EPL Match Week 8 Preview

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, all EPL Match Week 7 and three of the Match Week 8 games are postponed. In a year when all domestic leagues will pause for the World Cup, this will complicate the league schedule. Of the postponed games from week 8, the clash between Chelsea and Liverpool was the must-watch. Here is the preview of the seven matches scheduled to happen this weekend.

Aston Villa vs. Southampton:

The past five match-ups between these two sides have gone either way. Both of last season's games went for the home sides. Southampton's average scored goals is better than Aston Villa's, while the two sides have conceded 1.67 goals on average. Both teams have had rough beginnings to the season, meaning this will probably be a close game. Steven Gerrard's Villa desperately need to win, but so do Southampton, who lost last time to Wolves. This game will end in a draw with not too many goals.

Five Thirty Eight: AVL: 50%, SOU: 26%, Draw: 25%

Odds Shark: AVL: +105, SOU: +255, Draw: +240

Nottingham Forest vs. Fulham:

Forest spent the second largest amount of money during the transfer window and brought in Dean Henderson as a reliable goalkeeper on loan from Manchester United. Yet, their form does not show for it as they have lost four of their first six games, winning only one match against West Ham. Fulham have been on a relatively better form sitting in tenth place with eight points. The previous match-ups between these sides in the Championship have gone three times for Fulham and twice for Forest. With the current forms considered, Fulham are the favorite to win this game.

Five Thirty Eight: NFO: 37%, FUL: 36%, Draw: 27%

Odds Shark: NFO: +175, SOU: +155, Draw: +230

Wolves vs. Manchester City:

Let's be honest; not many teams like to play against Man City and the goal-hungry Haaland. Wolves beat City in December 2019 in this fixture but lost all four subsequent matches. City also demonstrated a fantastic comeback against Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday. Although Wolves beat Southampton at home last time around, City look forward to closing the gap with first-place Arsenal. The best way to do this is to win the game, and City will likely snatch the three points of the game.

Five Thirty Eight: WOL: 10%, MCI: 73%, Draw: 17%

Odds Shark: WOL: +775, MCI: -305, Draw: +440

Newcastle vs. Bournemouth:

Bournemouth have not won any of the last five match-ups with Newcastle. The closest they come has been two 2-2 draws to get something from the Magpies. But Newcastle have only one win this season from the first game despite their wealthy owners. This game will be tight based on the poor attacking form of the two sides. It is hard to imagine there will be many goals in this one which will likely end in close win for the hosts.

Five Thirty Eight: NEW:610%, BOU: 16%, Draw: 23%

Odds Shark: NEW: -215, BOU: +600, Draw: +340

Tottenham vs. Leicester:

Still winless, Leicester have serious issues in London meeting Spurs. Even in their good form, Foxes have had difficulties against Kane and Son. With Schmeichel gone, Leicester don't have a reliable option in goal, and their defensive line is not convincing. Spurs are in much better form sitting in third place, and are the favorite to win this match.

Five Thirty Eight: TOT: 64%, LEI: 16%, Draw: 20%

Odds Shark: TOT: -205, LEI: +500, Draw: +350

Brentford vs. Arsenal:

With only two games between the two sides in EPL history, there is hardly any history to talk about. Still, of the only two times these teams clashed, each side has won one. The Bees stunned Man United and Leeds but couldn't get passed Palace, Everton, and Fulham. Arsenal started the league with five straight wins just to see their winning streak cut by Red Devils. The statistics are also very close. The hosts have scored 2.5 goals on average and conceded 1.5 goals per game.

On the other hand, the Gunners have scored 2.33 goals and conceded 1.17 goals on average. This is another test for Arsenal after their clash against Manchester United. This will be a close game and probably end in a draw.

Five Thirty Eight: BRE: 29%, ARS: 48%, Draw: 23%

Odds Shark: BRE: +32, ARS: -125, Draw: +270

Everton vs. West Ham:

Everton have gotten used to draws in their last four games. West Ham have only earned one win and lost four in their previous games. There is barely anything between the two sides. Both clubs are in bad form with close statistics. Everton have not won a game yet, but the Hammers will find it hard to play in Goodison Park. The home side will earn their first win in this game.

Five Thirty Eight: EVE: 37%, WHU: 36%, Draw: 27%

Odds Shark: EVE: +195, WHU: +145, Draw: +220