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After a painful three-week break, the Premier League has finally returned—marking the first round of fixtures since Manchester City were convicted by an independent panel of serious financial regulation violations.
The penalty for the eight-time Premier League champions remains undetermined, but what's certain is a fierce, must-watch atmosphere when league-leading City make the trip to former title contenders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
In case you need a refresher on how things have unfolded on the pitch so far, here's a brief recap: City are being closely chased by Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are still settling in under new managers, and Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are hurtling toward a full-blown crisis.
There have been plenty of shocks as well, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Hull City all outperforming expectations, though fewer surprises when it comes to Fulham and Crystal Palace struggling under inexperienced Premier League managers.
With a packed weekend of football on the horizon, here are Sports Illustrated's predictions for Gameweek 6.
Arsenal vs. Leeds Prediction
Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Leeds
Arsenal return with an unfamiliar knot in their stomach. It has been quite a while since the defending champions were embarrassed, but there is no other way to characterize their woeful 3–0 loss to Brighton ahead of the international break.
The Gunners had enjoyed a flawless start to the campaign before being thoroughly outclassed on the south coast, and it now falls to Mikel Arteta, fresh off signing a contract extension, to spark a return to form.
Leeds United will prove a tricky opponent in Saturday's early kickoff. Currently sitting fifth in the standings and undefeated in the Premier League so far, they head to north London full of confidence and eager to exploit any hesitation within the Arsenal camp.
Aston Villa vs. Brentford Prediction
Prediction: Aston Villa 1–1 Brentford
Having been heavily stripped during the summer transfer window, Aston Villa can be excused for needing time to find their rhythm this season. Following three wins from their last four across all competitions, however, Unai Emery's side appear to have found their footing.
They have netted three goals in each of those victories and will be anticipating another positive result in front of the enthusiastic Villa Park crowd. That may not come easily, though.
Keith Andrews continues to perform wonders with Brentford, who have accumulated nine points in the Premier League this season and dismantled Chelsea 3–0 before the international break. They will look to frustrate their hosts this weekend—and they may well manage it.