Premier League Fixtures: Week 8 Schedule, Score Predictions for EPL Matchday
Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League for the first time in over two years as they beat Sunderland 3-0 on Saturday.
But the Red Devils face a tough task to retain the No. 1 spot with a brutal set of October fixtures, beginning with an away clash at Arsenal in Week 8.
Local rivals Manchester City will be looking to take advantage if United do slip up as the Sky Blues aim to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Tottenham Hotspur when they host Newcastle United on Saturday.
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Week 8 also sees the first Merseyside derby of the 2015-16 season as Everton clash with Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Read on for a closer look at some of the key clashes of the weekend, as well as full predictions for all 10 matches.
| Date | Time | Home | VS. | Away | Prediction |
| Saturday, October 3 | 12:45 p.m. BST/7:45 a.m. ET | Crystal Palace | vs. | West Bromwich Albion | 1-0 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET | Aston Villa | vs. | Stoke City | 1-1 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET | Bournemouth | vs. | Watford | 2-1 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET | Manchester City | vs. | Newcastle | 3-1 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET | Norwich City | vs. | Leicester City | 1-2 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. ET | Sunderland | vs. | West Ham United | 0-2 |
| Saturday, October 3 | 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET | Chelsea | vs. | Southampton | 2-2 |
| Sunday, October 4 | 1:30 p.m. BST/8:30 a.m. ET | Everton | vs. | Liverpool | 3-2 |
| Sunday, October 4 | 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET | Arsenal | vs. | Manchester United | 1-2 |
| Sunday, October 4 | 4 p.m. BST/11 a.m. ET | Swansea City | vs. | Tottenham Hotspur | 1-0 |
Arsenal vs. Manchester United
Arsenal put in a terrific attacking display on Saturday as they beat in-form Leicester City 5-2 with Alexis Sanchez emphatically putting himself back in the goals with a hat-trick.
United captain Wayne Rooney brought his own goal drought to an end as he netted against the Black Cats, assisted by Anthony Martial in another brilliant performance from the young Frenchman.
Martial has already proven with his late goal against Liverpool that he can rise to the big occasion and he could be vital for United against Arsenal, per @Schwapsies via @RikkiLeaks:
While the respective attacks will, of course, be vital on Sunday, defensive solidity could be the game-changer.
United have been surprisingly solid at the back given their lack of depth, conceding five goals in seven games compared to Arsenal's two more.
Even in their defeat of Leicester the Gunners looked vulnerable to the counter-attack, and it was effective breakaways that saw United prevail in the corresponding fixture last season.
On that occasion United won 2-1 despite Arsenal dominating possession and getting the best of the chances.
United manager Louis van Gaal may wish to employ similar counter-attacking tactics this season as he now has Memphis Depay and Martial at his disposal.
Wenger, on the other hand, will be eager to reverse the desperate record he has against United in recent times, which sees Arsenal without a win over the Manchester outfit in the league since 2011.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United
Everton vs. Liverpool
Liverpool have undoubtedly had the better of the Merseyside derbies in recent years. While there have been six draws the last 10 times Everton and Liverpool have met, the Reds have won the other four.
The Toffees have to go back to October 2010 to find the last time they beat their local rivals.
However, that could very well change on Sunday. The two teams are separated by just one point in the Premier League table—Everton are ahead in fifth place—but Roberto Martinez's side are in better form.
They have not lost in their last four league matches and come into Sunday's match at Goodison Park on the up having fought back from 2-0 down to beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2 on Monday.
Romelu Lukaku netted twice and inspired the comeback at the Hawthorns, and with the Belgian in good form, Everton are a real threat.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have endured a tough start to the season, which has left manager Brendan Rodgers having to defend himself in his job, per Guardian Sport:
Defeats to the Red Devils and West Ham United revealed significant weaknesses in defence, while a laboured League Cup win on penalties against Carlisle United further dampened the spirits.
However, Liverpool responded with a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa, which included a double from the injury-plagued Daniel Sturridge whose return to fitness and form could prove vital.
Always entertaining encounters, this season's first Merseyside derby should be full of goals as neither back line looks particularly solid, and there will be enough attacking talent on the pitch to take advantage.
Prediction: Everton 3-2 Liverpool
