Matchday 3 of the Premier League season is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet, featuring several interesting matchups throughout the weekend. The highlight of this round is the highly anticipated clash on Sunday between rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, setting the stage before the upcoming International break.
Brighton and Hove Albion welcome Arsenal to the Amex Stadium for their second consecutive early home kick-off. This match guarantees that at least one of the two teams will see their perfect record come to an end. Brighton will miss new signing Matt O’Riley, who had to leave early in his debut against Crawley. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori might be set to make his first start for the visitors.
Brentford prepares to host Southampton as they aim to recover from last weekend’s loss at Anfield. Southampton, having lost both of their opening matches in the Premier League, will be eager to secure at least a point, even if it means settling for a draw.
Everton takes on Bournemouth in a game that already feels crucial for the hosts. Sean Dyche’s team has lost both of their initial matches, failing to score while conceding seven goals. Bournemouth, still searching for their first win, managed draws in both of their first two games. Kepa may make his debut for the visitors in this match.
Ipswich faces Fulham and will be relieved to finally have a match they believe they can win after challenging Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening fixtures. Fulham, looking to build on their last victory against Leicester City, aims for back-to-back wins over newly promoted teams.
Leicester City hosts Aston Villa in an all-Midlands clash, aiming for another strong performance at home. They managed to secure a point against Spurs in their opening match, showcasing their resilience in the second half. Villa, on the other hand, will be eager to rebound from their defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
Nottingham Forest takes on Wolves, with Nuno, Willy Boly, and recently called-up England international Morgan Gibbs-White facing their former club. Wolves’ new signing, Sam Johnstone, may start in goal after José Sá’s struggles against Chelsea last week.
In the day’s final match, West Ham United welcomes Manchester City. The Hammers enjoyed a successful week, defeating Crystal Palace in the league and AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup. However, this upcoming game presents a significant challenge to maintain their momentum. Ilkay Gundogan could make his first start for City since returning to the club.
On Sunday, Chelsea squares off against Crystal Palace. The Blues, despite losing the second leg of their Conference League qualifying match, advanced to the main competition with a 3-2 aggregate. Palace successfully retained Marc Guehi amid strong interest from Newcastle. Oliver Glasner’s side celebrated a morale-boosting 4-0 victory against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle United faces Tottenham Hotspur, having scored 10 goals and conceded just once in their last two home encounters against Spurs. Fabian Schar will be absent due to suspension, while Dominic Solanke is doubtful for the match.
To wrap up the weekend, Manchester United takes on their arch-rivals, Liverpool. United will miss Mason Mount, who is sidelined with another hamstring injury. Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, indicated that Federico Chiesa is unlikely to participate in the game.
Staurday:
13:30 – Arsenal vs Brighton
16:00 – Brentford vs Southampton
16:00 – Everton vs Bournemouth
16:00 – Ipswich vs Fulham
16:00 – Leicester vs Aston Villa
16:00 – Nott. Forest vs Wolves
18:30 – West Ham vs Man. City
Sunday:
14:30 – Chelsea vs C. Palace
14:30 – Newcastle vs Tottenham
17:00 – Man. United vs Liverpool
