A weekend of exciting Premier League football is ahead, with several crucial fixtures on the schedule. Let’s take a closer look at four of the most intriguing matchups.
Sunderland vs. Brentford
This match pits newly promoted Sunderland against an established Premier League side in Brentford. Sunderland started their campaign with a bang, a dominant 3-0 victory against West Ham, but were brought back to Earth with a 2-0 loss to fellow promoted side Burnley. Brentford, on the other hand, has had a mixed start, with a loss to Nottingham Forest and a win over Aston Villa. The Bees will be looking to build on their recent success.
Head-to-Head ⚔️
The recent history favors Brentford, who are unbeaten in their last five encounters with Sunderland. Overall, however, Sunderland holds the slight edge with nine wins to Brentford’s six in their 19 historical meetings.
Manager’s Tactics
Sunderland’s approach under their new manager will likely be built on the energy of their home support and a desire to be aggressive. After their disappointing loss to Burnley, they’ll want to prove their opening weekend win was no fluke. They will probably employ a 4-3-3 formation to overwhelm Brentford.
Brentford’s manager will need to be tactically astute, especially with some key players possibly missing. They will likely look to exploit any defensive frailties Sunderland may have, possibly utilizing a 4-2-3-1 to control the midfield and launch quick attacks.
Team News & Players to Watch 🤩
Sunderland has some injury concerns, with Dan Ballard (groin) and Luke O’Nien sidelined. This means Jenson Seelt will likely start at center-back. Look out for the return of key midfielders Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra. For Brentford, Yoane Wissa is a doubt amid rumors of a transfer. Ethan Pinnock may return, while Jordan Henderson, a former Sunderland player, could start in midfield and will be one to watch.
Probable Lineups
Sunderland (4-3-3): Roefs; Mandava, Alderete, Seelt, Hume; Xhaka, Diarra, Sadiki; Adingra, Mayenda, Talbi
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Lewis-Potter, Collins, Kayode, Henderson; Yarmoliuk, Schade; Damsgaard, Ouattara, Thiago
Prediction
This match could be a tight, low-scoring affair. Sunderland will be eager to get back to winning ways at home, but Brentford has the experience and tactical discipline to frustrate them. A draw seems a very real possibility. Score: Sunderland 1-1 Brentford
Tottenham vs. Bournemouth
Tottenham are looking to maintain their blistering start to the season under their new manager, having won their first two league games convincingly. They’ve been playing some exciting, free-flowing football and will be full of confidence heading into this home fixture. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will be hoping to turn its fortunes around after a couple of tough results.
Head-to-Head ⚔️
Spurs have a strong record against Bournemouth, winning ten of their 17 Premier League meetings. However, the Cherries managed to get a draw and a win against them last season, so they’ve shown they can compete.
Manager’s Tactics
Tottenham’s manager is known for his high-pressing, attacking philosophy. They will look to dominate possession and use their fast, mobile front three to create chances and overwhelm Bournemouth’s defense. The 4-3-3 formation allows them to be fluid and dynamic.
Bournemouth’s manager will likely set up his team to be compact defensively and look to hit Spurs on the counter-attack. The 4-4-2 formation they often employ will be key to this strategy.
Team News & Players to Watch 🤩
Spurs will have Destiny Udogie back in the squad, which is a big boost. New signing Xavi Simons is not yet registered to play. Yves Bissouma remains out with an injury. The player to watch for the Spurs is Richarlison, who has been in fantastic form, scoring two goals in two games. For Bournemouth, new forward Evanilson will be hoping to get off the mark, and winger Antoine Semenyo will be key to their counter-attacking threat.
Probable Lineups
Tottenham (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Johnson
Bournemouth (4-4-2): Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Tavernier, Adams, Scott, Brooks; Semenyo, Evanilson
Prediction
Spurs are in great form and will be playing at home. Their attacking firepower should be too much for Bournemouth to handle. While Bournemouth could snatch a goal on the break, it’s hard to see them getting anything more. Score: Tottenham 3-1 Bournemouth
Wolves vs. Everton
Two teams with something to prove. Wolves, despite some strong performances, are still looking for their first league points of the season. Everton, on the other hand, has shown some promising signs and will be looking to build on their momentum. This could be a very close and tactical affair.
Head-to-Head ⚔️
Historically, Everton has the upper hand, with 64 wins to Wolves’ 51 in their 144 meetings. However, Wolves have been the more successful side in recent times, winning five of their last eight encounters.
Manager’s Tactics
Wolves’ manager will want his team to be disciplined and hard-working. They will likely play a 3-4-3 formation, using their wing-backs to create width and put pressure on Everton’s defense. Getting their first win of the season at home will be a huge motivation.
Everton’s manager will likely opt for a 4-2-3-1 setup, focusing on a solid defensive base before launching their attacks. The return of Mykolenko is a big boost and will allow them to be more expansive.
Team News & Players to Watch 🤩
Wolves might be without their striker Strand-Larsen due to a small injury, which would be a significant blow. Keep an eye on the midfield battle between Wolves’ Andre and Joao Gomes, and Everton’s Idrissa Gueye and James Garner. For Everton, the return of Vitalii Mykolenko will be crucial. Jack Grealish has been in impressive form for Everton since his loan move and could be the key to their attack.
Probable Lineups
Wolves (3-4-3): Sa; Doherty, Agbadou, T. Gomes; Tchatchoua, Munetsi, J. Gomes, Moller Wolfe; Arias, Bellegarde, Strand-Larsen
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
Prediction
This is a difficult one to call. Wolves are desperate for a win, but Everton are starting to find their rhythm. The midfield battle will be crucial. I think Everton’s attacking quality will just edge it. Score: Wolves 1-2 Everton
Leeds vs. Newcastle
This is a classic rivalry with both teams having a point to prove. Leeds, back in the top flight, will be looking for a positive result at Elland Road. Newcastle, despite a heavy investment, has had a difficult start to the season and will be eager to get its first win.
Head-to-Head ⚔️
Newcastle holds the historical advantage with 40 wins to Leeds’ 39 in their 100 meetings. However, Leeds have had some recent success, winning two of the last 12 encounters.
Manager’s Tactics
Leeds’ manager will want to use the energy of the home crowd to their advantage. They will likely play a high-intensity, aggressive brand of football to unsettle Newcastle. The 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to be both solid in defense and dangerous on the counter.
Newcastle’s manager will be under pressure to get a win. With some key players missing, he will need his team to be organized and disciplined. A 4-3-3 formation is likely, with a focus on their wingers to create chances.
Team News & Players to Watch 🤩
Newcastle has several key players out, including the suspended Anthony Gordon and the injured trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Fabian Schar. This is a huge blow. For Leeds, they’ll be hoping striker Joel Piroe can translate his Championship form to the Premier League. For Newcastle, with so many players out, the onus will be on Bruno GuimarĂŁes to control the midfield and create opportunities.
Probable Lineups
Leeds (4-2-3-1): Perri; Gudmundsson, Struijk, Rodon, Bogle; Stach, Gruev; Gnonto, Longstaff, James; Piroe
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Trippier; Ramsey, Guimaraes, Miley; Barnes, Osula, Elanga
Prediction
With Newcastle missing so many key players, this is a great opportunity for Leeds to get a result at home. The atmosphere at Elland Road will be a factor. I think Leeds will be able to capitalize on Newcastle’s struggles. Score: Leeds 2-1 Newcastle
