EPL Week 3 Predictions: Picking Winners in Most Intriguing Matchups

The third week of the English Premier league has several intriguing matchups, so here are some predictions of those matches, headlined by Liverpool and Manchester United.

It's never too early to worry about the standings. Disappointing results from the first two weeks have some clubs feeling the pressure to make a statement in the coming weeks.

With the transfer window deadline just days away, clubs don't have much time to make a big move. 

Here is a breakdown of the most intriguing fixtures in Week 3.

Manchester City vs. Hull City

This may not seem like a great matchup on paper, but all eyes are on Manchester City this week.

After being stunned by Cardiff City, the Blues need a good showing.

City have two matches remaining before they have to play United. The club can't go into the fixture playing poorly, so this week's game against Hull has turned into a big match.

Hull will need to avoid going a goal down early if they are to have any chance of coming out on top or even earning a draw. The Tigers have only one goal in two EPL games this season and that came from the penalty spot.

City need this match in order to show they are indeed going to compete for the EPL title this season. A draw or a loss would be tough for the Blues to handle. Although Hull have had trouble scoring, the Blues will not be looking past the Tigers.

Prediction: Manchester City 2 - Hull 0 

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

This rivalry will once again be one to watch when the clubs meet at Anfield this weekend.

Liverpool have held on for a pair of 1-0 victories to open the season. Beating Stoke City and Aston Villa put the Reds in a good position heading into Week 3. Several clubs have suffered disappointing losses, but Liverpool did just enough to get three points in each match.

However, the Reds don't have a healthy squad going into this match. Kolo Toure suffered a groin injury against Notts County and as Phil Medlicott of The Independent reported, Joe Allen (hamstring) and Aly Cissokho (ankle) also limped out of the match.

United are looking to get back in the win column after a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in Week 2. 

The Red Devils did have one promising sign in that draw—Wayne Rooney looked good against Chelsea. He was able to help his club create scoring chances and was a factor in defence, making some tackles near his own goal line to help United grab a point.

Liverpool have suffered injuries at the wrong time. United were able to get a point against Chelsea, but are looking for more this week. United will get just enough against their rivals to walk away with a victory.

Prediction: Manchester United 3 - Liverpool 2

Arsenal vs. Tottenham

Arsene Wenger has an enormous amount of pressure on him to make a big move before the Sept. 2 deadline. The season got off to a rough start, but the Gunners pulled it together against Fulham.

A convincing 3-1 victory calmed down the fans for a little bit, but now the club needs to keep winning. Olivier Giroud has gotten the Gunners on the scoresheet early in both EPL matches so far, and Lukas Podolski also helped his club by scoring twice against Fulham.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have a huge issue that is becoming a distraction. As Sky Sports reported, Gareth Bale is still in the squad and isn't too happy about it.

His transfer to Real Madrid wasn't completed as expected and he has stayed away from Spurs since the deal stalled.

With so much going on with Tottenham, they will have a hard time with Arsenal. Spurs have been able to win a pair of 1-0 matches, but Arsenal will come out on top at home.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 - Tottenham 0