 3: Bournemouth Look to Continue Unbeaten Streak

Bournemouth have emerged as one of the Premier League season's unexpected success stories. Despite widespread predictions of struggle following their defensive exodus in the transfer window, the Cherries remain undefeated across their previous five outings and sit in sixth position.

Fulham face the challenge of disrupting their momentum on Friday evening, with the Cottagers seeking redemption after their contentious 3–1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. The west London outfit hasn't secured victory at the Vitality Stadium since 2019, however.

Saturday, Oct. 4: A Pivotal Encounter at Stamford Bridge

Saturday's evening kickoff represents the weekend's marquee Premier League fixture, featuring struggling Liverpool's visit to Stamford Bridge. The Reds have suffered consecutive defeats and displayed woeful defensive form, presenting an opportunity Chelsea will seek to exploit. The Blues have shown inconsistent form themselves but could deliver a significant victory to regain momentum this weekend.

The day commences at Elland Road, where Leeds United hope to benefit from Tottenham's fatigue following their midweek Arctic expedition. Spurs were compelled to rally from a two-goal deficit to salvage a draw against Bodø/Glimt on Tuesday, extending their poor run to just one victory in their last four outings across all competitions.

Tottenham's north London rivals enjoyed greater midweek success, with Arsenal defeating Olympiacos to build upon last weekend's dramatic victory at Newcastle United. The Gunners anticipate another triumph on Saturday afternoon when they welcome fellow London club West Ham United, with Nuno Espírito Santo aiming to frustrate Arsenal in his second match as Irons manager.

Manchester United were thrust back into turmoil following their abysmal defeat at Brentford last weekend and desperately need maximum points at home against Sunderland. Their sole campaign victories have occurred at Old Trafford, but the Black Cats will pose significant problems having made an excellent start to the season. They occupy fifth place entering Gameweek 7.

Sunday, Oct. 5: Man City Seek Recovery

In an unusual scheduling twist, Sunday features more fixtures than Saturday. Five matches will fill our television screens, with four scheduled for 2 p.m. BST. One encounter presents a clash of claret and blue, as Aston Villa welcome Burnley while seeking to build upon their maiden Premier League victory of the campaign with another home triumph.

Crystal Palace remain the Premier League's sole unbeaten side following their remarkable last-minute victory over Liverpool last weekend, and they encounter another Merseyside opponent on Sunday when they travel to Everton. The Toffees, who have also made an encouraging seasonal start, will attempt to halt Palace's run while pursuing their first league victory since August's conclusion.

Both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest featured in midweek European action, though the latter benefited from a home Europa League tie. This fixture appeared evenly matched at the season's outset, but Ange Postecoglou's disappointing tenure as Forest manager means Newcastle enter as clear favorites on Sunday.

Wolverhampton Wanderers remain the only Premier League side without a victory this season and will attempt to rectify that against Brighton & Hove Albion at home. The Old Gold face an uphill battle for three points this weekend, however, given their opponents have defeated Manchester City and Chelsea while drawing with Spurs in their last four league encounters.

Gameweek 7 concludes with Manchester City's capital journey. Seeking to rebound from their frustrating Monaco stalemate midweek, the Citizens travel to Brentford hoping for better results than their rivals Man United experienced last weekend. The Bees will complicate matters for their guests, but Pep Guardiola's squad should ultimately prevail.