International breaks that interrupt club seasons, especially for Nations League fixtures, are often unpopular among fans. The second break of the campaign ends tonight, and domestic football returns in full force. As the most-followed and most exciting league in the world, the Premier League is set to captivate us once again, particularly with the top three Liverpool (18 points), closely followed by Manchester City and Arsenal (17 points each). Here’s a look at this weekend’s key fixtures.
Tottenham Looking to Bounce Back
Matchweek 7 ended in disappointment for Tottenham, who suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brighton despite leading 2-0 at halftime. Ange Postecoglou’s men will aim to bounce back immediately when they host West Ham United on Saturday at 1:30 PM.
West Ham, struggling under Basque manager Julen Lopetegui, have collected just eight points from seven games and will see this London derby as an opportunity to regain confidence and secure vital points. The Hammers’ main attacking threat will come from the trio Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, and Mohammed Kudus, positioned just behind Michail Antonio.
On the Spurs’ side, Heung-Min Son is expected to return to his natural left-wing position, replacing Timo Werner, whose lack of cutting edge has cost the team at least one or two goals per match despite his hard work. Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson, who has scored in each of his last six league games, will look to continue his hot streak.
Currently sitting ninth in the table, a win for Spurs could potentially push them up to sixth place, after a promising start in terms of performances but an inconsistent run of results.
Manchester United on the Brink, Brighton & Newcastle Chasing the Top Four
After enduring one of their worst-ever starts to a season, Manchester United and their fans are questioning whether Erik ten Hag is still the right man for the job. The Dutch manager bought himself some time with back-to-back draws 3-3 at Porto in the Europa League and 0-0 at Aston Villa.
However, this Saturday’s home clash with Brentford could be a make-or-break moment. The Bees have a habit of starting fast, having scored inside the first minute in three of their last four games—the exception being their 5-3 win over Wolves, where they found the net in the second minute instead.
United’s attack, featuring Rashford, Fernandes, Højlund, and Zirkzee, has struggled for consistency. Could a defeat to Brentford be the final straw for Ten Hag? We’ll find out on Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle vs Brighton: A Tactical Battle Between Two Rising Clubs
Further up the table, Newcastle and Brighton are tied on points in sixth and seventh place, with the Seagulls ahead on goal difference. On Saturday, the southernmost team in the league will visit the northernmost in a clash of two young, attack-minded coaches Eddie Howe (Newcastle, 46) and Fabian Hürzeler (Brighton, 31, the youngest manager in world football).
Newcastle, backed by Saudi investment, have re-established themselves as a top club with stars like Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon.
In contrast, Brighton’s rise to the Premier League’s upper tier has been a more gradual, self-made process. Their majority owner, Tony Bloom, made his fortune in sports betting and poker before taking over the club in 2009. Thanks to smart recruitment and top coaching choices, starting with Graham Potter, followed by Roberto De Zerbi, and now Hürzeler, Brighton have become a model club.
A prime example of their data-driven scouting success is Kaoru Mitoma, who was relatively unknown in Europe while playing for Kawasaki Frontale in Japan before Brighton spotted his potential.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: The Game of the Weekend
The final match of the weekend—and arguably the biggest fixture of Matchweek 8 sees Chelsea travel to Anfield.
League leaders Liverpool have suffered only one surprising defeat so far, against Nottingham Forest. They remain powered by the unstoppable Mohamed Salah, who has already registered four goals and four assists in seven games.
To hold onto top spot, Arne Slot’s side must overcome a resurgent Chelsea. The Todd Boehly-led project which revolves around signing an abundance of high-potential young players has been met with skepticism, but the Blues have improved each season under his ownership. They currently sit fourth, four points behind Liverpool.
Chelsea’s key men include Cole Palmer, their new-look center-back pairing of Colwill and Fofana, and Moisés Caicedo, who has gained confidence and improved significantly since last season.
New manager Enzo Maresca has settled on a fixed starting XI, particularly in attack, where Madueke, Sancho, and Jackson support the team’s rising star, Palmer.
Elsewhere in the Premier League
Other key fixtures for the league’s top clubs include:
- Arsenal facing Bournemouth
- Manchester City traveling to the Midlands to take on Wolves
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