This is the last round of Premier League fixtures before the international break. Fortunately, we have a number of high-profile clashes that have the potential to dominate conversations for the next couple of weeks. With this in mind, a look at five key fixtures this weekend.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Kenilworth Road awaits
Having had their first home game of the season postponed, Luton Town are finally getting their Premier League campaign underway in front of home fans as they welcome West Ham United to Kenilworth Road on Friday night.
It is an interesting match-up. All of the pressure will be on the Hammers as they head into the game knowing a win takes them to the top of the Premier League after an impressive run of results. By comparison, Luton are one of four teams without a point to their name this term. It is safe to say they have struggled following their promotion.
Rob Edwards’ side have played one game fewer than most other teams yet have the fourth worst defensive record in the English top-flight, with an Expected Goals Conceded total of 6.3.
There are a number of interesting match-ups in this game. One, in particular, could well be Nayef Aguerd up against Elijah Adebayo. The West Ham centre-back should be back in the starting XI having served his one-game ban after being sent off against Chelsea. Adebayo tops the charts for fouls per 90 this term with 3.4. So expect a good tussle between those two.
Another six-pointer
Everton lost their first six-pointer of the season last weekend, falling to a late Wolves goal to lose 1-0. They travel to Sheffield United for the Saturday afternoon kick-off. The Blades are also without a win since returning to the Premier League but they did give Manchester City a good game in their last outing, losing to a late Rodri strike.
The Toffees are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and have failed to score a single goal in their three outings so far this term. Sean Dyche’s side have missed the most big chances in the English top-flight (9) and in two of their games, the opposition goalkeeper has been the Player-of-the-Match. Everton haven’t had problems creating chances, they’ve just struggled to convert them. New signing Beto could be a solution to this particular problem. He got off the mark in the Carabao Cup and looked a real handful.
They are going to fancy their chances against Paul Heckingbottom’s side. Only Fulham have a higher xG conceded total, with the Blades allowing their opponents to create chances worth 6.9 goals.
Bouncebackability
Brighton welcome Newcastle United to the Amex on Saturday evening with both teams looking to get back on track after disappointing results last weekend.
Brighton’s 100% record came to an abrupt end against West Ham. The Hammers ran out 3-1 winners and caused all kinds of problems for Roberto De Zerbi’s men with their direct approach. The Seagulls looked extremely exposed on the counter and this could be a problem for them against Newcastle with Eddie Howe’s men possessing a lot of pace in their forward line.
Newcastle looked like the better team against Liverpool early on, even taking the lead through Anthony Gordon before Virgil van Dijk was sent off. The Magpies couldn’t make their dominance count and were caught twice on the break in the final 10 minutes to lose 2-1. The Champions League hopefuls are winless since their opening-day triumph over Aston Villa.
Both teams are going to want to get back on track. Expect lots of opportunities and both goalkeepers should be busy. Brighton have averaged the most shots on target this season (10) with Newcastle second on the list (7.3).
A big test for Liverpool
Aston Villa got off to the worst possible start this season, losing 5-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Since then, however, Unai Emery’s men have claimed back-to-back wins by an aggregate scoreline of 7-1. Only Brighton have scored more goals (9) while the Villans are second in the Premier League for Expected Goals (7.5).
They’re up against a weakened Liverpool side who are hoping to extend their unbeaten run in the English top tier to 15. The Reds are going to be without the injured Ibrahima Konaté and without the suspended Virgil van Dijk meaning Joe Gomez and Joel Matip will marshall the backline.
Jürgen Klopp’s men are yet to keep a clean sheet this term but have looked dangerous going forward. Four of their five forwards are off the mark with Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota already all off the mark.
This one has the potential for goals at both ends.
Old rivalries resumed
Whenever Arsenal come up against Manchester United, it is a game not to be missed.
The Red Devils completed a remarkable turnaround last weekend having been 2-0 down to Nottingham Forest within eight minutes. Bruno Fernandes scored the winner from the penalty spot to get United back to winning ways after the 2-0 loss to Spurs.
Arsenal had a difficult game against Fulham. They fell behind before taking the lead only to be pegged back late on. Despite dominating the ball and having a number of high-value opportunities, they could only manage a draw against Marco Silva’s side. If they are going to challenge for the title, this needs to be a blip rather than a habit. A statement performance and result over Man United would send a message to rivals and it might be what is needed right now to settle down some nerves at the Emirates.
Erik Ten Hag will also be looking for a similar sort of response after an underwhelming start to the season from his side. What better way to silence critics than with a win against one of the title favourites?
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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