Premier League Predictor: Round 4 picks

Ironically, considering it was the toughest round of the tournament so far based on Superbru stats, last weekend was my best round so far and I've made up at least a little ground after a poor start. The wins for Crystal Palace and Newcastle were almost completely unpredictable, I was annoyed with Florin Andone for ruining Brighton's chances against Southampton and then annoyed with myself for not picking Villa.

But it was a pretty good week overall so I'm keen to build on that in this round. Round 4 is the final round before the first international break of the season and just after the PL returns in mid-September we're also going to be blessed with the start of this year's Champions League season. The group stage draw was made yesterday and there are some tasty looking fixtures coming up so make sure you've joined our predictor and fantasy games for that which are now live.

Here are my Round Four Premier League predictions:

Southampton vs. Manchester United

Just when you thought Manchester United had turned a corner from last season, they go about as last season as you can go by losing to Palace at home. I think this will also prove to be a very tough game for them, especially since they're without Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw - two players who are unquestionably starters and who don't really have much of a back-up for their position. Southampton managed a first win last week (albeit against 10-men) and I think they can manage a point in this fixture as they have in two of the last three seasons. I'm aware it's a huge risk because a lot of players will be going for 1-2 which is what I'm also very tempted to pick. Prediction: Southampton 1-1 Manchester Utd

Chelsea vs. Sheffield United

This game could play out pretty similarly to Chelsea's 3-2 win over Norwich last week. Like the Canaries, Sheffield United have started the season well and will have a go at Chelsea who aren't going to get much stronger defensively until Rudiger and Kante return in my opinion. I can certainly see the Blades scoring but Chelsea should have enough going forward at home. Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Sheffield United

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa

This is turning into quite a bold week as I'm going for a 0-0 here which I very rarely pick. Before that incredible result at Old Trafford, Crystal Palace didn't look as if they'd score all season but they're always relatively strong defensively. I'm worried that a penalty for either team could swing it either way but if there does prove to be an early goal that kills my chance of an Exact then hopefully the other side will equalise! Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa

Leicester vs. Bournemouth

Leicester should continue building momentum in this game. The Foxes are a very strong side both on paper and on the pitch under Brendan Rodgers so I don't think there'll be many teams winning at the King Power this season. There are often draws between these two sides when you look back at historic results but I don't see Bournemouth being competent enough defensively to cope with Leicester on Saturday. Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Bournemouth

Manchester City vs. Brighton

I'm really interested to see how Potter sets Brighton up for this game - his first against a very good team since taking over. With Chris Hughton, you'd obviously be backing City to win but perhaps not by too many as the Seagulls were defensively sound. If Potter tries to keep his team playing their own way in this match, then they'll either stun City or lose by 5 or 6. I'm expecting Brighton to play more defensively than they have been but with far more interest in a counter-attack than in previous years. They will get chances if so and I think they may nick a goal. Prediction: Man City 3-1 Brighton

Newcastle vs. Watford

As always with Newcastle, this is a very tough pick because they're still not really what you'd call a good side despite beating Spurs last week. Watford have started the season awfully and if they don't get a result in this game, I don't see where they're getting any points in the next three games after this either. I'm having a hard time choosing a winner but after looking at previous results and the fact that Sarr started for the Hornets in midweek, I'm going for Watford. If the visitors line-up without their new record signing then I may switch to a draw. Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Watford

West Ham vs. Norwich

This match could be any score really. Both sides will have a go and are better at attacking than defending so you'd expect goals at the London Stadium. West Ham clearly have the better squad but the thing giving Norwich a chance is that Teemu Pukki doesn't seem to be able to miss at the moment. I'm backing the Hammers to win in a similar fashion to the way I picture Chelsea beating Sheffield United this weekend. Prediction: West Ham 3-1 Norwich

Burnley vs. Liverpool

Burnley have scored in all of their recent games against Liverpool but haven't actually managed to win any of them which I think could well be the case again this weekend. The pattern of the Clarets scoring in every game so far this season and Liverpool conceding in every game feels like it must come to an end soon so I am tempted to back a clean sheet for the visitors but they haven't looked nearly as solid as they were in the 2018/19 campaign - plus Alisson is still missing. Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Liverpool

Everton vs. Wolves

Two sides who I see at a similar level so it's not the easiest pick but I feel as if Wolves' extra games - that they've done well to win and reach the Europa League group stage - might catch up with them here. Everton did of course also play in midweek as they had a cup tie against Lincoln but that was a day earlier than the Wolves match against far weaker opposition than Torino. Silva's side have looked strong at home and now have the likes of Kean and Iwobi ready for action. Prediction: Everton 2-0 Wolves

Arsenal vs. Tottenham

I always love watching a North London derby and this should be another belter. I'm backing Arsenal because of their home advantage but also because I've got no idea what Pochettino has been doing with his team at the start of this season. I'm not sure what's gone on with Eriksen and Vertonghen's contract situations and what their relationships are like with the manager but it seems crazy that they haven't been playing every minute of this season so far. I'm sticking with Arsenal for this one regardless but I feel Spurs' only chance of a result is if Pochettino swallows his pride, starts those two players and avoids playing a diamond. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham

Best of luck in Round Four!