The Premier League action intensifies this weekend with a round of matches following European games and ahead of a series of midweek fixtures that could prove challenging for some coaches.
One of the biggest question marks in the Premier League currently revolves around Manchester United, and the defensive and goalkeeping errors that resulted in their 3-3 draw away to Galatasaray once again spotlight the club and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
St James’ Park is not the best place to go if you are low on confidence, and although Newcastle continue to contend with a long injury list, including players such as Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, and Joe Willock, they are bolstered by confidence (and probably frustration) after thrashing Chelsea and being denied a midweek win in Paris by a controversial penalty decision.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League last weekend after Manchester City’s draw with Liverpool, and Mikel Arteta’s side are favored at home against Wolves.
Ben White is expected to return in defence, and Arteta faces no new injury concerns against a rival that has become increasingly tough to break down under coach Gary O’Neil.
Manchester City has seen a dip in form in recent games and showed carelessness in the first 45 minutes of its Champions League win at home against RB Leipzig in midweek, but that should sharpen their focus as they host Tottenham on Sunday.
Spurs fell to fifth after last weekend’s defeat to Aston Villa, with a long injury list being the main factor in a run of three consecutive defeats. Rodrigo Bentancur joined the injury list a week ago, alongside key players such as James Maddison, Richarlison, and Micky van de Ven.
Liverpool dominated with a 4-0 win in the Europa League on Thursday, and the game provided vital minutes for substitute keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who will continue in goal in their next few league games as Alisson recovers from a hamstring injury that will sideline him for a fortnight.
Fulham will visit Anfield on Sunday, grateful for the three-point cushion they secured from Monday’s controversial win at home to Wolves.
There are two Basque coaches in the dugouts as Bournemouth host Aston Villa on Sunday. Bournemouth seem to have adapted to Andoni Iraola’s aggressive style of play, with consecutive wins sending seven points clear of the bottom three.
Meanwhile, Villa has demonstrated under Unai Emery their ability to absorb pressure and execute counterattacks, although they will miss the suspended Boubacar Kamara this weekend.
Chelsea’s questionable defence, which has allowed four goals in each of their last two games, is expected to face another test as Brighton visit Stamford Bridge.
Brighton advanced in the Europa League after winning in Athens on Thursday but appears to be feeling the strain from their efforts, with Ansu Fati and Tariq Lamptey joining the injury roster, while Lewis Dunk is suspended following his red card last weekend.
The weekend also features a potentially tight match between Brentford and a determined Luton Town, while a crucial meeting occurs between two recently promoted sides as Burnley faces Sheffield United.
Burnley are yet to earn a point at home all season, and its only win came against Luton, while Sheffield’s mini-recovery was halted by a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth.
A win for either side could offer hope, while a draw might not benefit them. Finally, West Ham seek a third consecutive league win as it takes on Crystal Palace, who needs to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Luton.