After the international break, the Premier League returns with plenty of drama on the horizon. England’s ups and downs included a shocking defeat to Greece at Wembley, but they bounced back with a victory over Finland. With Thomas Tuchel now at the helm, the focus shifts back to club football. Here’s what to expect this weekend.
Tottenham vs West Ham
Brennan Johnson is currently in exceptional form for Tottenham Hotspur. Following his goal against Brighton, he became one of only seven players to score in six consecutive competitive matches for Spurs, joining legends like Teddy Sheringham and Harry Kane in the record books.
Johnson’s contributions are crucial as Tottenham hosts West Ham on Saturday afternoon. Although Spurs lost to Brighton last time out, they previously enjoyed five consecutive wins across all competitions. A victory against the Hammers is not strictly a must-win for Tottenham, but they cannot afford to lose, especially with Johnson in the spotlight.
Manchester United vs Brentford
Manchester United will face Brentford at Old Trafford, seeking to break a winless streak that stretches back over a month. Since their last league victory on September 14, Erik Ten Hag’s side has drawn four and lost one. With Tuchel’s appointment easing pressure on Ten Hag, the clock is ticking for the Red Devils to turn things around.
Brentford is a tricky opponent, having scored in their last seven matches, with Bryan Mbeumo netting six goals this season—second only to Erling Haaland. If the Bees find their rhythm, they could upset United and intensify the pressure on Ten Hag.
Bournemouth vs Arsenal
At the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal faces Bournemouth. This match presents an opportunity for Arsenal to achieve their 2,000th top-flight win, following a recent 3-1 triumph over Southampton. Currently unbeaten this season, Arsenal are in strong form, while Bournemouth struggles against top-tier teams, having not won in their last 11 attempts against such opponents.
Bournemouth sits 13th in the league, just above the relegation zone, after suffering three losses in four matches. Arsenal boasts a solid away record, winning 10 of their last 12 away games in the Premier League. Key players like Bukayo Saka, who could reach his 50th goal for Arsenal, are set to make an impact, despite some injury concerns for the visitors. The last encounter ended in a 3-0 victory for Arsenal, continuing their dominance over Bournemouth. Predictions suggest Arsenal is likely to secure another win, while Bournemouth faces a challenging match ahead.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Liverpool currently sits atop the Premier League with six wins from seven matches, showcasing both impressive attacking and defensive statistics. This weekend, they welcome Chelsea to Anfield—a match that could serve as a true test for the Reds under new manager Arne Slot.
Chelsea, unbeaten in six Premier League matches under Enzo Maresca, is demonstrating consistency and strong performances that reflect in their Expected Goals metrics. However, they face a Liverpool side that has dominated their recent encounters, remaining unbeaten against Chelsea in their last nine meetings. This clash offers both managers a chance to secure a significant statement win early in their tenures.
Wolves vs Manchester City
Wolves are among the four winless teams in the league, sharing the bottom spot with Southampton. Despite their lack of victories, their performances have warranted more points based on underlying statistics. However, they hold the league’s worst defensive record, having conceded an alarming 21 goals in seven matches.
This weekend, they face the reigning champions, Manchester City, who will look to exploit Wolves’ vulnerabilities. Erling Haaland, who has 10 Premier League goals this season but hasn’t scored in his last two outings, will see this match as a prime opportunity to get back on the scoresheet.
All Matchday 8 fixtures:
Saturday 19th October:
13:30 – Tottenham vs West Ham
16:00 – Fulham vs Aston Villa
16:00 – Ipswich vs Everton
16:00 – Man Utd. vs Brentford
16:00 – Newcastle vs Brighton
16:00 – Southampton vs Leicester
18:30 – Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Sunday 20th October:
15:00 – Wolves vs Man. City
17:30 – Liverpool vs Chelsea
Monday 21st October:
21:00 – Nott. Forest vs C. Palace
