Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend

This weekend in the Premier League, several key matches and storylines emerged.

1. Brentford vs. Chelsea: Chelsea has not won against Brentford since October 2021, when they last claimed victory in this west London derby. Brentford has consistently displayed strength since their promotion, while Chelsea struggles to find consistency. Kevin Schade, who netted twice against Bournemouth, will be a player to watch, especially against Chelsea's evolving defense under Xabi Alonso. Doubts about João Pedro’s fitness could result in Danny Welbeck starting alongside a back to form Chelsea side.

2. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa: Both teams gathered as they sought their first Premier League win. Spurs hosted 19th-placed Villa, and forward James Maddison aimed to inject energy into a struggling Spurs side that has only registered one goal this season. This match was crucial for both clubs hoping to climb out of the lower end of the table.

3. Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Arsenal: Brighton’s remarkable start to the season caught the eye, especially with Malick Yalcouyé standing out. He scored twice in the League already, making him an exciting prospect as Brighton faced the reigning champions. Arsenal had to be cautious, given their defense faced the top scorers of the league.

4. Everton vs. Ipswich: Vitalii Mykolenko’s impressive form has been vital for Everton amidst defensive challenges. The left-back’s consistency has helped the club secure four clean sheets so far this season. Facing new Ipswich recruits, Mykolenko must continue this positive trend to secure victory as David Moyes looked to solidify a shaky campaign.

5. Newcastle United vs. Hull City: After a recent heavy defeat against Leeds, Newcastle's manager Matthias Jaissle stated his team would stick to their strategy and not compromise their direct football style, despite facing challenges with injuries. He emphasized it was vital for Newcastle to respond and stay committed to their vision through adversity.

6. Nottingham Forest vs. Coventry: Nottingham Forest anticipated Liam Delap could regain his form as he took over for Chris Wood. The striker’s power and instinct showed potential in previous matches. Adding to the excitement, Forest received approval for a substantial capacity increase at the City Ground, with plans to expand from 31,000 to 52,500 seats.

7. Andoni Iraola’s Return to Bournemouth: On Sunday, Andoni Iraola returned to Bournemouth, the team he guided to their best-ever finish, which earned the club a place in the Europa League. His journey showcased the promising trajectory of the club, with both assistants sharing a rich history within the club.

Fans anticipated an exciting weekend filled with pivotal matches that could reshape the outlook for several teams in the Premier League.