Premier League predictions: Gameweek 13
By Sean Walsh
The relentless Premier League schedule just keeps on rolling, and after a single day off from action on Friday, we're back to start gameweek 13.
There are some huge clashes at either end of the table and we even have two teams competing without a manager, so we should be in for some nonsense over the next couple of days.
Here are 90min's predictions.
Saturday 22 October
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool
Europe's two most dominant teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s square off in a rather different modern landscape in Saturday's early kick-off.
Nottingham Forest have managed to avoid defeat in two of their last three games, though remain without a win since August and are rooted to the foot of the Premier League table after jumpstarting rivals Leicester's season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool head to the City Ground off the back of three straight wins - their longest streak so far in this chaotic campaign.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Liverpool
Everton vs Crystal Palace
Frank Lampard is looking to ensure he isn't the next former England midfielder to be sacked by a Premier League club this season as his struggling Everton side welcome Crystal Palace to Goodison Park.
The Toffees secured safety on the final week of last term with an enthralling comeback win in this fixture, but their attacking struggles have seen them slide back towards the relegation zone this time around.
After an inconsistent opening to the year, Patrick Vieira's Eagles are finding their rhythm again and have lost just one of their last six matches.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi remains without a win as the new manager of Brighton, and his task doesn't get much easier with a trip to Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's men are the only Premier League side to have had midweek off due to scheduling conflicts involving Arsenal's Europa League campaign, giving them plenty of time to digest their limp loss at Liverpool last week.
The hosts should win, but they'll be in for a rough time against an expansive Seagulls outfit.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Chelsea vs Manchester United
The weekend's biggest clash comes from Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening as Chelsea host Manchester United.
Despite being held by Brentford on Wednesday, Graham Potter's fast start to life in the Blues dugout goes on and is now unbeaten in his seven games in charge.
While Chelsea were battling the Bees, United put in what Erik ten Hag described as their 'best performance' of the season so far in an emphatic 2-0 win against Tottenham, and despite the circus surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, spirits appear to be high again in the Red Devils camp.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United
Sunday 23 October
Aston Villa vs Brentford
Aston Villa will hope to benefit from the new manager bounce when Brentford come to town on Sunday.
The hosts parted ways with Steven Gerrard following Thursday's 3-0 loss at Fulham, with Aaron Danks in charge to face another west London side.
Bees boss Thomas Frank was one of the early contenders to replace Gerrard but has already played down a move to Villa Park and will be intent on leaving there with three points instead.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Brentford
Leeds United vs Fulham
Jesse Marsch knows he will be one unhappy man in Leeds if his side don't fetch a result against Fulham.
Despite giving league leaders Arsenal a run for their money last week, Whites fans were brutal in their criticisms of their American boss during Thursday's defeat at Leicester, loudly questioning his ideas and singing the name of predecessor Marcelo Bielsa.
Things are much calmer over at Fulham, who have already overseen the sacking of one manager this week and could yet add to that tally with a result at Elland Road.
Prediction: Leeds United 3-2 Fulham
Southampton vs Arsenal
Arsenal will look to continue their incredible season so far with a vengeful victory at Southampton.
Defeat in this fixture last season played a huge part in the Gunners' top-four collapse, with an inspired performance from Fraser Forster - now of Tottenham - keeping them out.
Though they became the first side to beat Gary O'Neil's Bournemouth, the Saints are still in a precarious position under Ralph Hasenhuttl and a bad result here could spell the end of his time on the south coast.
Prediction: Southampton 0-3 Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Leicester City
Two sets of strugglers meet at Molineux as Wolves welcome Leicester over to the West Midlands.
Steve Davis is set to remain in charge of Wanderers until the World Cup break, with the club insisting they will not be rushed into making a decision on a permanent manager.
Brendan Rodgers has managed to fight back against his calls to be sacked, and another positive result would keep the Foxes' forward momentum going nicely.
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United
Tottenham have the chance to bounce back from their humbling at Old Trafford against a rampant Newcastle on Sunday.
Spurs were woeful in midweek and their form against top sides this season was brought into the spotlight again, though return home knowing they've won their last 10 games in N17 and won 5-1 in this fixture last season.
Avoiding defeat or even winning would go a long way to proving that Eddie Howe's men are ready to fight for a European place.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Newcastle United
Monday 24 October
West Ham United vs AFC Bournemouth
Gameweek 13's final fixture comes on Monday night when West Ham play Bournemouth at London Stadium.
The Irons christened their new home with a narrow victory in this fixture back in 2016, and have since become a respected side who compete in Europe.
Conversely, Bournemouth have fought hard to return to the Premier League and have made great strides under Gary O'Neil, but after losing to Southampton, they will need to show their resilience again.
Prediction: West Ham United 2-0 AFC Bournemouth
