Dan’s EPL Predictions Week 4: Arsenal to smash Forest and Man City 2-1 Man United

I said at the end of last season, if Mikel Arteta is to get Arsenal over the finish line in a title race, he needs to have the ability to accept where he has made mistakes, put his ego to one side and adapt his principles.

For example, admitting that in his quest to fix us defensively we have lost something offensively.

At times we have become boring to watch.

On his first test at Anfield he was either unable or unwilling to change his ethos.

Let’s hope he has self reflected during the international break, but it is wishful thinking. If our manager did not feel the need to tweak the system in the summer, why would the last two weeks be any different?

If the Spaniard cannot recognise his flaws, then he will not be a champion at the Emirates.

It will not be an issue this Saturday because this fixture has become easier with Nuno Santos gone and Ange Postecoglou now in charge. That is because, as expected, Forest’s owner has acted with emotion and impulse. While he will never admit it, Mr Marinakis simply never forgave Nuno for missing out on Champions League qualification.

The Portuguese coach (and I understand this) was clearly willing to die on his sword if his employer could not understand that seventh place is an achievement.

Even with only a couple of days to work with his squad, the new boss will instruct his team to express themselves and be on the front foot, which will play into our hands.

Because of the international break, not enough credit has been given for how these two teams performed last time out.

Despite losing four of their first choice back five from last season, the Cherries were still able to go to Spurs and comfortably win.

This could be one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.

It does seem unfair that the likes of Gyokeres, Isak and Wissa refused to train with their teams and got the move they wanted.

Yet Guehi has remained the modern professional at Crystal Palace, but his transfer to Anfield collapsed on deadline day. In a world where everyone talks off record, I am sure a compromise has been agreed for January.

I do not think the Eagles are comfortable in games like this, where they are the favourites and expected to have lots of the ball. Might be harder than some think.

As expected, Aston Villa waited for the final hours of the window to see what loans were available. I think Harvey Elliott can give Villa some spark, but I am not sure about Sancho.

It begs the question, why did Unai Emery not enquire about Jack Grealish returning to Villa Park?

The 30 year old has already assisted four goals in his three league games as a Toffee.

The biggest compliment I can give him is I think he suddenly makes David Moyes approach this fixture trying to win and not as conservative.

I think we have seen enough from Leeds to know there will be lots of hard work and physicality, but will there be enough quality in the final third?

I think at Elland Road they will battle and grind out points, but away from home they will struggle.

The quicker the home side break the deadlock, the more straightforward the afternoon.

When Newcastle confirmed that Isak had left their club, their statement did not wish him luck, thank him for his contributions or even acknowledge the Carabao Cup Final. It is fair to say the whole club is angered by the striker refusing to train to force through a move, yet on Saturday will support Wissa, who moved from Brentford after refusing to train.

Contradictions aside, I think it has been such a long drawn out saga that Eddie Howe and the Toon Army will just be relieved it is over now and in many ways their season starts here.

The whole city has been so hurt and offended that I think they will use this weekend to let their voices be heard and give the team a lift.

I hate to say this, but Spurs had a great transfer window. You cannot do much better than Xavi Simons and Kolo Muani on loan.

They have the firepower to pick off the Hammers, but if the London Stadium cannot get fired up for this fixture, it never will.

The Bees lost their manager, captain and two top scorers and did not do enough to rescue the situation. I think it is fair to say they lost the window, and if Chelsea get an early goal, do they now believe they can respond?

I do not think the visitors will gamble with Palmer’s fitness with a trip to Munich in midweek.

Success in sport can be decided by the smallest details. That is why it is huge that the champions have managed to get maximum points despite not playing well.

Yet I remember saying many times last season I do not think Liverpool actually play great. That means they now have the mentality that all top sides have.

No one taking advantage while they were finding their rhythm could decide the title race.

Our only hope might be that from now until January they could be vulnerable defensively.

Yet even if you can envisage Konate getting bullied at Turf Moor, will the home side take the few chances they make?

This is another fixture I can see them not being at their best but still finding a way to get over the line.

Strangely, despite their struggles in recent seasons, Man United have been able to shock their rivals in the derby.

Maybe it is one of the few fixtures where Ten Hag’s and Ruben Amorim’s tactics can work, because they do not have to worry about having a lot of the ball.

I was surprised more noise was not made about Donnarumma arriving at the Etihad on deadline day. The irony being he would have been perfect for Old Trafford.

I do not know if the Italian starts on Sunday, but that is the position which I think will cost the visitors.

I do not think you can trust Bayindir, but do you throw Lammens into the deep end?

Remember peeps, if your prediction is submitted after that team kicks off, the score is not valid.