Predictions: Jack's Round 5 Premier League Picks

After a fun midweek with the return of the Champions League which didn't disappoint in terms of entertainment, we're now back to Premier League action with some of those European results something to consider when making your predictions.

Round 5 has some huge games and plenty that will split the community so I'm expecting quite a lot of leaderboard movement this weekend across Superbru leagues.

Last round

Things were finally a bit more predictable last week. I was frustrated by my lack of an Exact, but 7/10 correct outcomes is a decent platform to hopefully kick on from!

Here are my thoughts on Round 5.

Liverpool vs. Everton

I quite like the idea of Everton showing the kind of form we've seen in a couple of games this season and making this a competitive derby at Anfield, but realistically you have to pick Liverpool I think. The Reds found yet another late winner in midweek against Atletico Madrid, and though they would have hoped to have won that match much more comfortably because Atleti have been very ordinary so far this season, the aura of winning and inevitability around them continues to grow. Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Everton

Brighton vs. Tottenham

Tricky. Brighton's win over Manchester City would suggest we're in for another year of them beating the 'big' teams at home without winning too many other games, so I'm quite torn on this one. Tottenham have started well on the road this year but were outplayed by Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago and I'm wondering if we might see them lose this one too against a team that has had all week to prepare. Prediction: Brighton 2-1 Tottenham

Burnley vs. Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest and particularly Ange Postecoglou could really do with a win here, particularly after what happened at Swansea in midweek, and I think we might see a good performance from them. Burnley have put in some strong home performances so far and it wouldn't shock me if they take a point or 3 but I think Forest have some real quality to suit the attacking style of play we'll now see from them and that we got a glimpse of in the first half of that EFL Cup game through new signings like Igor Jesus and Dilane Bakwa. Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Nottingham Forest

West Ham vs. Crystal Palace

I'm not sure Crystal Palace are anywhere near their best from an attacking point of view at the moment, but I'm still backing them to win this one as West Ham just look all over the place. There might not be much in it, but Palace are tough to score against which isn't really something you can say about the Hammers currently. Prediction: West Ham 0-1 Crystal Palace

Wolves vs. Leeds

If you like goals, I wouldn't go out of your way to try and watch this one, but fixtures have surprised us before and maybe both teams end up seeing this match as one to go all out to try and win. The onus is on Wolves to take the points as the home team, but are they good enough to do so? I'm going to say yes based on reports that Strand Larsen is back available, but will probably switch to a draw if that ends up not being the case. Prediction: Wolves 1-0 Leeds

Manchester United vs. Chelsea

This is one of those fixtures where the head-to-head record plays on your mind a bit because Chelsea haven't won at Old Trafford for over a decade despite regularly being considered favourites in recent seasons. I was ready to pick a narrow win for the Blues, perhaps with Garnacho to play a big part because of narrative, but now that United have Cunha and Mount back they should be slightly stronger and Chelsea have had a tough week with a draw at Brentford and defeat in Munich. I'm now going with a draw. Prediction: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

Fulham vs. Brentford

Derbies between these two tend to be very close (and entertaining) and the fans will of course be right up for it so home advantage should count for something, you'd think. I'm slightly hesitant because I thought Fulham would beat Leeds more comfortably last week and Brentford caused Chelsea big problems with their long throws, but I'm sticking with a narrow Fulham win. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Brentford

Bournemouth vs. Newcastle

This feels set up to be a Bournemouth win, though most seem to agree with that sentiment which makes me slightly nervous because if both teams are at their best, Newcastle are probably favourites. If the Magpies do turn up and win this game then fair play to them but it's a tough ask after a Thursday night fixture against Barcelona. Prediction: Bournemouth 2-0 Newcastle

Sunderland vs. Aston Villa

It's horrible trying to pick if/when Aston Villa will come good! I managed to get their draw at Everton right last week, but I was slightly fortunate as Everton were by far the better side and ought to have won which isn't really how I thought things would go. They just look so short of confidence currently so I'm wondering if the best they manage here is a draw as well, particularly without Youri Tielemans. Sunderland have been strong in their first two home games. Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa

Arsenal vs. Manchester City

A very exciting fixture to finish with. Arsenal have to be considered favourites given how strong they've looked defensively so far this season, because Manchester City have looked far more vulnerable in that regard, but the form of Erling Haaland and the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma certainly makes things interesting. There's pressure on Arsenal to win this game having done so for the last couple of seasons and having dropped points at Anfield, but a win for City would be a real statement result to show that they're much closer to being in this title race than most of us thought after the defeats in August. I'm going with a home win on the basis that City's full backs won't be good enough defensively over the 90. Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City

Best of luck with your own Round 5 predictions!