A look at the top fixtures, kit matchups and Best Bets for Matchweek Three in the best league in the world.

LAS VEGAS — As the sands of the hourglass trickle away — spec by spec by spec — on the month of August, the calendar moves into September and it is now Matchweek Three in England’s Premier League. There are 7 fixtures on the Saturday schedule and three fixtures on the Sunday schedule including, arguably, the showcase fixture of the Premiership — at least from a historical perspective — when Manchester United plays host to Liverpool at Old Trafford. There will be 69 major trophies (PL, UCL, FA Cup) in representation between both clubs.

“To me, Liverpool will always be the derby game, just because of the history. When I came down here, they were the kingpins of England. My aim was to try and turn that round. It’s hard for me to go against history.”

— Sir Alex Ferguson

KEY FIXTURES

Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion — ARSBHA

MW3 begins in London’s north end when Arsenal hosts Brighton in the early match on Saturday at Emirates Stadium. Both these clubs have enjoyed an eclectic mix of skill and panache thus far in the early Premier League season. ARS is 2-0-0 whilst not conceding a goal and looking clinical to match. BHA is 2-0-0 with 5 goals scored in the term. This is top-of-the-table business and appointment viewing early Saturday.

Newcastle v Tottenham — NEWTOT

St. James Park is the venue for this clash between Champions League hopefuls Spurs and the host Newcastle. Both clubs are 1-1-0 (4 pts) in the new term and both clubs have had moments of quality and moments to forget this early season. Both clubs probably should be 2-0-0. One would think this should be a frenetic, spicy affair.

NEWTOT is a seasoned fixture in English Football and has been played circa 1909. For comprehensive, in-depth figures on the history of this match, visit https://fbref.com/en/stathead/matchup/teams/b2b47a98/361ca564/Newcastle-United-vs-Tottenham-Hotspur-History

Manchester United v Liverpool — MUNLIV

MW3 concludes Sunday morning (8 a.m. PST, Peacock) when Manchester United gets Liverpool at The Theatre of Dreams in one of the Prem’s classic fixtures. LIV comes into the match 2-0-0 and has shown quality in both of Arne Slot’s managerial debuts. Mo Salah is in form currently, scoring in both matches thus far. Man Utd left it late versus Fulham but got the three points before disaster struck on the south coast last Saturday. MUN had a goal fraudulently disallowed and Brighton scored a header at the death (90’+5’) to claim all three points. But throw the record, trends and stats out for this fixture. It need not apply. This rivalry is about something different, something greater. Another chapter to the saga gets added Sunday.

For a comprehensive exploration of the North West Derby, visit https://fbref.com/en/stathead/matchup/teams/822bd0ba/19538871/North-West-Derby-Liverpool-vs-Manchester-United-History

KIT MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Right then, down to business. The MW3 KMOTW brings us to Suffolk, England when the newly-promoted Tractor Boys of Ipswich Town play host to Fulham at Portman Road on Saturday. IPS will wear its classic blues over white. FUL could go either with its white home kit over black or with its red and black away kit. Either or, this will be a fine kit watch for the viewer and this fixture gets my vote for KMOTW.

MW3 POSITIONS PL

Best Bet Record: 1-1

Published 2024-25 Bet Record: 5-1

Last Week: 5-0

EVERTON +0.5 (-90)

It has to be now for Everton. The Toffees have looked awful thus far in the new PL term. If EVE can’t defend Goodison Park against the likes of lower-table Bournemouth then absolutely the relegation discussion is one to be had, once again. Forget about BS tactical theories or xG speculation. For EVE, it’s as simple as ball in net. Toffees draw or better is the play.

BEST BET MW3

NFOWOL BTTS (-50)

When Nottingham Forest hosts Wolverhampton at The City Ground Saturday (7 a.m. PST, Peacock), you best believe Both Teams To Score is well fancied here. Wolverhampton let Chelsea truck 6 in last go and has allowed more goals than any other side in the competition. 50 cents isn’t too intrusive, even if both clubs have only scored two goals each so far this PL term. That changes here. I’m expecting a lively joust. I have this at minimum a 1-1 or 2-1 either side match. Both teams find the net, as they have against each other in (albeit a short sample) its last four meetings. NFOWOL BTTS is your Best Bet for MW3.

Creator’s Note: The purveyor of Darkseid Sports has no affiliation, whatsoever, with any of the above entities, either in written form or depicted in corresponding images. The author of this writing is a passionate and very serious Manchester United and Premier League fan.