Our Premier League Tips for the Weekend - 16/10/21

Claudio Ranieri will oversee his first game as the new Hornets boss for Saturday’s tie, following the sacking of Xisco Munoz just seven games into the season which came after the defeat away to Leeds United two weeks ago.

Now, with just one win in their last five league games - three of which ended in defeat - it's hard to see how Ranieri gets Watford off to a flyer in his first game back in the Premier League here.

As for the visitors, they are still yet to face defeat in the Premier League this season with 15 points from their seven league fixtures. They sit a point below league leaders Chelsea following the huge clash last time out, which saw them share the spoils with Manchester City at Anfield.

Mo Salah scored one of, if not the goal of the 2022, in that battle of the heavyweights two weeks ago with a majestic solo strike. It takes the Egyptian’s tally to six league goals so far, putting him top of the Golden Boot standings and he is priced at 1/1 to have 1+ shot on target at Vicarage Road, and he won't just do that, but likely score too.

The league leaders make the tiny journey across west London on Saturday for the evening Premier League game.

After winning the play-offs and promotion to the Premier League last season, some predicted Brentford to struggle with life in the top tier. However, with wins over Arsenal, Wolves and West Ham, as well as just the one defeat in their opening seven games, the Bees are showing that they are not to be taken easily and not to be underestimated.

Chelsea sit at the summit of the league table, after capitalising on Liverpool and City both dropping two points two weeks ago. The Blues beat Southampton last time out, with Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Trevor Chalobah condemning the Saints to a 3-1 defeat. It was their fifth win from seven league games so far, and we think they'll get another one here but do expect the brilliant Bees to get a goal of their own, especially as they netted three of them against Liverpool not too long ago.

Another team that has impressed so far this season is Brighton and the Seagulls will fancy their chances of getting another good result when they face Norwich at Carrow Road.

On the other hand, things are looking bleaker for the Canaries each week, with Norwich rock bottom in the Premier League. They managed a draw last time out against Burnley which was their first point of the campaign – with six defeats so far in their seven league games.

In those seven, Daniel Farke’s side have scored just two goals, with finding the back of the net proving to be a tough ask for last season’s Championship winners. It’ll be even harder against their opponents this weekend, with only City and Chelsea conceding fewer goals than Brighton’s sturdy defence this season.

Neal Maupey continues his excellent goalscoring form too, and we think he'll score and win.

The champions entertain Burnley at the Etihad this weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s men on the hunt for another three points as they try to hold onto their crown in what could be a very intense title race.

This fixture has ended up 5-0 to the Citizens in the past two previous seasons, with the trip to the Etihad proving to be one to forget for Sean Dyche’s men in recent years. Ultimately, with no Ben Mee, it's near enough impossible to see anything but a similar feat here and we think City will get at least three goals, have a bunch of corners as Burnley rack up a few bookings too.

Newcastle United’s first match under new ownership takes place on Sunday when Tottenham are the guests at St James’ Park. There will be a great atmosphere in the North East, as Newcastle fans celebrate the end of the Mike Ashley era and look to a future under the richest owners in the world. It’s too soon though for them to get up and running as a European powerhouse right away though, with Steve Bruce’s men looking to stay in the division for the time being.

We think, especially with Spurs' torrid form in the league only putting them nine points above the 19th-placed team in the league, Newcastle, that the Magpies may end up with getting the result they need off the back of such insane news.

Allan Saint-Maximin has been their only standout player so far, so expect him to have a say.