Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Selhurst Park, Friday, 8pm Local, 3pm Eastern

The weekend kicks off in South London, with Roy Hodgson’s Eagles squaring off against the high-flying Spurs, who sit 2 points clear at the top of the table. Crystal Palace have enjoyed a strong start to the season but are wracked by injuries to key players. With Eberechi Eze, James Tompkins, and Dean Henderson unavailable (and Michael Olise is yet to feature this season), the small squad is stretched to its limits - but they’re not without talent in their ranks. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew, and Odsonne Édouard are fit, and new signing Matheus França made his debut against Newcastle. Putting aside the attacking depth, Palace’s defense is more likely to make the difference here, and any positive result is going to come from keeping Tottenham’s strike-force at bay.

There has been very little for Tottenham fans to worry about so far this season: goals are pouring in; stagnating players like Son, Romero, and Bissouma have blossomed; new players have folded into the team like cream in coffee. While their schedule hasn’t been devastatingly hard, the club has held its own against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. On paper, a showdown with Palace shouldn’t cause any Spurs supporter to quake, but success over the course of a whole campaign is very rarely a steady march. If Palace dig in deep and force the North London club to break them down, we may get a window into how far Ange Postecoglou’s side has progressed. 

Chelsea vs. Brentford

Stamford Bridge, Saturday, 12:30pm Local, 7:30am Eastern

Chelsea are likely still stewing over dropping 2 points last time out against Arsenal. But, in the bigger picture, the Blues’ season looks much rosier than it did a few weeks ago. Their hardware store paint swatch aisle worth of players has been winnowed down to something resembling a first choice 11, and the injuries crisis - while not gone entirely - has started to ebb. Cole Palmer has, somewhat surprisingly, established himself in the starting squad and his entrance, combined with improving play from Mudryk and Sterling, makes the frontline more cohesive. The midfield has teetered about but seems to be balancing with Caicedo anchoring and Gallagher and Fernández taking up more attacking positions. Mauricio Pochettino will now need to test this glowed-up group against an also resurgent Brentford side. 

Thomas Frank wasn’t under any real pressure, but the Bees - prior to their comfortable win over Burnley - had slipped into the lethargic places of the table: a spot from which it’s easy to slowly slide down into the real danger zone. Their 3-0 victory isn’t a cure-all tonic, but will be a reminder to the league that one of the best stories of the past 2 seasons isn’t washed up. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo showed their quality and Neal Maupay may have found a role that gets the best out of the goal-poor striker. The ask against Chelsea will certainly be greater than stumbling Burnley, but an invigorated Brentford will take some beating in this intriguing West London Derby.

Bournemouth vs. Burnley

Vitality Stadium, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

There’s been a lot of talk about relegation 6 pointers this season, and it may feel a bit early for that label. But it’s not. This is not only a crucial match in the relegation race, but could very well determine the first sacking of the season. Bournemouth came into the campaign widely touted. I certainly bought into the hype of their new manager, wrung my hands over the cruel dismissal of Gary O’Neil but thought it was, ultimately, the right move for the club. However, the Andoni Iraola revolution has failed to materialize, and the club is mired in the swamp at the bottom of the table. The Cherries, beyond swapping managers, added to their squad over the summer and by all accounts should not be where they are in the league. The few bright spots - creditable draws with West Ham, Brentford, and Chelsea - aren’t enough to keep the club in the top flight. Anything less than a victory - which, it should be said, is very possible - by Iraola’s side will almost certainly mean the end of his reign on the South Coast.

While the public pressure on Vincent Kompany hasn’t been as raucous as his opposing manager, Burnley have been wildly underwhelming as well. To risk sounding like a broken record, the club hasn’t adapted (or even shown a desire to adapt) to the Premier League and the Clarets continuously snap like balsa wood under the pressure of 90 minute matches. Without improved performances, Kompany can’t in good faith remain in the position, especially after the investment of the last two seasons. This, I should say, is a great shame because the Clarets were transcendent in the Championship last year. To come out on top on the South Coast, Burnley will need to string together a full match performance where their relative naivety isn’t turned against them. They need to find solidity at the back and use the break for their offense - not over-expand and leave themselves open for counter attacks on the opposite end.

Arsenal vs. Sheffield United

Emirates Stadium, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Mikel Arteta’s side earned a well-fought draw at Chelsea last time out, but have a bad habit of digging themselves into holes. It’s clearly not a fatal flaw - as their comebacks against Fulham and Chelsea prove - but how many times can you stick your hand in a bucket of crabs without getting pinched? That said, Sheffield United have not covered themselves in glory on their return to the league, and the Gunners will fully expect a 3 point afternoon at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka is back, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli give them depth on the left, and - while Gabriel Jesus will likely miss this match - Eddie Nketiah is an able deputy and should prove more than enough to top the Blades.

However, and this possibility is remote, Sheffield United may be due for a big result. They nearly handed Tottenham their first loss of the campaign, they were slightly unlucky not to take something from their last match against Manchester United, and they - 8-0 aside - have largely kept matches close. Arsenal would seem to be a bridge too far for the winless Blades, but their supporters may have the tiniest fire of hope in their bacon-butty filled bellies. Paul Heckingbottom, it should be said, could certainly do with a win as the manager is clearly fighting for his position. He’ll have Sheffield United set up to frustrate and try to find some joy with his beleaguered club.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Newcastle United

Molineux, Saturday, 5:30pm Local, 12:30pm Eastern

A few weeks ago, this match would have looked open and shut. Wolves had found themselves, despite some decent performances, scrapping it out near the relegation spaces and facing a sure pummeling at the hands of the Champions, Manchester City. However, you’ll surely recall that Wolves banded together and shocked the league by defeating Pep Guardiola’s side en route to a solid run of results. Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan, and a stingy defense have combined to give the Midlands club a solid platform to build on as the season progresses. Gary O’Neil will hope this new found offensive competence continues, and that - combined with their prowess at the back - is enough to get a result against the ascendant Newcastle.

While the Magpies hit a bump in the road in midweek, losing at home to Dortmund, their journey over the past few weeks in the Premier League could not have been smoother. The Tyneside club has rocketed in goal after goal, recording a 4-0 victory last time out against Crystal Palace. Their recent run has been electric, but Eddie Howe won’t take this challenge lightly, especially since the top of the table is so tight right now. A string of poor results anytime during the season could be crucial - there’s just less leeway with so many high-quality clubs in the top half of the league. Adding to their worries, Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy (easily the best player in the league last weekend) are set to miss out. Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon are in good form, but Wolves may sense an opportunity to blunt the Magpies.

West Ham vs. Everton

London Stadium, Sunday, 1pm Local, 9am Eastern

David Moyes’ Hammers got stung last time out away to Aston Villa, and a narrow loss away in Greece midweek compounded that result. While the club is resilient and would back itself to bounce back, they may have help in an ideal opponent coming to town: Everton. West Ham rotated their lineup and had - prior to this miniature poor run of form - been balancing their domestic and European commitments well. Jarrod Bowen has ticked along, keeping up a hot streak, and the club has a settled starting 11 and decent depth. The Hammers will go into this match quietly confident that they can start a new winning streak on Sunday morning.

Everton are coming off a stinging defeat of their own, losing the Merseyside Derby last time out. While losing to Liverpool will leave a bad taste in the Toffees’ mouths, realistically Anfield away isn’t a must-win fixture for the Blue half of Liverpool. Ideally, Sean Dyche’s side would be able to get a result this time and gain momentum, but Everton hasn’t been consistent in the early going. Before the international break, they had a bit of confidence about them - easily dispatching Bournemouth in the midst of a solid run. A strong performance here, and (even better) a fluent attacking display, would work wonders for the Toffees, who are a few bad results away from slipping back into the relegation dogfight.

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest

Anfield, Sunday, 2pm Local, 10am Eastern

Liverpool are riding high after they followed up a victory over rivals Everton with a 5 goal bopping of Toulouse in the Europa League. The Reds go into the weekend in 4th position in the table, wedged firmly in the middle of a friendly run. Klopp will expect a comfortable victory, and has all his offensive options available to him after Cody Gakpo returned midweek. That’s not to say Liverpool are fully stocked - Curtis Jones still has one match remaining on his domestic suspension, and Andy Robertson’s long-term absence will stretch their defensive depth. If Klopp’s side is the real deal this season, this match needs to be an easy victory, but the Reds would be foolish to take a dangerous Forest side lightly.

Speaking of that dangerous Forest side, they’ve hit a bit of a dreary patch. They’re winless in 5 and have drawn their last 3 in a row, including a late capitulation to Luton Town last time out. Still 6 points above the relegation places, Steve Cooper’s side isn’t in any real jeopardy yet - but face Liverpool, Villa, and West Ham in their next 3. The Midlands club will need to find a few scraps of positivity from that rough run, or things could look dire. On a brighter note, their counter-attacking style may set up perfectly for this contest, and Anthony Elanga in particular will look to find joy on the break. It’s also an Anfield homecoming for Divock Origi, who - it must be said - seems destined to have an influence on the match.

Aston Villa vs. Luton Town

Villa Park, Sunday, 2pm Local, 10am Eastern

Unai Emery’s side have come back from the International break with fire in their bellies, recording consecutive 4-1 wins against West Ham and AZ Alkmaar. On paper, this weekend's match should be a good chance to extend that streak, with Luton Town coming to raucous Villa Park. Ollie Watkins has simmered to a boil and continued his scoring streak midweek. It should be said that Luton will ask different questions of the Birmingham side - Villa will be expected to manufacture their own initiative and break down what promises to be a determined low block. Some of Emery’s best offense comes from speed on the counter, but it could be a big match for Lucas Digne - his delivery could be the key to unlocking the Hatters’ defense.

Luton haven’t been given the credit they deserve this season - for all their struggles they’re not only currently safe, but the Hatters have shown that they’re the quickest promoted side to adjust to the top flight. Rob Edwards, if he’s being honest with himself, won’t be heartbroken if Luton is unable to get anything from this match, but will be preaching the gospel of clean sheets. If the Hatters can remain resolute, there just may be some joy to be had on the break with Carlton Morris.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham

Amex Stadium, Sunday, 2pm Local, 10am Eastern

The Seagulls were able to shake off their loss to Manchester City by producing one of the biggest nights in their history, defeating (struggling) European royalty Ajax at home midweek. Next up at the Amex is Fulham, who recently tied down Marco Silva to a long term contract. While Brighton have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, some supporters may be rooting for a nice, boring win. Roberto De Zerbi… doesn’t really do that - their loss to City was the first time in the league that one of their matches finished with fewer than 4 goals. There were 3. While the Seagulls should have enough - especially at home - to win against the Cottagers, Fulham will likely try to numb the Brighton attack by sitting back and absorbing pressure. De Zerbi thrives when being pressed, he’s less consistent when given time.

Fulham put together a solid performance against Spurs last time out, but it was undone by two avoidable errors. They’ve shown they can hang in with big teams, but haven’t been able to put together a cohesive performance against one since drawing against Arsenal - and even then they had to claw their way back in. This match is likely to be an exercise in patient defense, with perhaps a Carlos Vinícius counter attack making the difference for the Cottagers. They’re equipped to do the job, with Antonee Robinson and Willian also adept at quick breaks. Fulham may not feel overly confident, but Marco Silva’s side will take work to break down.

Manchester United vs. Manchester City

Old Trafford, Sunday, 3:30pm Local, 11:30am Eastern

The most anticipated match of the weekend comes last, with the Manchester Derby kicking off at Old Trafford Sunday afternoon. The Red Devils have developed a habit of playing poorly for large stretches but - ultimately - emerging with a win. Their last two matches have been no different, so the club isn’t exactly dripping with confidence going into one of their biggest contests of the season. However, United have a tendency to show up for this showdown irregardless of their previous form. Perhaps Rasmus Højlund will go off, perhaps Scott McTominay will continue his transformation into Pele - or, perhaps most likely, Erik Ten Hag’s side will be outplayed by a more in form team.

This Derby seems set up for City domination. Pep Guardiola’s side will be missing Manuel Akanji, but that’s the only new absentee. Erling Haaland has found his shooting boots again. Julián Álvarez never lost them. There are few arguments for anything other than a comfortable win by the Blue half of Manchester. But, as cliche as it is and sounds, Derbies can produce strange results. You only have to go as far back as last season to find an out-of-form United triumphing over City. Guardiola will look, as always, to control the tempo of the match and to suffocate any wisps of United fluency. He has the personnel and the nous to do it, but we may just be in for a surprise.