Sports Illustrated Boldly Forecasts All Premier League Gameweek 4 Results

The first round of Champions League fixtures and the Carabao Cup third round ran concurrently midweek as the fixture list grows increasingly demanding for England's top-flight clubs.

English sides swept through their continental outings unbeaten, while Hull City were the only Championship representatives to fall in the cup. The celebrations will be brief, though, as focus quickly shifts back to the Premier League standings.

Sunday's Manchester derby is undoubtedly the marquee clash of Gameweek 4, which also features favorable home assignments for Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as a tricky away trip for defending champions Arsenal.

With plenty of compelling action on the horizon, here are Sports Illustrated's predictions for how the round could unfold.

Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction

Prediction: Aston Villa 2–1 Nottingham Forest

Midlands derbies are a rare occurrence in the Premier League this season, and while the rivalry between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest is one of football's more subdued—or arguably nonexistent—contests, there is still plenty at stake in Saturday's encounter.

Both clubs arrive at Villa Park without a Premier League win to their name, desperate to turn things around and climb up the table.

Villa will be regarded as the favorites, particularly following their midweek victory over Club Brugge. They claimed the bragging rights twice against Forest last season—including a commanding 4–0 win in the Europa League semifinal—and Forest have now lost their last five away fixtures against Unai Emery's outfit.

Bournemouth vs. Brentford Prediction

Prediction: Bournemouth 1–1 Brentford

Bournemouth shared the spoils in 47% of their Premier League outings last season under Andoni Iraola. New head coach Marco Rose appears to be continuing that trend early in his tenure, with the Cherries still searching for their first win under his management.

Back-to-back draws against Everton and Newcastle United have both seen them surrender late equalizers, and history may well repeat itself for a third consecutive time this weekend.

Brentford have also drawn their last two games, both ending 1–1, and there seems little to choose between the two sides heading into this fixture.

It promises to be a functional rather than thrilling affair.