Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has predicted the outcomes of the Premier League’s matchday four fixtures, backing several of the competition’s leading clubs to secure victories this weekend.
According to Sutton’s predictions, Chelsea is expected to record a comfortable win over Hull City when the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge, while Liverpool are tipped to overcome Fulham at Anfield.
The matchday will feature several intriguing encounters, including the first Manchester derby of the season, with Manchester United hosting Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Sunderland will welcome Arsenal in a Saturday night fixture, while Tottenham Hotspur will face Everton in another potentially competitive encounter.
On Monday, Leeds United will host Newcastle United in the final match of the round.
Sutton, whose predictions were reported by BBC Sport, expects Aston Villa to claim a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.
He also predicts Bournemouth and Brentford to share the points in a 1-1 draw, while Crystal Palace are backed to beat Ipswich Town 2-1.
At Anfield, Sutton expects Liverpool to edge past Fulham 2-1, despite Fulham’s potential to pose a challenge to the hosts.
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Chelsea, meanwhile, are predicted to have little difficulty against Hull City, with Sutton forecasting a 3-0 victory for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham and Everton are expected to play out a 1-1 draw, while Arsenal are tipped to leave Sunderland with a narrow 1-0 victory.
In another fixture, Sutton predicted Brighton to beat Coventry City 2-1.
The biggest fixture of the weekend is the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Despite Manchester United’s home advantage, Sutton expects a high-scoring contest to end 2-2, with neither side claiming bragging rights.
Leeds United and Newcastle United are also predicted to share the points, with Sutton forecasting a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Sutton’s Matchday 4 Predictions
Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Bournemouth 1-1 Brentford
Chelsea 3-0 Hull City
Crystal Palace 2-1 Ipswich Town
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Everton
Sunderland 0-1 Arsenal
Coventry City 1-2 Brighton
Manchester United 2-2 Manchester City
Leeds United 1-1 Newcastle United
Sutton’s predictions suggest a relatively strong weekend for several established Premier League sides, although the Manchester derby is expected to provide the standout contest, with both Manchester clubs tipped to settle for a share of the points.