Premier League predictions: Gameweek 8

With the October international break a thing of the past, the Premier League returns to television screens, mobile phones and tablet devices around the world for a massive Gameweek 8 of the 2024/25 season.

The early pace has been set in the races for the title, Champions League spots and to avoid relegation, with this weekend's action set to throw up more twists and turns up and down the table.

It all kicks off with a London derby on Saturday lunchtime before two English giants meet at Anfield a little over a day later, with plenty of fixtures in between.

Here's 90min's match result predictions for Gameweek 8 of this season's Premier League.

Saturday 19 October

The weekend's action begins in north London where Tottenham Hotspur host capital rivals West Ham United. Spurs were coasting towards victory in their last fixture but inexplicably lost on the south coast and they'll look to ensure that defeat was little more than a blip. However, the Hammers earned a thumping win last time out and will look to pounce on any sloppiness their hosts show.

Fulham looked dangerous but ultimately fell to defeat at Manchester City and have another daunting task on the horizon as Aston Villa visit Craven Cottage. The Champions League outfit were flat in their goalless draw with Manchester United but should be fired up as they seek to maintain their unbeaten streak away from home.

There are a couple of relegation six-pointers in the 15:00 BST kick-offs, starting at Portman Road where Ipswich Town entertain Everton. Look out for the in-form Liam Delap, who has three goals in his last two games, while the Toffees attempt to improve on their run of five points from three matches.

Manchester United have all sorts of injuries once again and they'll undoubtedly look vulnerable at points when Brentford make the journey to Old Trafford. Bryan Mbuemo has taken the Bees' talisman mantle in his stride, but the Red Devils have won four of the six Premier League meetings between the sides and could increase that sum with a slender success.

Eddie Howe had to bat away questions about the England job as he previewed Newcastle United's enticing clash with Brighton & Hove Albion. With the focus now back on events on the pitch, the Magpies will undoubtedly be aware of the threat the Seagulls, who came from behind to beat Tottenham, possess. However, Fabian Hurzeler's team are equally leaky at the back and could fall to defeat at St James' Park.

Two more sides threatened by the drop meet at St Mary's, with Southampton set to welcome Leicester City to the seaside. The Saints have lost six of seven matches so far and are five points behind the Foxes, who crept past Bournemouth before the international break. A score draw may well be on the cards.

The evening's televised fixture is set to be an entertaining one as childhood friends Andoni Iraola and Mikel Arteta set their Bournemouth and Arsenal sides against each other. The Cherries have avoided another awful winless streak which hampered their start last season, but the Gunners have turned into ruthless operators and are likely to claim the points at the Vitality Stadium.

Sunday 20 October

It's been an utterly dreadful start to the campaign for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Key players left in the summer and, with just one point so far, Gary O'Neil is under pressure to turn things around quickly. However, he couldn't have asked for a harder fixture to get his side back on track as English champions Manchester City visit Molineux. The Cityzens have undeniably looked less compact and smooth than they usually do, but their stars should be able to record a comfortable victory even without Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne.

The late afternoon kick-off looks set to be a barnstormer as Liverpool battle Chelsea at Anfield. The Blues have gelled exceptionally under Enzo Maresca and Cole Palmer remains as dangerous as ever, while the Reds are looking to prove themselves against quality opposition after a relatively straightforward start to 2024/25.

Monday 21 October

The gameweek concludes on Monday night when a Nuno Espirito Santo-less Nottingham Forest face Crystal Palace. The former Wolves boss has been handed a three-game touchline for his conduct in a draw with Brighton last month, but his absence shouldn't impact a Forest side that has looked solid and exciting on the counter attack too much. Palace, meanwhile, are one of four teams that remain winless in the Premier League and could badly do with three points to ease their nerves somewhat.

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