Club football returns from the international break this weekend as Nottingham Forest and Chelsea kickoff matchday 8 in Nottingham on Saturday; the marquee match of the weekend happens Sunday as a struggling Manchester United head to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side who have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions. Find picks, odds, and tips on the best bets of the weekend here.
Contents:
- Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Chelsea – Team to Get Most Shots on Target + Over 6.5 Total Shots on Target
- Brighton vs Newcastle United: Both Teams to Score + Both Teams to Receive 1+ Card
- Brighton vs Newcastle United: High Odds Player Prop
- Fulham vs Arsenal: Arsenal Win + Arsenal Team Total Over 3.5 Shots on Target (SoT)
- Fulham vs Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (ARS) and Ryan Sessegnon (FUL) 1+ Fouls Committed Each
- Liverpool vs Manchester United: Liverpool Win
- Liverpool vs Manchester United: 1+ Goal in Both Halves + Over 8.5 Total Shots on Target
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Chelsea – Team to Get Most Shots on Target + Over 6.5 Total Shots on Target
Odds:
- American: -156
- Decimal: 1.64
- Fractional: 16/25
The Premier League weekend kicks off with Nottingham Forest hosting Chelsea in Saturday’s early kickoff.
Chelsea enter the match still dealing with a lengthy injury list. Enzo Fernández is the latest name added to the Blues’ growing list of absentees after withdrawing from Argentina duty during the international break due to knee swelling. He’ll be evaluated further, but the severity of the issue remains uncertain.
Reece James also left international duty early, though his knock is considered minor, and his absence was precautionary. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer, Andrey Santos, Essugo, Liam Delap, and Levi Colwill will all remain sidelined this weekend. The Blues will, however, receive a boost in defense with both Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana expected to return to the squad.
Adding to Chelsea’s complications, manager Enzo Maresca will serve a touchline ban following his red card in the club’s last match against Liverpool, meaning that he will be watching this one from the stands.
On the other side, Ange Postecoglou is already under pressure at Nottingham Forest, still searching for his first win after seven matches in charge (2 draws, 5 losses). The home crowd will expect a response, but Forest’s defensive record under Ange so far doesn’t inspire confidence.
Given Chelsea’s injuries and their manager’s absence, I’m staying away from the match result market. While Chelsea have the talent and form to take all three points, this is exactly the kind of spot where they could stumble as away favorites.
Instead, I’m backing Chelsea to record the most shots on target and for there to be over 6.5 total shots on target in the match. Despite their injury setbacks, Chelsea still have pace and creativity in attack, and they’ve consistently generated chances under Maresca’s system. Forest, on the other hand, have allowed a high volume of attempts on goal this season – a trend that should continue here.
Pick: Chelsea – Team to Get Most Shots on Target + Over 6.5 Total Shots on Target
Brighton vs Newcastle United: Both Teams to Score + Both Teams to Receive 1+ Card
For a full extensive and detailed pre-match analysis, check out our article covering the match here.
Odds:
- American: +100
- Decimal: 2.00
- Fractional: 1/1
Brighton and Newcastle face off at the Amex in what should be an intriguing tactical matchup. Brighton’s fast, direct counter-attacks could cause problems for Newcastle, while the Magpies’ compact midfield and organized structure are built to pull Brighton’s defenders out of position and create openings of their own.
Full transparency – Newcastle’s three Premier League away fixtures this season have all finished 0–0. It’s been a frustrating run for anyone backing goals, but that streak feels due to end. With Brighton’s attacking intent and Newcastle’s ability to press and transition through midfield, both sides should generate enough chances to finally break that pattern.
Given the expected intensity in midfield and both teams’ willingness to battle for control, a booking for each side also feels inevitable.
Pick: Both Teams to Score + Both Teams to Receive 1+ Card (+100)
Brighton vs Newcastle United: Dan Burn (NEW) 1+ Shot on Target (SoT) (High Odds Pick)
Odds:
- American: +275
- Decimal: 3.75
- Fractional: 11/4
I’m doing it; I have talked myself into it – I’m backing big Dan Burn to record a shot on target in this match. Burn has been moving into the opposition penalty area to act as an aerial threat during open play, and he’s a regular target during set pieces as well.
In seven Premier League matches this season, Burn has yet to register a single shot on target. However, this matchup presents an interesting opportunity. Brighton’s central defenders, Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk, will be tasked with marking Burn inside the box. Van Hecke currently holds a 52.5% aerial duel win rate, while Dunk boasts a 63.2% success rate.
By comparison, over the last 365 days across all competitions, Burn has averaged 3.95 aerial duels won per match, placing him in the 98th percentile among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.
Am I confident in this high-odds pick? Not necessarily. Will I be on my feet every time Dan Burn makes his way into Brighton’s penalty area? Absolutely.
Pick: Dan Burn (NEW) 1+ Shot on Target (SoT)
*Pick is voided if player does not start
Fulham vs Arsenal: Arsenal Win + Arsenal Team Total Over 3.5 Shots on Target (SoT)
For a full extensive and detailed pre-match analysis, check out our article covering the match here.
Odds:
- American: -120
- Decimal: 1.83
- Fractional: 83/100
I predict an Arsenal win here. The Gunners were in tremendous form prior to the international break and had just climbed to the top of the Premier League table. I expect their strong run to continue against this Fulham side. Arsenal should create plenty of chances, both through their structured play in possession and by forcing turnovers in dangerous areas to capitalize on Fulham’s mistakes.
Pick: Arsenal Win + Arsenal Team Total Over 3.5 Shots on Target (SoT)
Fulham vs Arsenal: Bukayo Saka (ARS) and Ryan Sessegnon (FUL) 1+ Fouls Committed Each
Odds:
- American: -105
- Decimal: 1.95
- Fractional: 19/20
The matchup on Arsenal’s right wing (Fulham’s left flank) will be an intriguing one. Alex Iwobi, who operates as Fulham’s left midfielder, lacks strong defensive ability and has significant ground to cover in this system. This leaves Ryan Sessegnon with a demanding task, as he’ll need to handle both Bukayo Saka and either Jurriën Timber or Ben White when they push forward to join the attack.
Sessegnon averages 2.08 fouls per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season and 3.13 fouls per 90 last season. On the other side, Saka has drawn 2.37 fouls per 90 minutes this season, while also committing 1.84 fouls per 90 himself. With Sessegnon eager to join in Fulham’s attacking play – and Fulham often looking to progress down their left-hand side – Arsenal’s right flank will be busy defensively. This dynamic should bring Saka deeper into defensive phases, increasing the likelihood of both players committing at least one foul apiece.
Pick: Bukayo Saka (ARS) and Ryan Sessegnon (FUL) 1+ Fouls Committed Each
*Pick is voided if either player does not start
Liverpool vs Manchester United: Liverpool Win
For a full extensive and detailed pre-match analysis, check out our article covering the match here.
Odds:
- American: -167
- Decimal: 1.60
- Fractional: 3/5
The Premier League’s marquee matchup this weekend sees Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday – a fixture that never fails to deliver drama, intensity, and storylines. With both clubs desperate to turn around their form, this clash is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated of the season.
Liverpool enter the weekend on the back of three consecutive defeats across all competitions, while Manchester United continue to look inconsistent both home and away. Anfield will be electric, and both managers know a win here could completely shift the momentum of their campaigns.
Despite their recent struggles, I believe Liverpool bounce back with a statement performance in front of their home supporters. Anfield has long been one of the most intimidating venues in football, and the Reds will be eager to respond after three straight losses heading into the international break.
Tactically, Liverpool’s strength lies on the left-hand side, where their ability to combine and overload opposition defenses can pull Manchester United’s midfield out of shape and open up dangerous spaces through the middle. I expect Arne Slot’s men to exploit these rotations and movements to carve out quality chances early and often.
Manchester United, meanwhile, remain inconsistent and vulnerable away from home. Their defensive structure under Rúben Amorim is still adapting, and they’ve struggled to sustain attacking pressure against stronger opposition. United’s counter-attacking threat is real, but they haven’t yet proven they can consistently finish those chances against elite sides.
Given the tactical matchup, Liverpool’s attacking quality, and the Anfield factor, I think this is where the Reds finally turn frustration into a statement win.
For some added context, our Win Probability Calculator gives Liverpool a 73% chance of victory – strong supporting evidence for this pick.
Liverpool vs Manchester United: 1+ Goal in Both Halves + Over 8.5 Total Shots on Target
Odds:
- American: -116
- Decimal: 1.86
- Fractional: 43/50
This pick combines two elements that fit perfectly with how these sides play. First, goals in both halves have been a common trend in matches involving either team. Manchester United’s Premier League fixtures this season have averaged 1.43 goals per half, with 10 goals scored in both the first and second halves across their opening seven games.
Liverpool are also strong second-half performers, scoring nine goals after halftime so far this season while United have conceded seven second-half goals in that same span. With Liverpool expected to start aggressively and United capable of hitting on the counter, we could see early action at both ends.
As for the Over 8.5 shots on target line, both teams’ numbers suggest it’s very reachable. United are averaging 4.57 shots on target per match, while Liverpool sit at 4.14.
Liverpool’s possession-based dominance paired with United’s direct, fast-breaking approach should ensure a steady flow of attempts on goal throughout the 90 minutes. Even if Liverpool control proceedings, United’s pace in transition will guarantee a few shots testing the keeper at the other end.
All signs point toward a match that’s open, entertaining, and full of action which is exactly what you’d expect from the Premier League’s marquee fixture on Sunday.
Pick: 1+ Goal in Both Halves + Over 8.5 Total Shots on Target
Disclaimer: The betting picks and analysis shared are for informational purposes only and are not guarantees of outcome or financial advice. Please gamble responsibly and only risk money you are willing to lose.
