Predictions: Jack's Round 3 Premier League Picks

Round 3 of the Premier League Predictor is the last remaining round where matches are being played during the summer transfer window, so things will finally be a little more settled once we reach Round 4 after the international break.

With that upcoming break in mind, I'm expecting clubs to largely persevere with what they have this weekend, as there's little point in risking brand new signings or half-injured players in Round 3 when they'll have a couple of weeks to get things right after this round.

Last week

Round 2 was a pretty painful one for me with just 5 points! I feel I was quite unlucky with my 2-2 pick for Newcastle vs. Liverpool. As much as that Liverpool winner was a dagger for Newcastle fans and myself given how much I needed that Exact, you couldn't help but feel happy for Rio Ngumoha who took that goal so well on his league debut.

Like Wolves, West Ham and Manchester United, I'm heading into Round 3 low on confidence and in need of some results before the break! Feel free to leave your own predictions in the comments section.

Chelsea vs. Fulham

A slightly tricky one to begin with. Chelsea almost always win this derby at home, but didn't last year, and I think this match will be more similar to Chelsea's Round 1 match with Palace than the rout at West Ham. Fulham have shown in the first two rounds that they're tough to beat but I think having had that goalless draw with Palace, Chelsea have had their wake-up call and ought to force all three points. Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Fulham

Manchester United vs. Burnley

Things honestly just feel hopeless for Manchester United at this point and we could well be set for another season like last year where they're a nightmare to predict in games like this. Of course United should win, but they definitely should have won on Wednesday as well. I quite like Ruben Amorim but his absolute refusal to adapt the shape of the team feels like United's biggest problem currently because they just haven't got the players for a 2-man midfield. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Burnley do come out on top, but I'm going with a home win on the basis that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are fresh enough to this environment that they can bounce back from midweek and score some goals. Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Burnley

Sunderland vs. Brentford

Brentford have had a couple of great results since their opening day defeat at Nottingham Forest, so I'm tempted to back them here since it's hard to gauge exactly where Sunderland are at. Beating West Ham convincingly doesn't look quite as good as it did now that we've seen what other teams are also doing to the Hammers, and after Sunderland's defeat at Burnley with Dan Ballard getting injured, I think Brentford might edge this. Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Brentford

Tottenham vs. Bournemouth

Tottenham were excellent at Manchester City, Joao Palhinha and Pape Sarr in particular, so there's little reason to go against them here. Bournemouth are a good side and may manage a goal in my opinion but I'm not sure the Thomas Frank bounce will slow just yet. Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Bournemouth

Wolves vs. Everton

I'm going with a draw here. In their opening games at their new stadium, Everton have looked more like what I expected in Round 1, but now that they're back on the road I'm not sure they'll be quite as strong and Wolves need a result after back-to-back defeats. Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Everton

Leeds vs. Newcastle

As expected, Leeds were pummelled at the Emirates last week, and while I think they'll be much more competitive here back at home, I'm leaning towards Newcastle. Off the pitch things have obviously been a bit of a mess, but the Magpies have actually played really well in their first two games. Anthony Gordon has made life even more difficult for Eddie Howe in terms of striker availability, but I still think an away victory is the most likely outcome here. Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Newcastle

Brighton vs. Manchester City

Hmmm. Having looked so good in Round 1, Manchester City looked very much like last season's City against Tottenham and last season City didn't manage to beat Brighton. However, it's not been an amazing start for the Seagulls either so I think I'm still going to play safe with an away win. This is a really big game for City and Guardiola. They need a response. Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Manchester City

Nottingham Forest vs. West Ham

It's hard to believe how poor West Ham have been so far this season so you can't pick them to win here I don't think. A bit like Man Utd, they just look to have no legs in midfield at all, and so while the signing of Mateus Fernandes makes sense to try and improve that area, it's all happening a bit late. Nottingham Forest have started in solid form and should win this. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham

Liverpool vs. Arsenal

This is going to be really interesting. Liverpool haven't really played well yet this season, yet they've 2 wins from 2 and look like they could score at any time. Defensively, things have been far less encouraging though, and Arsenal will fancy their chances of goals even if without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

It's very hard to predict since Liverpool are so strong offensively and Arsenal are so strong defensively, but this feels like a real opportunity for Arsenal to me? I just have my doubts as to whether or not they'll take it since they so rarely win at Anfield. Their recent run of draws in this fixture could continue, I think, as I wouldn't be surprised if Arne Slot just turns things down a notch in terms of attacking intensity and opts for Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson as full-backs. Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace

Aston Villa are another club that could desperately do with a win in this round before the international break - their loss at Brentford last week will have been really disappointing. Palace are also yet to win but their draws against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest feel like reasonably good results, and they'd probably take another point here. The Eagles may well get one, but I'm backing Villa to finally find an attacking edge. Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Crystal Palace

Best of luck with your own Round 3 predictions!