GAMEWEEK 3: THE TABLE TAKES SHAPE
Two weeks have set the tone. Now the contenders look to build momentum, the strugglers search for a response, and the season’s early storylines face their next test..
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES All times ET / PT
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MONDAY NIGHT SOCCER RECAP
Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal got the job done at Villa Park, grinding out a narrow 1-0 win to continue their strong start. Saka scored the winner.
BOT90 Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal
BOT90 Verdict: Called the Arsenal win - just not the score.
GAME OF THE WEEK
ARSENAL VS CHELSEA
WHY THIS GAME:
A classic London rivalry, two perfect starts and two very talented teams - but two very different ways of winning. Arsenal have won both of their opening games without conceding a goal, while Chelsea have also started with two wins but have already conceded five times. Chelsea’s attack has been electric, scoring seven goals in two games, while Arsenal’s biggest strength has been their ability to shut teams down. With elite firepower on one side and a perfect defensive record on the other, this has all the ingredients of a fascinating battle between two Premier League powerhouses.
ONE THING TO WATCH:
Can Arsenal’s defense survive Chelsea’s attack? Chelsea have shown plenty of attacking threat, but their defensive problems have been impossible to ignore. They threw away a 3-0 lead against Brighton before eventually winning 4-3, while Arsenal have yet to allow a goal this season. If Chelsea can break through Arsenal’s defense, this could become a shootout. But if Arsenal’s defense holds firm, Chelsea could find themselves chasing the game.
BOT90 PREDICTION:
Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea
Arsenal’s perfect defensive start makes them difficult to bet against, but Chelsea’s attacking talent is too dangerous to ignore. We expect Arsenal to exploit Chelsea’s leaky defense, but Chelsea have already shown they can turn games into high-scoring shootouts. We’re predicting goals at both ends, with Arsenal’s defense finally conceding but Chelsea’s firepower earning them a share of the points.
PLAYER TO WATCH
RAYAN CHERKI
WHY HIM:
Rayan Cherki has exploded into the new Premier League season and is quickly becoming one of Manchester City’s most important attacking players. He announced himself on opening weekend against Bournemouth by changing the game after coming off the bench and providing two assists as City fought their way to victory. He followed that performance with an even bigger display against Crystal Palace, scoring twice in a 4-1 win and playing a major role in City’s second straight victory.
WATCH FOR:
Cherki’s creativity and movement are adding another dimension to the Manchester City attack, but his developing partnership with Erling Haaland could be the most exciting part. His ability to carry the ball, beat defenders and create opportunities gives Haaland another quality source of service. At the same time, Cherki's goal threat means defenders can't simply focus on stopping the Norwegian forward.
BOT90 SAYS:
Cherki is quickly becoming a player Manchester City cannot afford to leave out. His creativity, confidence and growing chemistry with Haaland could make City one of the Premier League's most dangerous attacking teams. With Coventry struggling for form and City already firing under Enzo Maresca, this could be another opportunity for Cherki to show why he is becoming such an important part of City's attack.
Prediction: Cherki records another goal and assist as Manchester City beat Coventry comfortably.
3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE KICKOFF
CAN SPURS FINALLY SCORE?
Tottenham have spent more than £300m rebuilding their squad this summer, but after two Premier League games, they are still waiting for their first goal. New attacking signings Sávio and Omar Marmoush could provide the spark they desperately need.
After such a huge investment, can Spurs finally turn all that spending into goals and their first points of the season against Nottingham Forest?
HULL’S DREAM START - CAN IT CONTINUE?
Hull have made a stunning start to life back in the Premier League, winning their opening two games against Manchester United and Coventry without conceding. Now they face an Aston Villa side still searching for their first point and their first goal after defeats to Brighton and Arsenal.
Can Hull continue their perfect start, or will Villa finally find their attacking spark and get their season moving? With Hull sitting on six points and Villa still empty-handed, this could be a fascinating early test for both sides.
NEW BOSSES, NO POINTS
Fulham and Crystal Palace both head into this London derby searching for their first points - and their new managers are still waiting for their first wins. With both sides losing their opening two games, neither manager will want to start the season with three straight defeats.
Can Fulham or Palace finally get their first win, or will the two new bosses have to settle for a point?
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BOT90 BIG TAKE
Hull will make it three wins from three.
Hull have started the season perfectly, but this feels like their biggest test yet.
Villa will be desperate for a response after their last two performances, and you can be sure the manager won’t have been happy with what he’s seen. We expect Villa to come out with more intensity and probably control large parts of the game.
But Hull have momentum, confidence and a habit of finding a way. Sometimes a team just gets on a roll - and we’re backing them to keep theirs going.
It might not be pretty, and Villa may feel they deserved more, but our bold call is another Hull win.
Hull 1-0 Aston Villa
GAMEWEEK 2 RECAP: AFC ATLANTIC
GAME POINTS:
104 POINTS
BOT90 LEAGUE POSITION:
2ND
OVERALL POINTS:
158 POINTS
BEST PERFORMER:
BRUNO FERNANDES
BIGGEST MISTAKE:
SWITCHING THE CAPTAINCY TO HAALAND
BOT90 VERDICT:
NOW WE GO AFTER TOP SPOT
THE FANTASY HURDLE
CAPTAIN PICK:
ERLING HAALAND
HAALAND VS COVENTRY - LOCK IT IN
AVOID LIST:
BRIAN BROBBEY
MINUTES DRYING UP - COULD BE OUR NEXT SUB
SLEEPER PICK:
ANTHONY ELANGA
REVITALIZED UNDER NEW MANAGER
