Ipswich vs Liverpool
Liverpool could make history on Friday night by fielding three players who each cost in excess of £100 million simultaneously — yet that extraordinary firepower has not translated into results. They have gone six Premier League games without a win across two seasons, and the pressure is mounting on Andoni Iraola's side.
Nottingham Forest's visit to Anfield last weekend offered a cautionary tale: Forest generated 2.3 expected goals — the third-highest figure any team has produced in 77 Premier League home games at that ground — suggesting Liverpool's defensive frailties remain very real.
Full-back Leif Davis is worth monitoring for a betting angle. Playing almost as a left winger under Iraola's system, Davis scored at Manchester United and added two goals in pre-season. He has also registered 21 assists across the last two Championship campaigns, making him a genuine threat from wide areas.
Newcastle vs Bournemouth
Two managers who favour direct, vertical football collide at St. James' Park on Saturday lunchtime. Anthony Elanga has been a standout performer under Matthias Jaissle, with goals already against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur suggesting his confidence is at a season-high.
Brentford vs Sunderland
Brentford have arguably been the most impressive side in the Premier League through the opening two rounds. Their performances in the win over Tottenham Hotspur and the draw at Leeds United — where they registered the most shots (15) and the most touches in the opposition box (31) of any away team at Elland Road since the start of last season — point to a team whose process has genuinely improved.
Sunderland, meanwhile, carry a worrying away record. Since the beginning of last season, their expected goals difference per 90 on the road stands at -0.8 — a figure worse than those posted by relegated West Ham and Wolves. Brentford have also been in front at half-time in all three of their fixtures this season across all competitions, scoring six goals in the process.
Brighton vs Leeds United
Brighton head into this fixture missing several key players, with Yankuba Minteh, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, Georginio Rutter, and Mats Wieffer all potentially absent. Since Daniel Farke switched to a back three in December, Leeds United have been compact away from home: five of their last six away games were goalless at the interval.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Both clubs arrive needing points to kickstart their campaigns. Crystal Palace have lost the defensive shape that defined them under Oliver Glasner, while the expected attacking improvements have not arrived consistently. Fulham supporters are already growing impatient with Alvaro Arbeola following a timid performance at Sunderland. A tight, low-scoring draw appears the likeliest outcome.
Manchester City vs Coventry
Under Pep Guardiola, Manchester City were clinical against newly promoted opponents. Rayan Cherki has averaged 0.45 assists per 90 since the start of last season — a rate that surpasses Bruno Fernandes — and in a match where City are expected to score three goals, the Frenchman looks a smart route into backing the hosts.
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Forest showed genuine signs of absorbing Oliver Glasner's methods at Anfield, defending with organisation while posing a threat when pushing forward with their full-backs joining attacks. Morgan Gibbs-White opened his account for the season there and has recorded a shot on target in each of his last four starts against Tottenham Hotspur, averaging 1.05 per game since last season began.
Tottenham Hotspur, despite heavy summer spending, remain vulnerable and appear psychologically weighed down by recent failures, conceding with ease in a defeat to Newcastle United last weekend.
Hull City vs Aston Villa
Hull City have won both of their opening fixtures without conceding, though they have lost the expected goals battle in each game — a warning sign for what lies ahead. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, arrive with a formidable record in September: just one defeat in 18 Premier League matches during that month, with 11 victories.
Emery has also never lost a Villa match against a promoted side, winning 15 of 21 such contests. In their last nine away games against newly promoted clubs, Villa have scored 23 goals. The form lines point firmly to a Villa victory.
Everton vs Manchester United
Everton endured a difficult Deadline Day but their starting XI may be stronger than the market currently suggests. Hosting Manchester United at home suits a siege-mentality approach that David Moyes has long made his signature, with the Goodison crowd sure to play a significant role.
