Matchweek 8 Preview

Big Ange somehow survived the break job intact. Forest look an absolute mess in his 7 games in charge. Lacking an identity or idea on how they are meant to play. Almost as if firing a successful manager you let build a team of players that suit him and replacing him with his polar opposite in the middle of a campaign is a bad idea. Go figure…

Chelsea didn’t get much healthier during the break, but they didn’t get significantly more injured either. Caicedo was given a rest by Ecuador, James was sent home from England camp with a minor issue, Fernandez similarly for Argentina. Joao Pedro, Badiashile were also not selected due to “injury” or overload. Cole Palmer is more than likely out. Andry Santos, Tosin, and Wes Fofana are all serious doubts as is Josh Acheampong. Lets not forget Dario Esseugo is out, Liam Delap yet to return, and Colwil is out at least until the spring. Chelsea knew most of these going into the break though, so not much has changed in their thinking. They must be thinking, how are we going to field 11 players? Reggie Walsh, make sure to bring your big boy pants to The City Ground, you’re likely to need them. Could we see Romeo Lavia’s first full 90 minutes for Chelsea?

Ange will, I’m sure, have been using the last week to drill his style into his charges. What remains to be seen, can these players play his style effectively and is his style effective? The talent is clear within the squad. If Ange lets the boys play, Forest will get themselves out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves.

Can Chelsea pile on more misery? Will the break have given Ange enough time to sort is team out? Questions to be answered Saturday morning.

This is exactly the kind of game Brighton under Hürzeler should be winning. A home test against a club that, in recent years, has occupied the plateau Brighton now aspire to: competing in Europe, even flirting with the Champions League. Newcastle have already been where Brighton want to go — so this is a chance to show they belong in that conversation.

Brighton have, for long stretches this season, looked like a team with ideas. Their buildup, movement, positional rotation — all that is there, and under Hürzeler the ambition is clear: to keep pushing forward. But the recurring theme has been the same: they’re their own worst enemies when it comes to finishing. Time and again they manufacture good chances and fail to take them.

Before the break, though, there were signs of improvement. The side looked more clinical — a sharper edge in the final third, more conviction. If they can recapture that form, this fixture against Newcastle is tailor-made for them to make a statement.

As for Newcastle, the Isak drama seems to have settled, and Woltemade is starting to make his mark. He’s doing solid work, showing grit, but expecting him to fill Isak’s shoes fully — as a talisman with 20+ goals — might be asking too much. He looks more like an 8–10 goals a season forward, which is decent, but not quite a replacement for a very elite scorer. Newcastle still lack that consistent threat up front, and Brighton will hope to exploit that.

Newcastle have weapons, no doubt, and they’ll pounce on any sloppiness. But Brighton at home — with confidence in possession, energy, and those attacking patterns — should believe they can take control.

So, will Hürzeler’s men turn performances into points? Will Newcastle prove they can thrive post-Isak? This match has the feel of a turning point — on paper, and for momentum. I’m backing Brighton to edge it, but only if they finally start making those chances count.

Burnley vs Leeds looks like it’ll be one of the more intriguing fixtures — two sides who were neck and neck last season in the Championship, both promoted, both with momentum, both with something to prove. Leeds United won the 2024/25 Championship on goal difference, edging out Burnley despite both finishing on 100 points. Burnley had an outstanding defensive record — very few losses, a huge number of clean sheets, extremely hard to break down. Leeds were also very solid, scored heavily when they needed to, and showed resilience. In their head-to-head games in the Championship last season, they drew 0-0 at Turf Moor — a result that summed up just how evenly matched they were. Burnley, strong at home, but Leeds dangerous away.

Fast forward to this season, and both sides have found life in the Premier League to be what you’d expect: challenging, but not without positives. Burnley haven’t had the start they wanted — too many narrow losses, a few lapses in concentration at key moments, and a negative goal difference to show for it. Leeds have fared a little better, picking up more points early on, but they’re hardly flying either. Both sides are hovering in that middle pack, showing flashes of quality without finding consistency.

The stats tell the story of two clubs still mirroring each other. Burnley are averaging about a goal a game this season, Leeds just under that at around 0.9. Defensively, Burnley remain slightly tighter, conceding fewer clear chances, while Leeds have shown more resilience in grinding out draws and scrappy wins. Their head-to-head record still leans slightly in Leeds’ favor, but only just — a reflection of how little separates these sides.

This should be a good, competitive match. Both teams are well-drilled, both work hard off the ball, and both rely heavily on their structure to stay in games. If Burnley can rediscover their defensive discipline from last season and add a touch more cutting edge, they’ll be a handful. Leeds, meanwhile, will back their pace and pressing to make life uncomfortable. It feels like one of those tight, tense affairs that might be decided by a single mistake or a flash of quality. A draw wouldn’t surprise anyone, but if one side takes its chances, it could tilt either way.

For so long, Crystal Palace versus Bournemouth was the definition of a survival scrap — two clubs just trying to reach 40 points and breathe easy by spring. Then it became a midtable tussle, the sort of game both sides quietly circled as a marker of progress: finish above the other, stay out of trouble, move on. And now? Somehow, this fixture has turned into a meeting between two sides flirting with the Champions League places. Football moves fast.

Palace’s rise under Glasner has been one of the stories of the season. The identity, the structure, the clarity in how they play — it’s all there. They’ve found a balance between the discipline that’s long defined them and the attacking ambition they used to lack. Add Mateta’s consistency up top and a midfield that actually plays on the front foot, and suddenly this team doesn’t just survive games, it controls them.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue to defy logic in their own way. Iraola has built something that looks sustainable — a side that presses, moves the ball quickly, and isn’t afraid to take risks. They’ve kept that daring edge while tightening up at the back, and it’s paying off. There’s a cohesion and belief about this Bournemouth side that would’ve been unthinkable a few seasons ago.

What makes this match fascinating is that both teams are chasing the same dream now. They’re no longer measuring themselves against the bottom six — they’re eyeing the likes of Newcastle, Spurs, and United, wondering why not us? Both play brave football, both have young managers who want control, and both have squads that finally look like they belong in the top half conversation.

It’s a long way from the days of clinging to safety in April. Palace and Bournemouth have grown up — and now they’re trying to break into the elite. Saturday’s match won’t decide who makes Europe, but it might give us a glimpse of who’s better equipped to stay in that fight.

This is clearly a mismatch on paper — Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, still one of the elite sides in Europe, hosting an Everton side trying to find stability under David Moyes. But “mismatch on paper” doesn’t always mean one-sided in football.

City are led by Guardiola, still at the helm and still working to fine-tune a squad that had a rare trophyless campaign last season. Their depth, attacking variety, and tactical flexibility make them a fearsome opponent virtually every week. Everton, under Moyes in his second spell, are rebuilding confidence, structure, and identity. Moyes returned in January 2025 to steady a ship that had been floundering under Sean Dyche.

From a squad perspective, City boast quality at nearly every position — attackers who can hurt you in different ways, midfielders capable of control and burst, defenders who are comfortable in possession and on the front foot. Everton, meanwhile, have pieces to threaten: forwards like Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, and more, but they’re still trying to consistently link phases, avoid defensive lapses, and assert themselves game after game. Moyes will not be able to call on Jack Grealish here, as the restriction on playing against a parent club remains in place in the Premier League.

Statistically, City dominate in pretty much all the advanced metrics when facing “lesser” sides: possession share, expected goals (xG), shot volume, penalty in their favor, defending transitions. Everton’s strengths tend to lie in moments: set pieces, transitions, counterattacks, exploiting space when City commit forward. But the gap is wide.

The big questions: can Everton stay compact, smart, and limit City’s chances? Can they strike at the right moment — a counter, a set piece — and make City pay? On the flip side, can City break through without getting sloppy, especially if Everton sit deep and force them wide or into congested zones?

This won’t be a stroll for City, but the odds strongly favor them. Everton need more than grit; they need precision, concentration, and a moment of magic. For City, this is a chance to reinforce dominance, build momentum, and show they’re serious again. Expect City to win, but Everton might make it nervy for a period.

Sunderland host Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match-up that feels quietly important for both sides. Sunderland will see this as a real opportunity to take points at home, while Wolves are desperate to show progress under Vítor Pereira. The Portuguese coach, appointed in December 2024 and recently handed a contract extension through 2028, is still trying to shape Wolves into something coherent after a rocky start to the season. Sunderland, under Régis Le Bris since the summer, have shown flashes of what he’s building — organized, disciplined, and willing to press with purpose — but still lack consistency in front of goal.

The numbers paint the picture of two teams on similar footing. Sunderland are averaging just over a goal a game this season, while Wolves sit around the same mark. Both concede too easily, both waste good positions, and both seem to have a knack for turning control into tension. Historically, this fixture tends to deliver goals — over three per game on average in recent meetings — and both teams have scored in the majority of those encounters. Wolves have had the upper hand over the past few years, but that was largely when Sunderland were finding their way back into the top flight.

Form-wise, neither side is flying. Sunderland’s last six have brought two wins, three draws, and one defeat — solid but hardly spectacular. Wolves, meanwhile, have just one win in that span, plus a few scrappy draws and some poor away performances. That away form is the real issue. They struggle to impose themselves, their defense looks vulnerable when pushed back, and there’s a lack of cutting edge in the final third when the tempo rises. Sunderland will look to exploit that.

This feels like a game that could go either way — cagey, tense, and probably settled by one moment of quality or one mistake. Sunderland’s energy at home might give them the edge, especially if they start fast and play on the front foot. Wolves have enough quality to hurt them, but if recent trends hold, they might find themselves chasing. It wouldn’t be surprising if this finished level, but Sunderland could just edge it 2–1 if they make their chances count.

Fulham vs Arsenal feels like one of those London derbies primed with narrative — Arsenal riding high as Premier League leaders, Fulham in a bit of a mini-crisis after back-to-back defeats, injuries piling up, and the weight of Craven Cottage history always there.

Arsenal go into this on a real roll, having dispatched West Ham 2–0 before the break and taken over top spot. Their defense has been impressive: they’ve limited opponents to very few chances, and they’ve spread the goals around — Arteta’s men already have one of the highest numbers of different scorers in the league this season. On the downside, they’ll be without Martin Ødegaard for perhaps six weeks after his knee injury suffered against West Ham. They’ll also be without Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz. The question becomes: who steps up to fill Ødegaard’s creative void? Many expect Eberechi Eze to take over that role, pushing more into that play-making position.

Fulham, for their part, are in trouble in the forward line. Rodrigo Muniz is out with a thigh injury, Raúl Jiménez is a fitness doubt due to a hip issue, and those absences leave Marco Silva scrambling for attacking balance. Young Josh King may be pressed into service up front or even used as a false nine, while Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Wilson could support from deeper. Midfield also sees pain: Sasa Lukic is out for 4–6 weeks, so Silva may bring in Tom Cairney to partner Sander Berge. Defensively Fulham have issues too: Kenny Tete is unavailable (knee), and Antonee Robinson is also a doubt.

Historically, Arsenal have had a good run in London derbies. In fact, in the last 18 league matches against other London clubs, they’ve lost only one. But Craven Cottage has been a tougher venue lately — Arsenal have failed to win there in the last two seasons. And while Fulham have been hit by form issues, they still have home crowd, motivation, and some dangerous attacking players.

The match could hinge on whether Arsenal can replace Ødegaard’s influence and whether Fulham can field a credible threat up front. If Arsenal dominate possession and force Fulham out of shape, their superior squad depth should win out. But if Fulham stay compact, frustrate, and hit on the break, there’s a chance of chaos.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa is shaping up to be one of those Premier League fixtures that could tell us a lot about how far Villa have come — and whether Spurs can get back to being reliable at home. Spurs are riding some momentum under Thomas Frank — a new era after Ange Postecoglou’s departure. They’re currently sitting high in the table, unbeaten in their last few matches and showing signs of defensive solidity paired with attacking intent. Villa, meanwhile, have had a slow start but have been steadily regaining form. Unai Emery has made some shrewd late-window signings — Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott, Evann Guessand — all aimed at giving his squad more punch and creativity.

Villa’s revival is real. They were goalless in their opening games, but now they’re scoring and winning, climbing out of the relegation scrap, starting to look dangerous. For Spurs, home problems remain worrying: even when they’re unbeaten, they’ve dropped points at home in matches they would have expected to dominate. Emery’s Villa tend to be resilient under pressure, quick on transitions, and dangerous off set-pieces or when they catch teams stretched.

Key questions will be: can Tottenham break Villa’s defensive resistance early, or will Villa frustrate them and force errors? Will the new attackers for Villa contribute enough to overcome Spurs’ better squad depth? And can Spurs keep up consistency in their finishing and not allow Villa to snatch momentum?

Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday is a fixture that could define the trajectory of both clubs' seasons. For Manchester United, this match presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate resilience and ambition. Historically, United teams have thrived in high-pressure situations, delivering performances that not only secure victories but also send a message to their rivals. A win here would not only bolster their position in the league but also challenge the narrative that they are merely an afterthought in the title race.

Under manager Ruben Amorim, United have shown glimpses of potential but have struggled with consistency, particularly in away games. Despite significant investment in players like Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, the team has yet to establish a cohesive and effective playing style. Amorim's tenure has been marked by an inability to string together consecutive victories, a trend that continues to undermine the club's ambitions.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are grappling with their own challenges. After a strong start to the season, they have suffered three consecutive defeats, including a narrow loss to Chelsea. Manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure to integrate high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike into a cohesive attacking unit. The team's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on the right side, have been exposed, and Slot's tactical approach is under scrutiny.

This match is more than just a derby; it's a litmus test for both managers and their squads. For United, a victory would not only provide a much-needed boost in the standings but also reaffirm their status as genuine contenders. For Liverpool, a win would halt their losing streak and restore confidence in their title aspirations.

The outcome of this game will likely hinge on which team can impose their style and manage the pressure of the occasion. United's ability to capitalize on Liverpool's defensive frailties and Liverpool's need to find offensive fluidity will be crucial. If United can channel the spirit of their past successes and handle the intensity of Anfield, they have the potential to turn the tide in their favor. Conversely, Liverpool will be eager to prove that their recent setbacks are merely a blip and that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

West Ham enter this match under the guidance of new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who succeeded Graham Potter in September. Since his appointment, the Hammers have struggled to find form, recording just one point from their first two matches under Nuno's leadership. Defensively, West Ham have been the league's most porous side, conceding numerous goals from set-pieces and aerial duels. Nuno's primary task will be to instill defensive discipline and shore up the backline to avoid further slip-ups.

Brentford, managed by Thomas Frank, have had a mixed start to the season. The Bees have shown resilience but have struggled with consistency, particularly in away matches. Their attacking play has been relatively subdued, averaging fewer than eight shots per match, which places them among the lowest in the league. However, Brentford's solid defensive organization and set-piece prowess could pose significant challenges for West Ham's leaky defense.

Historically, Brentford have had the upper hand in recent meetings between the two clubs. In their last five encounters, Brentford have won three matches, while West Ham have secured just one victory. This trend underscores Brentford's growing confidence and effectiveness against the Hammers.

The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams eager to secure a vital three points. West Ham will look to capitalize on home advantage and the tactical acumen of Nuno Espírito Santo to rectify their defensive issues. Meanwhile, Brentford will aim to exploit West Ham's vulnerabilities and continue their strong record in this fixture.

Given the current form and historical context, Brentford may have a slight edge going into this match. However, West Ham's need for a turnaround could inspire a determined performance, making this encounter a compelling watch for Premier League fans.