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I think they're going to take a big cream cake and on Sunday they're going to throw it in a lot of people's faces. Alright, it's time for the next episode of Ali vs. Fletch. The FIFA international break has ended. Coisty, how are you? I must say you look wonderful. Well, I feel great, dude. I've been breaking it. In fact, I'm a bit of a Rangers fan. To be honest, I didn't want the FIFA date to arrive. You know, a couple of great results, flying high in this tournament, but I gladly accepted the break. I enjoyed it a lot, Fletch. I think the best match of the FIFA break was England vs. Spain. I enjoyed it. A team, obviously a country, not so good at home, but with ups and downs. A better performance away
from home, but disappointing at home. So, after you enjoy your week, my friend. Yes, well, I just got back. I've been on vacation and, as you can see, my eye is swollen. People will speculate that I drank 15 pints or that I was rolling around in a bar parking lot, or the truth is that I get allergic to the dog every time I come back. So, that's my situation. I'm a little allergic to dogs. That's why I feel like I've been hit by a left jab from Tyson Fury during about six of the 12 rounds. I thought.Well, I'm glad you cleared that up, because I thought you'd been heartbroken over the results of this game before you left.
I thought, I just thought it was tears that were coming out of your eyes. Okay, let's get straight to the point. I mean, this is great because we were practically tied before the final weekend of last season. And here we are. We're out of the FIFA break and we're tied again, because magnificently, and I must say magnificently, you won the previous round 8-3. You beat me up. One small point that Ben, the producer, mentioned was that I probably should have gotten more than one point for being brave enough to say that Brighton would beat Arsenal. But because of how the rules work, I didn't guess the score correctly, so I have to accept it, or take it in the eye, however you want to see it. But you were brilliant. I think you
got two exact scores right last time Yes, I was nice to you, and for the record, if we want the producer's opinion, we'll tell him when to give it to us, right? That's the conclusion, isn't it? Because he has very little to do with this program, other than producing it. So put it back in its place, okay? Okay, that's finished now. But I had a fantastic week, I had an amazing week just before the international break. There were a couple of things that went well for me. I can't lie to you. There were a couple of things that went well for me, and I understand your point. That was a great prediction, that Brighton would beat Arsenal. And didn't they do it exactly like that?
I think the two best predictions I've ever made were both in weeks where I ended up being soundly defeated. I said Forest would win at Villa, I lost and got thrashed, and then there was this one where I correctly predicted Brighton would win. I got that one right, but they crushed me on all the others. So we really started from scratch. Okay, let's get started, because we have the first game. We have it. We Arsenal vs Leeds, assuming you go first. So go ahead, Coisty. Kickoff 12:30, TNT Sports. You and I, we have a great team there with us at the stadium on Saturday. I think Joe Cole will be with us too. Joe will be with us. I 'm looking forward to seeing it. I haven't seen much
of Coley this season, so it will be great to have Coley on the team. So, Arsenal versus Leeds. Forward. I think it's a juicy match to start with. I think it's an interesting match. There is absolutely no doubt about that. Declan Rice will probably return, he was obviously injured. Havertz appears to be injured. Will he go with Jesus or will he go with Martinelli? Martinelli scores again. I mean, you know I'm a huge fan, a massive fan. And I enjoy Leeds, Fletcher. I enjoy watching Leeds, as you know.
I think they will make things difficult for Arsenal. I truly believe that. I'm betting on Arsenal. And I'm going for a 2-0 win. I don't think they'll have it easy. I think they'll be looking for a reaction. Mikel Arteta should be looking for a serious reaction after the game against Brighton, obviously. And I think they will achieve it in terms of result in a difficult match. I, I think they'll win 2-0. One injury you haven't mentioned, and I think it's the most important of all, is Ezri Konsa's, given that William Saliba isn't there either, he hasn't returned yet. So, Gabriel, the veteran, Mosquera, you suspect he'll play alongside
, um, uh, Gabriel. Calvert-Lewin in good form just before the international break, three goals in three games. I think this is the kind of game Leeds will enjoy. They like to play on the counterattack. Farke will keep them well motivated. Leeds United will get something out of this game. I'm going to go with Arsenal 2, Leeds 2, a draw at the Emirates, an exciting four-goal game, the title race wide open. Boom! So I'm going with a 2-2. I'm going straight in with a slight surprise to kick off the Premier League after the No, no, I think I take my hat off to you. I mean, all you do is entertain. I'll tell you this, you're an artist.
Yes. I am, I am, I'm going to keep entertaining because that's how I see it: the affection that people feel for Jimmy White, based on the fact that he never plays defensively, unable to win a world title, they still love Jimmy today. So I'm going to follow Jimmy White's ridiculous route. I n't have time to play defensively, my great friend. We're going straight for 147 after the break. Bright. Okay, now it's my turn, Aston Villa vs Brentford. I think this is a terrible match to try and predict. Um, no, I can't quite figure out if I saw enough against Spurs, the last game we covered together before the break, to suggest that Aston
Villa could start the season the way they started the last one. Well, they were lucky. Yes, I hear it, I hear that. I mean, let's be honest with you. I thought Spurs were better in the first half. I know, but then you get the win and they did this last season and had an incredible run. And I know they have this new team, but they have good players. I can't see Brentford and they seem to me to be the most difficult team to predict against in the Premier League. A, out of respect for Keith Andrews and his players, but they're excellent at making you eat your words, aren't they, when you're wrong? Definitely.
I think this is Yes, I, I, you know what? I think, I think this is another tie. I'm going to say Villa 1, Brentford 1. I'm going to say exactly the same thing, mate. I promise you, really. I mean, I enjoyed Villa, especially the second half at Tottenham. And we probably saw one of the goals of the season so far. What a beautiful shot by Digne, right? Straight to the top corner. And, well, I mean, Brentford. And you're absolutely right, Keith Andrews, what a job, what a job he's done and continues to do. Very, very difficult to beat. You know, they have their own style. And I'm with you, my friend. I'm going for a 1-1 draw. I ca n't separate them.
I have news for you, you know? The next three on the list are also a disaster to try and predict. I know, I know where you're going. You two are going with Chelsea-Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge. know. You don't know what to expect from Chelsea. I mean, Bournemouth, generally speaking, you know, they're a good show. I'm going, I'm simply going to go without any logic or reason. I'm simply going to bet on a Chelsea home win and say 2-1. And, and for that reason, I'm not going to give it any serious thought other than the fact that I think the home advantage could favor Chelsea.
Yes. I think something that does favor Chelsea is the fact that Palmer, Nkunku, and Pedro haven't played international football in the last three weeks. They will be well rested. Hm, oh, did you say 2-1? Is that exactly what I would have chosen? that. I know I'm going to say two-two now and we're going with Chelsea two, Bournemouth two. I think Bournemouth, I think Bournemouth will get something out of it; I am as worried about Chelsea's defense as I am impressed by Chelsea's attack, and I can't figure out if it's an Alonso problem and he needs to change his style of play, or if it's a personnel issue and they simply need to do their individual defensive jobs better.
Either way, they need to improve. I think Bournemouth are capable of scoring two at Stamford Bridge. So I'm going to go. I understand your point, because I thought the goalkeeper change would have a greater impact than it seems to be having at the moment for Chelsea, to be honest. He didn't choose a good time to lose his form, did he, Martinez? Okay, I mean, the next one isn't much easier. Ipswich vs Fulham. So it's my turn, huh. You know what? I like the Ipswich in this one. I've been impressed by Ipswich's return to the Premier League. I think they've made a good signing. I think they're playing
with a lot of confidence. They have shown that they can win away games, which is always the most difficult thing in the top division. And I think at home against a Fulham team that is still searching for its identity, and the caveat I would add is that one of the players I have most enjoyed watching in the entire Premier League this season is Josh King, the young Fulham player. I think he has been magnificent and he has to be part of Thomas Tuchel's plans at a serious level in the not too distant future. What a talented footballer he is. Whether they can keep him until the end of this season remains to be seen, because I think it will be.Yes, so I love Josh King. I think they'll score a goal, but I'm
going to bet on two to one for Ipswich. I'm going for the opposite. I agree with everything you said about Josh King and that's probably why I'm leaning towards Fulham after their late equalizer against Man United. Yes, it's a difficult decision, but I'm simply going the opposite way. I'm going the other way around, so one for Fulham, two for Ipswich. Look, this is turning into a Jimmy White vs. Hurricane Higgins kind of prediction. You're getting intense and strong now. Okay, you're next. I mean, this is crazy again. Sunderland vs Brighton. Wow. In other words. This is your turn, this is the day you're glad to be in second place. I was sitting watching these matches today and thinking: I don't know what to do with my
head. I've changed my mind about four or five times. I'm going to go with a tie on this one. Well, it's just difficult to predict. It's really difficult to predict. Brighton are obviously coming off a phenomenal result, a phenomenal performance. The only thing is.Brobbey got injured and Dan Burn has been injured. And I ask myself, are they strong enough to handle Brighton without those two? And I'm not so sure. These are the ones who are coming. I'm going to say them one by one, my friend. I'm going to say them one by one. Perhaps it's my heart dominating my head because of my past connections with Sunderland, but I'll say them one by one. I could have easily picked five draws so far, because I
find it very difficult to separate these teams. But I'm going to choose Brighton. I think Brighton, after beating Arsenal before the break, I think Hürzeler really has something good in store for Brighton this season. Um, and I think the problem is, I'm not too worried about Balogun's absence, but I am worried about. Brobbey's absence. You know, I just think that if they're going to move the ball away from Brighton, he has to hold onto it for a long time, and he's not on the pitch. I simply don't see how Sunderland can maintain possession for extended periods. So, I'm going to say Sunderland zero, Brighton two for this one. I'm going to say two to zero in favor of Brighton. So, I'll take the away win. Okay, next one. Me first.
Here we go. Here. Man United vs Spurs. I mean, for God's sake I mean, come on. I mean, what, what's going to happen here? I mean, me, me. Only one win between the two so far Yes. We had a discussion about Man United, didn't we? In Tottenham before Spurs' match against Villa. And we point out that people should stop putting them in the same category as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City. Because they simply don't spend like they used to. The club is no longer built like they used to be.
They're on the next level. So, whether Man United fans like it or not, until that changes and until they start buying players like Morgan Rogers and. Declan Rice, all these guys. You're right. You're absolutely right. You can go and buy them. We could say that he will name half a dozen, my friend. Yes. If you're going to buy a backup Chelsea centre-midfielder like Andre Santos for £50 million, and he's going to be the most expensive player you've ever bought, that shows you where you stand. Because that's the type of player that Villa buys,
that Newcastle buys, that Spurs buys, that Forest buys, and this next group of clubs. So, let's put that into perspective now. Let's judge them for what they are. So, for me, this isn't far from a 50/50. What I do think, however, is that Manchester United have a bit more courage and a bit more guts than Spurs. Because I just saw that Tottenham team, they should have secured the game against Aston Villa. They didn't score. And at the moment Villa scored, nobody in the stadium thought anything other than Villa winning the game would happen.
They, I think the phrase is that they folded like a cheap suit. And then later, they found a little energy to recover a couple of goals at the end, but it was too late. Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes, I think Man United are better than them despite all the money Tottenham have spent. I'm going to give it my all, man, I think this will be the most tense match of the weekend. It could be a lackluster match. I don't think it's going to be a classic. Did you know? But I think there could be goals because I don't think any of them are good enough to prevent them. Oh Christie, I'm going to say Manchester United 3 Spurs 1. That was exactly what I had in mind, honestly. I assume you're referring to Carrick versus De Zerbi.
Who needs it more? They both need it. They both need it, man. I'm with you. I mean, United doesn't look anything like the team Manchester United fans would expect and want, and they're still a long way from that. But, by the way Christie, I don't take, I don't take any. No, no, no, no, I don't. All the best eras of football that I have had the privilege of witnessing were surrounded by Manchester United teams. Particularly that side that had Tevez, Rooney, Ronaldo, Rio, you know, and I agree with Scholesy, players we 've come to know later on as well. What a team that was, and how great it was to watch them play.
Let's be quite frank about it. That's one of the greats, possibly one of the best Manchester United teams. If you go back to '67-'68 and all that kind of stuff. But I'll tell you right now that's one of United's best teams, you know what I mean? Christie, for me to see a great club like that basically groping in the dark is a tragedy for English football. The owners, oh my God, the owners. I know. I agree with you, that's right. And Fletch, I have, I want to go with a 3-1. But I won't. I'm going to say 2-1. I'm going to say 2-1 United. Many people had the Spurs in sixth place. I mean, they don't even have the slightest chance of finishing sixth. In other words, they had a miraculous run to get there, but they're going to
suffer to achieve it. It is, I just think it is, well, it's not as simple as that, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. They need to put him on the field, mate. Well, Crystal Palace against Forest. This is Sunday. I mean, this isn't easy either. I mean, I think this is the most difficult week of predictions we've ever had. Palace against Forest, it's your turn. What a game we had, by the way. Yes, what a great game we had. You know who's coming back to you know where. Hey, think about it. This, for some reason, has probably become, I wouldn't call it a derby proper, but it's certainly a
match with scores to settle. Hey. It's a game of grudges, guys. Oh, yes. Yes, but this wouldn't be out of place in the old north of the border. This is where things get intense. I don't mind squabble matches, by the way. I need to inform you. No. I think it's also difficult to predict. I truly believe that. But I'm leaning towards the Forest. I'm leaning towards the Forest, mate. Um, I just think they have a bit more bite. They had a good, as you say, good performance away from home against Villa, 1-2-1. And I think it could be the same. And I'm going to bet on a 1-2-1 in favor of Forest at the Palace.
Yes, that's where I am too. I'm going to go one step further. I think they will win 2-0. I don't think they'll concede any goals. Uh, I wish, I mean, look, Forest is my club. I don't hide that. If I could make every Forest game right now be played away from the City Ground, I would accept it because they are a better team away from home in this early stage than at the City Ground. He has had some time, however, to take stock and see what he has now as well. And I think that when you give the best coaches in the world time to evaluate, you start to see improvements, even if a large part of their squad has been out. I think he's had time to analyze it and will probably make some adjustments. He told me a while ago when I sat down
with him: "We're not married to a system." "We're not married to one method." We'll find the best way to play and then implement it when we have enough experience with what I have. I think this international break will have been important for him. I love that he now has Delap on the team. Jean Michaël Seri has been out playing for Brazil. He has been a revelation in the back three. So I like Forest away from home, especially against Crystal Palace, and I think they'll win 2-0. Okay, it's my turn next. I mean, this is a terrible match. Hull vs Everton. Oh my God. You see, I think this is going to be a very close race. Because, I mean, neither of them is known for scoring many goals. I think it will be a
game of attrition. I don't think there will be a lack of entertainment, but I think the two teams will cancel each other out. And I think it will be decided by a single goal. So, should I bet 1-0 on Hull or 1-0 I want you to write my prediction there. I need. Yes, because it's one thing or the other. It's going to be either zero to zero or one to zero. I can't imagine it being any other way. Oh, God. And you know what? I feel I owe it to the people of Kingston upon Hull for saying they would get six against Chelsea.
I should take his side this week. So, I'm going to bet 1-0 on Hull. You've broken down. You gave in to the pressure. Now you let your heart rule over your head. Now. Yes. Because I'm going to do the opposite. I'm going to do the opposite, Joe. And I would have done the same. If you had said 1-0, I would have chosen 1-0 too. I'm going to say 1-0, everyone. I mean, it's.that 's another case. And you're right, your point is that this is the toughest week and we probably haven't even gotten to the weekend game yet. But it's the hardest week, or almost the hardest, to predict. It really is, truly. I'm with you. Hull, I have thoroughly enjoyed
watching them develop; they are a breath of fresh air. Some brilliant results. We saw them at home against United. Great result away from home in Coventry. They have been achieving good performances and good results. But Everton is one of those teams, is n't it? Okay, I feel like this is the moment for a drumroll. Anfield, four thirty. My God. I mean, Liverpool versus Manchester City. Ally McCoist, where are we going with this? I mean, I don't think. This is where we start. I don't think there's been a league game this eagerly anticipated so early in the season for years and years, right
? No. The first thing I would say is that I'm not sure I want to be on the Manchester team bus arriving an hour and a half before kickoff. That's the first thing I can say. TRUE? So, let's get that out of the way. What's your assumption? Now, I think the first thing Maresca does when he gets all these international players back is sit them all down in the locker room, tell them what he knows, tell them that they have to unite, that they have to be together because they must. The world, whatever you think, everyone feels like the world is against them right now, and I have to say that the vast majority of the planet is, right? For all these reasons, I think they would be right in that assumption, obviously, at this point.
For all these reasons, this is a real match, my friend. It's a real match, and I can't choose either side. I think it's going to be a fantastic match. I think they'll go on the attack. I think there will be goals. I think both. I think Liverpool will come out like a rocket. The atmosphere will be absolutely electrifying. But Liverpool haven't been very good at home, Dan. As you know, they've had, I think they've had about three or four draws in the last three or four games. That 's the statistic, while City have been very, very good. I'm dying to see City's reaction to a draw, and I think we'll have a classic match.
Know? Sometimes the gods of football can be very mischievous, can't they? I mean, all this starts, and then it's Liverpool vs. Manchester City, followed by Man City vs. PSG. I mean, it's simply absurd. As it stands, it is, it is, it is absurd. And look, this isn't a discussion about the whys and hows of Manchester City's spending. We're here to give you predictions about the game. There are other platforms where we will all give our opinion on what should or should not happen, and what we think about what happened. But as for the match, you know, I think I'm in the minority, but I think this is the best match for Manchester City because it sorts itself out. They will enter that stadium against one of their biggest rivals. There will be
individual rivalries. There will be players who will want to be better than the guy wearing the other jersey. You know, Haaland wants to score goals against Van Dijk. Liverpool's midfield wants to prove they know how to play. Fletch. However, McAllister versus Fernandez. There you have it. You see, I don't even think they'll think about it this time; I think the party takes care of everything else. I think it's a brilliant match for Manchester City. I also think, Ally, that it's a huge game for Liverpool. Because if they want to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City, and let's not beat around the bush, unless they lose points this season, City are
fully in the title race. I mean, they're right there with them and Arsenal. I think this season they are closer to Arsenal on the field than last season. In fact, if you ask me now, without point deductions, who wins the league? I'm betting on Man City from now on. So I think this team is going to keep getting better and better. I think they've made some excellent signings. So, for me, without the point deduction, they are favorites for the title. That's why I think if Liverpool want to be in that discussion, they have to win this game at home, and they must show that they can win these big games under Guardiola. That's why I think they're under as much pressure as the Man City players when they step onto the pitch. And I think I'm
dying, I'm dying to ask the question mischievously, should they have been allowed to sign players so magnificently well? But that's for another day, Paul Scholes. That's for another day. Because we're here to make predictions, my friend. And by the way, José made a great prediction this week, didn't he? He said that by the time we know the result, he will be 80 years old. So he made his prediction this week about what's going to happen. So, based on that, I'm going to bet on a Manchester City win. I think they're going to grab a big cake and throw it in a lot of people's faces on Sunday. I think they're going to win the game. I think they will win 2-1. And I think they'll maintain this 100% start to the season. And I think it will
irritate everyone even more if they go there and win the match. But I think they will. And I think they are a really good football team and they have enough experience. I think they will win. I just think it's the perfect match for that group to face. I think if it were against Bournemouth away from home, I honestly wouldn't see them having much of a chance. I know I see where you're going with this. I understand your point of view. Yes. I just think so. Yes. To use an old-fashioned term, it's going to be a home-field battle. Absolutely, a home game.
Put it this way, none of us will miss it. Not in a million years. None of us are going to miss the pre-game festivities, the game itself, or anything else. Nothing. Let me tell you. Yes. I'll be strategically positioned with a glass of red wine. That's all the information you need. Okay, the last one. My turn. Monday night. This is not easy. Coventry vs Newcastle. And you know what? What did we say about it just a couple of weeks ago? I think they are the unluckiest team in the Premier League so far. And then they go to Forest's ground and get a victory. And they
deserve a victory. Whoever they face, they deserve a victory. They played well enough to win a game. I think Newcastle are a bit inconsistent, which makes this match difficult to predict. Because I'm still not 100% sure what I'll see when Newcastle are on the pitch. So I'm going to bet on a Coventry win. I'm going to say Coventry two, Newcastle one. And I believe Frank will achieve consecutive victories. And I like what I've seen from Coventry, although the results didn't go their way in the first few weeks of the season. No, I'm with you. And I respect that. I don't know if it has anything to do with it, but I think Coventry has played better than their points indicate. I know they achieved victory at your home ground, and it
was a much-needed win for them. Newcastle, I'm with you, mate. A little uneven. We really don't know what to expect from Newcastle. Hmm, but I see a tie. I see a one-to-one tie in that one, my friend. Yes. Neither team convinces me enough to believe they can win the game. And I think.a strange tie.I think I'm going to go with a one-all tie. Well, if you think you know more than us, you can challenge Ali and me by making your own predictions for every Premier League match at tntsports.co.uk and on the TNT Sports app. Or you can scan the QR code that appears on the screen. But there is a difference. Ali and I predict the exact scores, but generally speaking, you just choose home win, draw, or away win, and we'll keep you updated
on the standings. So, after the last time, even though he caught up with us in our direct confrontation, the fans and I are all in this together. I have always been a man of the people. I've already joined them. We have 23 points and you have 20, but you closed the gap a little because you were further behind. And obviously, this is the one that really matters, the one I'm winning. So, 23 for me and everyone else, and 20 for you. But with the streak you're on right now, I mean, anything can happen. Anything can happen. There has to be some movement. What a difficult week, we are waiting for the results. And we mentioned at least six or seven matches where we are.well, I'm kind of like, like flipping a coin. I think this is the
first week in which neither of them has entered with total conviction. Is that fair to say? Yes, I think I 'm only sure about a couple this week. The rest could be anything. Great, dude. Look, I hope to see you again soon. I agree, my friend. You too. It's been an eternity. I've been waiting to be back by your side, mate. So, have a good couple of days and I'll see you early Saturday For our match, yes, the one we're really looking forward to. Join us, the entire TNT Sports team, at the Emirates on Saturday at noon. At 11:00 we start with the early match, and afterwards we have the big match, Arsenal vs Leeds, which both Ali
and I believe will be a great game. Enjoy your weekend of football. Those are our predictions. Give it a try. Surpass us. Prove you're better than us. We're not a tough pair to beat. Enjoy the football and we'll talk later. See you guys.
