Liverpool vs. Everton

Anfield, Saturday, 12:30pm Local, 7:30am Eastern

The weekend kicks off with the one billionth (243rd) Merseyside Derby, with this edition hosted at Anfield. Liverpool have started brightly, before a few disappointing results threw cold water on their early season form. The club has also received mixed news on the injury front, with Cody Gakpo’s earlier than expected return to training undercut by Andy Robertson’s long term shoulder injury, which could take upwards of 12 weeks to heal. Beyond the personnel available to them and the long-standing rivalry between the clubs, this match is critical for the direction of the Reds’ season. If their strong start is to be backed up with a push for the title, winning is the only acceptable result in matches like this. Even a draw would be incredibly deflating.

Everton’s recent form has been promising, and they flew into the international break on the wake of a 3-0 shellacking of Bournemouth. Their recent performances have pulled them out of the bottom rungs of the table, but they’re not so far removed that a poor stretch of matches can’t wrench them back down. Sean Dyche confirmed the club had no new injury concerns, and the Toffees will feel ready to build on their recent results. However, this matchup has lately skewed heavily in Liverpool’s favor - especially at Anfield - so the Blue half of the city will be fighting recent history as well as their rivals.

Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

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

This match is critical in Bournemouth’s season - and, by extension, in the Premier League career of Andoni Iraola. The Cherries have yet to win and are second from bottom in the table. Iraola’s tactics have been blunted by an incredibly difficult stretch to start the campaign, but their recent loss to Everton showed that the problems may run deeper than just a brief adjustment period. If Bournemouth want to get any joy against Gary O’Neil’s mercurial squad, they’ll need to staunch the bleeding in defense - their 18 goals conceded earns them the 3rd worst defensive record in the league. On the pointy end of the pitch, Dominic Solanke has produced, but he’s not getting much help from his strike partners - only David Brooks and Antoine Semenyo have found the back of the net in the league, each adding only 1 goal.

Whisper it quietly, but Gary O’Neil has done quite a job at Wolves. After being parachuted in very late in the offseason, O’Neil has weathered a difficult start in the Midlands and followed up a surprise victory against Manchester City by earning a credible draw with 5th place Villa. Adding additional motivation, of course, is the fact that O’Neil was unceremoniously let go from Bournemouth in favor of Iraola, which elevates the stakes of this contest. If Hwang Hee-chan and Pedro Neto can continue their hot streak, their manager will feel confident of heading back to Wolverhampton with all 3 points.

Brentford vs. Burnley

Gtech Community Stadium, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Brentford went into the break reeling a bit, on the wrong end of their last two results. Those losses, especially the last second capitulation to Scott McTominay and Manchester United, have painted the Bees into a corner, and their once bright looking season has tarnished quickly. Thomas Frank’s side is languishing in 15th place with only one victory. Burnley’s visit on Saturday afternoon is an opportunity that the West London club will be desperate to take advantage of. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have gone off the boil a bit and need to find their spark again. Burnley, not-so-proud owners of the second worst defensive record in the league, may be just what the Bees ordered to reignite their floundering campaign.

Vincent Kompany’s side won’t roll over, however, as they’ll feel they’re not too far away from finding a groove themselves. They’ve consistently started matches energetically and often taken the lead. The core issue for the Clarets is, outside of their victory at Luton, they’ve been wholly unable to see out matches. Brentford have the nous that a few successive survival campaigns brings, so it will be up to Burnley to show that they’ve matured enough to hold their own against established Premier League sides. If they’re not able to do that soon, Kompany - despite all his success - may be in real danger.

Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

The Etihad, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

This matchup is, frankly, a real treat - and a fixture that has become box office ever since the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi to the South Coast. Also, this edition has added intrigue as Pep’s City are coming off of two successive league defeats but have Rodri available after his suspension. It’s a clash of styles on paper, and City will look to nullify Brighton’s high-octane offense with precise control. Rodri, the prodigal son, will be absolutely key in the Champions’ ability to dictate the match. It will also be an opportunity for Erling Haaland to return to his best form, after not scoring in his last 4 matches with City and coming off a disappointing stint with his national team. 

When Brighton squared off against City this past May, the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The Brighton of this campaign seem unlikely to produce the same result, with both the potency of their attacking and the vulnerability of their defending ratcheted up a few notches. The fewest total goals in a Premier League game involving the Seagulls this season? 4. 4 goals. That’s insane. Well, it’s not insane - but it is indicative of a risk-tolerant approach that could either produce a coup at the Etihad or a very lopsided result. And that’s what makes this Brighton squad so fun to watch. This match should be a tremendous watch and, were the Seagulls to win, Brighton would overtake City in the league table.

Newcastle United vs. Crystal Palace

St. James Park, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Newcastle have steadied themselves after a turbulent beginning to the season, diligently climbing their way up the table and now sitting in 8th, poised for the next step. The upcoming visit from Roy Hodgson and his refreshingly solid Crystal Palace squad looks - on paper - to be a good opportunity to continue that march. While the Eagles of South London are only a point and a place behind Newcastle, their squad is ravaged with injuries and they’ll be spread very thin. Not that the Magpies injury picture is exactly rosy - they’re likely to be missing Alexander Isak and Sven Botman. There is also the looming suspension of Sandro Tonali to consider, though Eddie Howe has backed the young midfielder until his punishment for betting breaches is formally announced. Newcastle have cover for their missing positions and will have a solid starting 11, but a few more injuries could test the depth of their roster.

Palace have been a consistent force in the league this year and have made the jump into the top half of the table, currently sitting in 9th. So far, the South London outfit have been able to absorb their ever lengthening injury list, but a visit to St. James Park feels as though it may be a bridge too far. However, the Eagles have been particularly strong defensively, only conceding 7 goals in 8 games (though it should be said that they’ve only scored 7 as well). Hodgson will set up the side to contain all the myriad threats that Newcastle will pose, and that may well be successful - but they may be a few bodies short of capitalizing and scoring a winner of their own. 

Nottingham Forest vs. Luton Town

City Ground, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

It’s a credit to how far Steve Cooper and Nottingham Forest have come since last season that this feels like a layup for the Midlands club. Their performances, both home and away, have improved to such a degree that it would be a shock if Forest don’t come away with all 3 points. They have variety in attack, depth around the pitch, and a steel that was noticeably missing throughout much of last campaign. All that said, they haven’t won a league match since their stunner over Chelsea in early September, and a procession of draws leaves them in 13th. Their top scorer, Taiwo Awoniyi, is nearing a return to full-fitness and, if he features, would certainly fancy marking the occasion with a goal.

While points have been hard to come by for Luton Town and the coverage of the Hatters has bordered on patronizing, it must be noted that if the season ended today, Rob Edward’s side would remain in the Premier League. This comes down to their ability to avoid complete humblings. There have been 6 defeats and only 1 victory, but their goal differential is only -9 (as opposed to -13 for their closest relegation rival). The Hatters will look at this contest and believe they can win, and they may. But, even working towards a clean sheet could well be enough to keep them on the right track to avoiding the drop.

Chelsea vs. Arsenal

Stamford Bridge, Saturday, 5:30pm Local, 12:30pm Eastern

The 5:30 matchup promises viewers a tasty London Derby. Chelsea and Arsenal are in very different places, with Chelsea just starting to gain traction and Arsenal only off the top on goals scored. While the easy assumption is that Mikel Arteta and the Gunners will run out clear winners, the Blues will want to show that they’ve turned a corner and can hold their own against the best. Despite a raft of injuries (including Armando Broja, who has a minor knee issue), Mauricio Pochettino has started to zero in on a clear formula and - should Raheem Sterling continue his supersonic form - may even feel quietly confident. Broja had been a key cog in their last two successes so Nicolas Jackson, his likely replacement, will need to show that he’s ready to step back up to the starting role.

Arsenal have hardly put a foot wrong this season and are one of only two undefeated clubs in the league (the other also resides in North London). Bukayo Saka has yet to be confirmed as fit, but the Gunners showed that they have ways of winning without their star man. Gabriel Martinelli nabbed a late goal last time out, and his reintroduction to the team couldn’t have come at a more welcome time. Consistency is key for any team pushing for top honors, and Arsenal have shown so far this season that they have a steady hand, rarely losing control. This contest will push that wherewithal, as the feistiness of a London Derby can rattle even the most seasoned participants.

Sheffield United vs. Manchester United

Bramall Lane, Saturday, 8pm Local, 3pm Eastern

The Blades are really struggling this season, and it doesn’t look like it’s about to get any easier for them. A visit from Manchester United may not carry quite the weight it has in past seasons, but it’s still a toss right back in the deep end for the Yorkshire club. Paul Heckingbottom remains at the helm and, despite the previous results, will know that a statement performance against even a bobbling United would be reinvigorating and perhaps create welcome momentum. So far this season, the challenge of the top flight seems to be a hurdle Sheffield United can’t quite clear, but a renaissance has to start somewhere - an inconsistent Red Devils team may provide the Blades that opportunity.

Manchester United, despite all of the crisis talk, did win their last match. The victory may have come courtesy of 2 stoppage time strikes from an out of favor Scott McTominay, but a win is a win. Erik Ten Hag’s squad has been stricken with injuries, and it will be a while yet before they’re anywhere near full strength. Despite that worry and the general bad vibes around Old Trafford, you’d still expect the Red Devils to be able to get all 3 points away at Bramall Lane. If they’re not able to leave with a win, crisis may not be a strong enough word for the fervor that would pop up around the club. On the bright side, Marcus Rashford scored on England duty, which could herald a return to form for the key man.

Aston Villa vs. West Ham United

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

Villa and West Ham go into the weekend in 5th and 7th respectively, and they’ve shown that their early season form is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Unai Emery’s side went into the break following a deflating draw with Wolves, but showing that they can handle challenging opposition with recent wins over Brighton and Chelsea. Ollie Watkins is having the time of his life, and his return to the scoring column has rocketed the Birmingham side up the table. A possible worry for the Villans: some of their best play has come on the counter and West Ham are entirely comfortable ceding possession, which could very well blunt the likes of Watkins and Diaby.

West Ham have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign, which is especially impressive after losing Declan Rice. Mohammed Kudus, a high profile addition late in the window, hasn’t broken into the starting 11 but has bolstered his claim after firing home a late equalizer last time out against Newcastle. He may be looked at as an impact sub, but he looks to be settling in nicely and could warrant an inclusion from the off. David Moyes has had East London rocking this season, even despite his pragmatic play. Can he take the show on the road and earn all three points n Birmingham?

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Monday, 8pm Local, 3pm Eastern

It’s perhaps not the first contest you think of when you hear the words London Derby, but Spurs have an opportunity to remain top of the league when Fulham visits on Monday night. Ange Postecoglou’s early returns as Tottenham manager have been astronomical - still undefeated, with only 2 draws. Moreover, the feeling around the stadium hasn’t been this ecstatic since peak Pochettino. Some have pointed out that Spurs have enjoyed a favorable run, and that may be true. But Fulham, despite sitting comfortably in midtable, don’t exactly represent the end of that run of easier fixtures. This match is a chance to showcase consistency, and Spurs will feel disappointed with anything other than another victory.

The Cottagers have returned 11 points in their first 8 matches - good enough for a solid place in midtable and a path to cozy survival. That may not be exactly inspiring for fans, but after years of failure to remain in the top flight, putting together successive seasons without a relegation scrap represents progress. This isn’t a match that Fulham will necessarily expect to win, and even a hefty loss won’t tank their season. However, Marco Silva’s side has inflicted Ange’s only loss as Tottenham manager - albeit on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Maybe they can entrench themselves as the Australian manager’s bogey-team.