EPL Week 5 Fixtures: Preview and Predictions for Weekend's Top Matches

It’s still early in the season but the Premier League’s Week 5 fixtures are ever-important in the run for an English championship.

This weekend’s slate is full of quality matches that are sure to give you your fix of elite English soccer. The Manchester Derby clearly highlights the weekend, but there’s no reason to wait until Sunday afternoon to get in on the action.

Here’s a look at every Week 5 fixture and prediction for each. After, we’ll get into some more detail on some of most appealing matches.

Manchester City vs. Manchester United

The first edition of this season's Manchester Derby completes the weekend action on Sunday afternoon. It’s a game with a rivalry that matches the quality of entertainment offered on the pitch.

These two new Manchester clubs head into the match with new managers. With change come bumps in the road, and a high-profile win would help swing public opinion in either’s favor.

Neither manager appears to have an upper hand at this stage of the season. Expect a tightly-contested match, but give the three points to the Etihad faithful with a late score to edge their rivals 2-1.

Prediction: Manchester City 2, Manchester United 1

 

Arsenal vs. Stoke City

The difference one player can make to a club’s confidence and overall chances can be remarkable. While Arsenal may not internally believe the difference Mesut Ozil will make this season, fans are in for a treat throughout the Gunners’ campaign.

Arsenal face a tough task hosting Mark Hughes’ new-look Stoke side, but it's one their talented players can handle.

Expect the Potters to play closely for the first half, but keys play by Ozil and the finishing of Olivier Giroud will give the Gunners an edge. Another goal in the second half will extend their lead, with Stoke scoring in the closing moments as earn Arsenal a comfortable three points.

Prediction: Arsenal 2, Stoke City 1

 

Liverpool vs. Southampton

Perhaps the most underrated match of the weekend will pit a Liverpool side that has had a strong start to the season against a Southampton team that has played but struggled to score goals.

Southampton's ability to control the football has been impressive. With a majority 59.1 percent of possession in each game, the Saints have been able to prevent the opposition from taking advantage of their lack of firepower.

Premiership leaders Liverpool are no slouches at limiting their opponents’ opportunities, either. And with the added bonus of a potent offense, Liverpool should be able to do enough in front of the Anfield crowd to add another three points to their tally.

Prediction: Liverpool 2, Southampton 0