Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool

Molineux Stadium, Saturday, 12:30pm Local, 7:30am Eastern

The Premier League returns in the Midlands, with Wolves hosting Liverpool. Gary O’Neill’s club has had a mixed beginning of the season, having earned 3 points from their first 4 matches. They’ve lost a bit of their defensive steel and have yet to find goals consistently. Wolves did net twice in a losing effort at Crystal Palace before the break, but will need to be tighter at the back if they hope to get anything from Liverpool.

Liverpool sit in the top four, after winning their last three matches. Jürgen Klopp is clearly agitated about the kick-off time, with several of his South American players barely returning in time. This, plus Van Dijk’s extended suspension and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, has given the manager a bit of a selection headache. The Merseyside club has decent depth, however, and anything less than a victory would be incredibly disappointing to them. Also, we may see Ryan Gravenberch’s debut, giving viewers a first look at the last piece of Liverpool’s revamped midfield.

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace

Villa Park, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Villa Park plays host to a bellwether match between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace. So far, Villa have won 2 and lost 2, with both wins coming against teams firmly rooted in the relegation race and both losses coming from clubs battling near the top. With Palace on 7 points in 4 matches, this will be the Villans first chance to measure up against midtable opposition. Last season under Unai Emery, Villa would have expected to win this match easily. This season it’s far from a sure thing. We should know a lot more about where the Birmingham Club stands after the final whistle.

South London’s Crystal Palace have impressed so far this season, showing fluency in attack and proving they can perform without Wilf Zaha. While supporters have plenty of reason for optimism, the Eagles have some fresh injury concerns after the international break. Marc Guéhi and Jefferson Lerma are both doubts, and they join Michael Olise and Matheus França on the list of players unavailable for the trip to Birmingham. Not seeming too worried in his press conference, Roy Hodgson indicated that new signing Rob Holding may make his debut. Palace have shown signs that they can compete higher up the table this campaign - if they want to crack into the top half, getting points in matches like this will be crucial.

Fulham vs. Luton Town

Craven Cottage, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Fulham will hope to continue Luton Town’s torrid start to Premier League life when they host the Hatters at Craven Cottage. The West London club have a comfortable return of points so far this campaign, but the results don’t particularly shine under scrutiny. They were turned over by Manchester City, which is completely forgivable, but also roundly lost at home to Brentford. Their draw at Arsenal was impressive, but a narrow win over Everton looks less impressive now that we’ve seen the Toffees play more matches. Things aren’t completely worrying for the Cottagers, as João Palhinha has signed a new deal and looks like he’s put the disappointment of his near-move to Bayern Munich behind him. Alex Iwobi has also arrived from Everton, so there are reasons to be excited for fans.

Fulham should win this match - and would feel incredibly worried if they were to drop points - but this is also Luton Town’s best opportunity to record a positive result so far this campaign. The Hatters have so far looked over matched by top level opposition, though to be fair they’ve only faced Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham. Luton have a chance here to face opposition who will likely be closer to the bottom of the table than the top, and they’ll be desperate to begin their survival campaign in earnest. It’s the beginning of a somewhat friendly run for the Hatters, we’ll see if they’re capable of seizing the opportunity.

Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

Old Trafford, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Manchester United have been plagued by off-field issues (some of their own making), but will look to put a pin in them when Brighton come to town on Saturday. United will be desperate for a win after losing late to Chelsea before the break; the club is begging for something positive. Antony has been suspended pending further investigation of assault allegations, and Jadon Sancho has been ostracized from the first team. These absences pile onto an already stretched squad. That said, some of the Red Devils’ best performances have come from counter-attacking football, and Brighton have proven susceptible to this tactic. Young winger, Alejandro Garnacho seems more and more crucial to their success each day, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the teenager start this weekend.

Brighton, for their part, will hope to play spoiler to the Manchester club - and seem eminently capable of kicking them while they’re down. Despite losing to West Ham, the Seagulls have been merciless in their matches so far this campaign, most notably when they firmly smashed Newcastle their last time out. Evan Ferguson is primed to go supernova, but is an injury worry for the match. Even with the young Irishman a doubt, Brighton have proven they can adjust to adversity. Winning at Old Trafford would put an exclamation point on the South Coast club’s electric start to the season, and there’s very little reason to think they can’t leave with all 3 points.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sheffield United

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

The Ange Postecoglou era has gotten off to a flying start, and Spurs’ fans will have every confidence they can continue their hot start this weekend against Sheffield United. Tottenham went into the international break following a 5-2 victory over Burnley, and will fancy their chances against another promoted side on Saturday. James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Son Heung-Min all seem completely at home in the new system, and this will be Brennan Johnson first chance to show out for the North London Club. However, Richarlison’s early struggles this season are a concern. The Brazilian has been in a scoring drought since joining Spurs, and was seen crying after missing a chance while on international duty. He’s pledged to seek help and should be applauded for being open about his mental health.

Sheffield United have yet to win a match, but they are the only promoted club with a point this campaign. Many observers, myself included, were concerned with their summer business, but the club has easily been the most impressive of the Premier League’s additions. Crucially, they’ve added James McAtee, who was immense for them in the Championship last season. That said, the Blades will not expect to win in North London, and getting anything from this match would be a pleasant surprise. These aren’t the challenges that will define their season, but they’ll hope to use the opportunity to improve in the long run.

West Ham United vs. Manchester City

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

It’s a top four matchup in the capitol, with West Ham hosting Manchester City. The Hammers have proved to be up for it this season, winning 3 of their first 4 matches including victories over Brighton and Chelsea. Their ability to sit deep and do damage on the break should set them up well for Pep Guardiola’s City - if that’s even possible. Mohammed Kudus could be set to start, and there’s optimism that he’ll add a new spark to a very capable midfield. David Moyes is proving his quality this season, and the new additions have so far fit in and raised the level of the squad. Their depth is a slight weakness, especially with a new European campaign kicking off on Thursday. However, the Scottish manager’s main concern will be with containing Manchester City.

The Champions have started perfectly with 4 wins in 4. Erling Haaland has matched his early return from last season exactly, and Julián Álvarez is getting more minutes on the pitch. The gears and pistons of the City machine are whirring in midseason form already. While they’ve proved imperious so far, West Ham may represent a true challenge for them. Their tactics are designed to topple clubs like City, and they’ve been sharp so far. This game will be a great litmus test of what to expect from the season - if West Ham can take something, we’ll have our first indication that City are vulnerable. But, if the Champs brush the Hammers aside, it could indicate that we’re in for a long year with no title race.

Newcastle United vs. Brentford

St. James Park, Saturday, 5:30pm Local, 12:30pm Eastern

The Magpies really need a win. Tough opponents or not, Newcastle have not risen to their new station as a Champions League club and look out of sorts following 3 losses on the bounce. Before the season started, most would have looked at this weekend’s fixture with Brentford as an easily winnable fixture. But, following their underwhelming start and Brentford’s good form, the match has become almost a must-win for the Tyneside club. Alexander Isak started the season in scintillating form, before tailing off in the past few matches. It’s a small sample size, but getting in the goals this weekend would be incredibly welcome for the young Swedish striker. Last season Newcastle’s strength was their defense; they were incredibly difficult to beat. They need to find that spark again quickly if they don’t want this campaign to get out of hand.

The Bees of Brentford have started the season undefeated, with 1 win and 3 draws - and they’ll count themselves unlucky to have not found a winner last time out against Bournemouth. Scoring has not been the challenge it seemed it might be for them, and they’ve continued to show that their sneakily strong midfield can control matches. Newcastle will be their biggest challenge since opening day against Tottenham, but they’ll feel capable of winning away at St. James Park. While the West London club have proven they have potent scorers, to take the next step and turn draws to wins, Thomas Frank will want to see improvements in defense during the next run of matches. 

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea

Vitality Stadium, Sunday, 2pm Local, 9am Eastern

Andoni Iraola and Mauricio Pochettino square off with their new clubs on the South Coast on Sunday. Both managers have yet to truly hit their stride, and this match will give them a chance to begin to turn around their seasons. Iraola’s early reign hasn’t been a disaster, but the Cherries are still finding their feet and have been hampered by key injuries. When he managed Rayo Vallecano, Iraola made a habit of pulling upsets on top clubs with his lightning-quick transition play. In theory this match is a perfect opportunity to make his mark on the Premier League. However, they’ve looked very frail defensively which undermines the foundation needed to spring those counter attacks. On the bright side, David Brooks impressed on international duty, and the Welshman’s recovery continues to be both a feel good story and a major boost for Bournemouth.

Chelsea haven’t clicked this season. Squad turnover and injuries have played their part, but they need to find form quickly if their supporters are to have any belief in them this campaign. Pochettino at his best builds a positive, winning culture that begets more and more success. At his worst, he can crumble in dysfunctional environments. It’s still early, and there are mitigating circumstances, but a loss here could bring a cloud over the club that will be hard to shake. Currently, Chelsea are unpredictable, and not in a good way. Finding consistency is key - both in team selection and performance.

Everton vs. Arsenal

Goodison Park, Sunday, 4:30pm Local, 11:30am Eastern

Everton have a great record against Arsenal at home. But, that may be the only positive the Merseyside club can take into this match. The Toffees finally netted their first goals of the campaign last time out, but have yet to record a win. They have possibly been purchased by an American investment firm, but that deal is still subject to approval and there are a few concerns about how positive that news actually is. All of this to say: Everton are desperately in need of good news. Arsenal have had positive results, but are yet to reach their free-flowing best of last season. Sean Dyche and his team will look to find the defensive solidity they’ve been lacking and convert more of their chances. While it’s still early, we’re about to tip into the real meat of the season. Everton need to find their footing fast to avoid a relegation scrap.

Arsenal closed out the first window of matches this season with a euphoric late victory over Manchester United. They’ll look to harness those good feelings and channel them into what should be a winnable game for them. There are still a few questions, in particular how the squad is adjusting to injuries and where exactly Kai Havertz fits in, but the Gunners will be happy with the points on the board. Winning is paramount here for Arsenal, despite their recent lack of success at Goodison Park. Anything less will be unacceptable to Mikel Arteta, and would endanger their status as Manchester City’s closest rival. 

Nottingham Forest vs. Burnley

City Ground, Monday, 7:45pm Local, 2:45 Eastern

This season’s surprise package Nottingham Forest host struggling Burnley at the City Ground on Monday night. Last time out, Forest earned a hard fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea and are showing signs that they could survive this season with much more ease than a year ago. In particular, Taiwo Awoniyi has made leaps forward, constantly cracking opposing defenses open. Anthony Elanga has started well too, and the club seems well equipped to absorb the loss of Brennan Johnson - especially since his sale paved the way for many new additions. Last season it was Forest’s home form that kept the Nottingham club in the league. This is the sort of match that is ripe for a raucous atmosphere at the City Ground - and it’s a match they’ll expect to win. 

Burnley, like the rest of the promoted sides, have yet to get up to the speed of the top flight, and they’ll need that to change quickly. Even though they’ve only played three matches, their performances have lacked clinicality and maturity. It should be said that they haven’t had an easy run, and their season overall won’t be defined by losses to Manchester City, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Matches against clubs like Forest will be what dictates where the Clarets finish. A positive result would do wonders for the morale of the club, and a win would start to change the perspective of Vincent Kompany’s team.