Gameweek five of Sports Mole's 2024-25 Premier League predictions challenge sees us take on Kav Sandhu, member of Blitz Vega and former guitarist in the Happy Mondays - a notoriously Manchester United-supporting band.
Sandhu's allegiances lie the same way - in the red half of Manchester - making some of his predictions for the upcoming weekend of Premier League action especially eye-catching.
It is the blue half of the city that headline proceedings on Sunday, with Manchester City taking on Arsenal in a battle between the top two from the last two seasons, and the two most have predicted to occupy those positions again this time around.
Elsewhere, Chelsea kick off a busy Saturday with a London derby at West Ham United, while the 3pm kickoffs include a Midlands clash between Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as Liverpool hosting Bournemouth.
Sandhu's own Manchester United side then end Saturday away to Crystal Palace, but how does he think they will get on?
Read on below to find all of his and our predictions for the weekend, along with how we fared in last week's competition against Trampolene frontman Jack Jones.
West Ham vs. Chelsea
Saturday, 12.30pm
© Imago
Kav: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
Sports Mole: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea
Six of the last nine meetings between West Ham and Chelsea have seen at least three goals scored and another entertaining, end-to-end contest could be in store on Saturday.
Although West Ham got their better of Chelsea on home soil last season, they are yet to make their mark at the London Stadium this term and they may come up short once again against an upbeat Blues outfit, who should have enough about them to outscore their opponents on this occasion.
Aston Villa vs. Wolves
Saturday, 3pm
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Kav: Aston Villa 2-0 Wolves
Sports Mole: Aston Villa 2-1 Wolves
Goals should be guaranteed, as Aston Villa are particularly potent on home turf and Wolves cannot stop conceding. Buoyed by their big win last time out, Villa can ride the wave of momentum and see off their ailing local rivals.
Fulham vs. Newcastle
Saturday, 3pm
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Kav: Fulham 2-2 Newcastle
Sports Mole: Fulham 1-1 Newcastle
Newcastle have had plenty of success away against Fulham in recent years, but the potential absence of Isak would be a blow for the Magpies, who are already missing another central striker in Wilson.
None of Fulham's 16 Premier League home encounters with Newcastle have ended as a draw, but we can see this run coming to an end on Saturday and the spoils being shared in a closely-fought contest.
Leicester vs. Everton
Saturday, 3pm
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Kav: Leicester 1-0 Everton
Sports Mole: Leicester 2-1 Everton
Leicester have made a habit of dominating teams starting the day at the bottom of the Premier League table - the Foxes have won their last five home games against 20th-placed teams, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one in the process.
That streak should become six on Saturday, as there is not a single silver lining in sight for the defensively suspect Toffees, while the Foxes are showing plenty of promise in attack with new assist king Ndidi pulling the strings.
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth
Saturday, 3pm
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Kav: Liverpool 4-0 Bournemouth
Sports Mole: Liverpool 2-0 Bournemouth
Barring Hudson-Odoi's exquisite strike last weekend, defensive solidity has been the theme for Liverpool in the Premier League under Slot, who witnessed the perfect reaction at San Siro and should also oversee a home performance more befitting of the Reds on Saturday.
Bournemouth have been able to keep all of their games close in 2024-25 and should not be blown to smithereens by their hosts here, but we cannot see any scenario that involves the Cherries leaving with anything to show for their efforts.
Southampton vs. Ipswich
Saturday, 3pm
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Kav: Southampton 1-1 Ipswich
Sports Mole: Southampton 1-1 Ipswich
Both Southampton and Ipswich will view Saturday's fixture as a good opportunity to collect their first three points of the season.
The Tractor Boys arguably boast the psychological edge after doing the double over the Saints last season, but we feel that the hosts will find a way to claim at least a point at St Mary's on this occasion.
Spurs vs. Brentford
Saturday, 3pm
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Kav: Spurs 3-2 Brentford
Sports Mole: Spurs 1-0 Brentford
In spite of Tottenham's lackadaisical attacking displays so far this season, they should not be short of chances to carve Brentford open; Mark Flekken has already been forced into a league-high 22 saves so far this season.
Postecoglou's men should therefore find their way through at least once, and a first-choice defence can then keep a depleted Bees frontline at bay.
Crystal Palace vs. Man Utd
Saturday, 5.30pm
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Kav: Crystal Palace 1-3 Man Utd
Sports Mole: Crystal Palace 1-2 Man Utd
Crystal Palace are desperate to get off the mark in the Premier League and have the credentials to cause Man United problems in the final third, as they have done on numerous occasions in recent years.
Indeed, Man United have failed to win their last four visits to Selhurst Park, but we are backing the rejuvenated Red Devils to end this run on Saturday and come away from the capital with maximum points.
Brighton vs. Nott'm Forest
Sunday, 2pm
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Kav: Brighton 1-1 Nott'm Forest
Sports Mole: Brighton 1-1 Nott'm Forest
Forest have been nothing if not consistent in the final third so far this season, scoring exactly one goal in each of their five games so far, and there is every chance that streak could continue even at a ground where attacking proficiency has often eluded them.
After struggling to blow the Ipswich door down, even a refreshed Brighton side could come unstuck versus a Forest defence who magnificently held firm against Liverpool, and both sides' unbeaten streaks could continue in an uneventful draw.
Man City vs. Arsenal
Sunday, 4.30pm
© Imago
Kav: Man City 3-2 Arsenal
Sports Mole: Man City 0-0 Arsenal
Based off both teams' toothless midweek performances, the absences of De Bruyne and Odegaard and the uneventful pair of meetings between them last season, some fans could be forgiven for resigning themselves to a dull watch in Sunday's main event.
Unfortunately, we can envisage that exact scenario playing out once again at the Etihad. Haaland may be on fire domestically, but Arsenal's back five is arguably one of the best on the planet right now, so another 0-0 seems inevitable.
Kav Sandhu Q&A
How did you come to support Man United and what are your favourite memories from your time as a fan?
Kav: I was watching the 1986 World Cup on TV with my Dad and Bryan Robson went off injured with a dislocated shoulder playing for England.
I was a little kid and a massive Transformers fan. Bryan Robson kinda reminded me of Optimus Prime. The leader who was prepared to put everything on the line for his team.
I asked my Dad who he played for, so I became a Man Utd fan because of that. My bedroom wall was covered in United posters a week later. Gradually replacing the Transformers posters.
The happiest earliest memories that stick in my head have to be the Cup Winners' Cup win against Barcelona. I had the white kit the team wore in that final and I wouldn't take it off all summer.
Lee Sharpe scoring a hat-trick at Highbury against Arsenal wearing the no. 7 in the blue and white kit. Then after that it has to be Roy Keane's performance against Juve in the 1999 European Cup and then winning it against Bayern Munich. That treble season was incredible!
Who have been your favourite five players for your club?
Kav: Bryan Robson, Paul Ince, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona & Paul Scholes. I'd add Rooney and Becks in there if I could have the sacred seven. But what about Denis Irwin? It's difficult but there's my top 5.
What's going on with the band at the moment?
Kav: We are releasing the digital version of our debut album - Northern Gentleman (available to stream/download on September 27), prepping and rehearsing for live gigs and making plans to tour in 2025.
Blitz Vega release their debut album 'Northern Gentleman' on September 27th. Stream single 'Lost Myself' now.
You can follow Blitz Vega on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
2024-25 SEASON LEADERBOARD (ARTISTS)
Scores are calculated as one point for a correct result and five points for a correct scoreline.
1. Kyle Starkey (16pts | Gameweek 3)
2. Make Friends' Max Lewin (15pts | Gameweek 2)
3. Everyone Says Hi's Nick Hodgson (13pts | Gameweek 1)
4. Trampolene's Jack Jones (9pts | Gameweek 4)
2024-25 COMPETITION HISTORY
Gameweek 1: Everyone Says Hi's Nick Hodgson 13-14 Sports Mole
Gameweek 2: Make Friends' Max Lewin 15-4 Sports Mole
Gameweek 3: Kyle Starkey 16-13 Sports Mole
Gameweek 4: Trampolene's Jack Jones 9-9 Sports Mole
