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September 5, 2024, 1:37 pmWe’re officially here. Here we go, and there we land—the deal is sealed! We’re launching a weekly futbol/soccer article focusing on the English Premier League for the 2024-25 season. If there’s enough interest, we might even dive into other major European soccer leagues, similar to how we cover top plays in our WagerPass.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Yoel Abulaf, a lifelong sports fanatic and soccer enthusiast. I’ve been passionate about the game since I could walk and kick a ball. While I also contribute to the Wagering and Fantasy Basketball divisions at SportsEthos, my love for soccer drives this EPL series. On the topic, be sure to also check out the incredible work the team and I are doing across all our channels. I’m originally from Istanbul, Turkiye—shoutout to Galatasaray (yes, the team that once had legends like Gheorghe Hagi, Gheorghe Popescu, Wesley Sneijder, and Didier Drogba, and now features stars like Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, and the exciting Victor Osimhen). After years of watching, analyzing, and responsibly betting on the game, covering this topic weekly feels like a perfect fit.
I’ve been an avid English Premier League fan and a Fantasy Premier League player for the past few seasons. My goal is to use my passion for watching these matches daily and my years of experience tracking and analyzing these teams and players to keep you informed each matchweek. We’ll review how the previous matchweek played out, highlight standout moments, and discuss how each team can move forward for their upcoming match and throughout the season.
A quick apology is in order: Ideally, I would have started this at the season’s beginning (three weeks ago). However, since we’re now heading into the international break after matchweek three, this seemed like the perfect time to kick off and make it a consistent weekly feature. Since it’s the first article, I’ll provide a summary of each team and delve into key points from the first three matchweeks. So, come along—it’s going to be a long ride with plenty of twists and turns as the season progresses, but it will be worth it. There’s no weekend like a Premier League weekend!! P.S.: The images are clickable for further references.
Arsenal
Record: 2W-1D-0L
Summary: Arsenal started strong with two 2-0 victories against Wolves and top-four contender Aston Villa. However, they ended matchweek 3 with a draw against Brighton, failing to convert crucial chances. After missing out on the title in the final weeks against Manchester City in the past two seasons, Arsenal bolstered their squad with Ricardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino—though Merino, unfortunately, got injured before he could debut. Declan Rice received a highly controversial red card, and despite their solid defense, largely due to David Raya’s heroics, Arsenal hasn’t quite matched last season’s strong form. The fact that they have missed a key signing – Jurien Timber to injury all of last season, and again in this early season can most certainly factor into this. The international break offers a great chance to integrate Raheem Sterling into the team, hoping he can replicate Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz’s early goalscoring form. While the first two weeks’ victories were promising, the draw at home against Brighton revealed some weaknesses that Arsenal’s competitors haven’t shown yet. They face Tottenham away in a London derby next—a match that’s tough to call as both teams are still finding their stride and ideal starting eleven.
Upcoming Match: Tottenham (Away)
Aston Villa
Record: 2W-0D-1L
Summary: Aston Villa is one of the teams I’m most excited to watch this season. They have top-four aspirations and are also competing in the UEFA Champions League. New signing Amadou Onana has made an immediate impact with two goals in three matches, commanding the midfield alongside Youri Tielemans. While many, including myself, expected Ollie Watkins to be the primary goalscorer, John Duran has emerged as a real threat, scoring in both the match against Leicester and West Ham in the opening weeks. Villa needs to be more clinical in capitalizing on their chances if they want to compete for another impressive finish, especially with the high tempo of Premier League matches and their Champions League participation. With Everton at home next, who are yet to win a match, Villa looks poised to prevail, though Emery will need to prepare for Everton’s desperation to turn around their early season struggles.
Upcoming Match: Everton (Home)
Bournemouth
Record: 1W-2D-0L
Summary: After draws against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle in the first two matchweeks, Bournemouth shocked the soccer world with an incredible 10-minute comeback against Everton at Goodison Park, winning the match after being down 2-0 in the 89th minute. Bournemouth sold their striker Solanke to Tottenham but hopes to replace him with Evanilson from Porto, who has yet to find his mark this season. Antoine Semenyo has been inspirational under Andoni Iraola. As their new signings settle after the international break, they could surprise Chelsea at home, a team still looking to find consistency.
Upcoming Match: Chelsea (Home)
Brentford
Record: 2W-0D-1L
Summary: Despite selling their starting striker, Ivan Toney, Brentford hasn’t lacked goals or victories, thanks to the inspirational football played by Bryan Mbeumo, supported by Yoane Wissa. They have also added Igor Thiago from Club Brugge, who scored 18 goals in 34 matches last season. Mbeumo is tied with four others for second top goalscorer, with three goals in three matches, and has looked solid throughout. Brentford and Thomas Frank’s style often punishes opponents who try to play out from the back, which was evident in their 3-1 victory over Southampton in matchweek three. While their chances seem slim against a mighty Manchester City side that should have key players back in the lineup, Brentford is a team to watch this season for their high effort and competitiveness.
Upcoming Match: Manchester City (Away)
Brighton & Hove Albion
Record: 2W-1D-0L
Summary: In the post-Roberto De Zerbi era, after selling key players for major profits, few—including myself—expected Brighton to remain competitive this season. However, the first three weeks have shown that Brighton looks solid under 31-year-old coach Fabian Hürzeler, with impressive wins, including a 3-0 victory over Everton and a 2-1 home win against Manchester United. Brighton also salvaged a point from their away match against Arsenal and currently sit third behind undefeated Manchester City and Liverpool. They play Ipswich Town at home next, and after securing four points from Arsenal and Manchester United, the logical approach would be to secure as many three-pointers as possible, especially at home, against teams not on those levels. Brighton’s ability to stick to their game plan and achieve success, regardless of managerial changes, is impressive.
Upcoming Match: Ipswich Town (Home)
Chelsea
Record: 1W-1D-1L
Summary: Chelsea likely deserves more criticism than I’ll provide here. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s resurgence to their glory days has started shakily—especially considering that they spent close to 240 million euros on players, many of whom still need time to fit into the system. After a defeat to Manchester City in the opening week, Chelsea bounced back with a Noni Madueke hat-trick in a 6-2 victory against Wolves but continued to show vulnerability. In matchweek 3, a competitive Crystal Palace came in with no wins, and while it’s understandable that they fought hard, Chelsea’s home draw felt like a missed opportunity. Bournemouth won’t make things easy for Chelsea, but nothing less than a victory is expected for a team with top-four aspirations.
Upcoming Match: Bournemouth (Away)
Crystal Palace
Record: 0W-1D-2L
Summary: Before the season, some friends warned me that Crystal Palace might struggle without Michael Olise, who moved to Bayern Munich this summer. Unfortunately, their first three matchweek performances have confirmed those concerns. Eberechi Eze has started strong, but some of his goals and assists were disallowed by VAR. Jean-Philippe Mateta is yet to make his mark, and Oliver Glasner’s men have fallen short of early expectations. Instead of pushing for a top spot, they might be in a relegation battle. Palace still plays effective football, and Glasner’s biggest task during the international break will be to integrate new transfers like Maxence Lacroix, Trevoh Chalobah, and Eddie Nketiah into the system. Their upcoming match against Leicester could offer the perfect opportunity to turn things around.
Upcoming Match: Leicester (Home)
Everton
Record: 0W-0D-3L
Summary: Everton was on the brink of securing their first victory of the season at home in matchweek 3, only to collapse in the final 10 minutes, losing for the third straight time and sitting at the bottom of the table. Their squad lacks quality, and they’ve seemed to lack a competitive edge. Conceding 10 goals in just three matchweeks doesn’t bode well as they head to Villa next. The lack of a solid replacement for Amadou Onana might haunt them all season, as their current form has already put them in a difficult position.
Upcoming Match: Aston Villa (Away)
Fulham
Record: 1W-1D-1L
Summary: After a last-minute loss in the opening week, Fulham bounced back with a victory against Leicester but couldn’t find a winner against Ipswich, resulting in a balanced 1-1-1 record after three matchweeks. Their starting striker, Andre Muniz, is still searching for his first goal this season, despite a high expected goals tally. Meanwhile, Adama Traore and new signing Emile Smith Rowe are looking to inspire. While I was more optimistic about Fulham before their draw against Ipswich, I still believe that Marco Silva’s men can cause problems for West Ham at home.
Upcoming Match: West Ham (Home)
Ipswich Town
Record: 0W-1D-2L
Summary: After a disappointing yet expected loss at home to Liverpool, Ipswich Town had every reason to be excited when they opened the scoring against Manchester City at the Etihad in matchweek 2, only to lose decisively 4-1. A tough opening schedule was followed by a home draw against Fulham, where Ipswich excelled in sitting back, defending, and capitalizing on counter-attacks—something they’ll need to do well if they want to avoid a relegation battle. With young, exciting players like Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson, and Leif Davis, Ipswich will aim to make life difficult for opponents. However, against a strong Brighton side away, their chances seem slim.
Upcoming Match: Brighton (Away)
Leicester City
Record: 0W-1D-2L
Summary: After securing a draw thanks to Jamie Vardy’s heroics in matchweek 1 against Tottenham, Leicester has suffered two close 2-1 losses against Fulham and Aston Villa. While they certainly had opportunities to equalize and have made transfers that could surprise, their defense doesn’t look as solid as other positions. A performance against an inconsistent Crystal Palace in matchweek 4 could be the perfect chance to showcase Leicester’s full potential.
Upcoming Match: Crystal Palace (Away)
Liverpool
Record: 3W-0D-0L
Summary: As a Liverpool fan, I was quite skeptical about this season, with Arne Slot—a great but unproven manager—succeeding Jurgen Klopp, and a summer without major signings. Slot repeatedly mentioned that his squad was more than enough to compete at a high level, and while it’s still early, Liverpool has shown that this might indeed be the case. They’ve joined Manchester City as one of two teams to win all three of their matches, especially impressive as they’ve done so without conceding a goal while scoring seven, including three against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Liverpool has looked extremely dangerous in attack, with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah, with Diaz and Salah scoring three goals each in the first three matches. The midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch has also been dominant. The familiarity of the defensive line should make things easier for Slot as the team already looks like serious contenders. As players return from the international break and the schedule intensifies, we’ll see if the squad is deep enough to maintain this hot start, but based on what we’ve seen, Liverpool should march on as is.
Upcoming Match: Nottingham Forest (Home)
Manchester City
Record: 3W-0D-0L
Summary: For the fifth season in a row, Pep Guardiola is lying through his teeth when he says he’s not motivated to chase another championship, while fans claim that Manchester City’s season doesn’t start until November. However, what City has shown in the opening three weeks—Erling Haaland scoring seven goals in three matches, chasing down an opposing defender for 75 yards to regain the ball while up by two goals, and the selfless play of every City player—are clear signs that this team isn’t slowing down. This is especially impressive considering City has been without a potential Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most critical elements of their success, Rodri, as well as the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season, Phil Foden. While City has no apparent weaknesses across any position, the lack of a clear-cut replacement for Haaland could be a concern if he misses any time. However, Pep is likely already planning how he can utilize Ilkay Gundogan or Matheus Nunes in that position, and a maniac like him probably wants Haaland to be out just to showcase this. As long as Haaland is healthy, and with the return of some star players, City will have few rivals that can compete with them. Their biggest challenge will be navigating a heavy fixture list.
Upcoming Match: Brentford (Home)
Manchester United
Record: 1W-0D-2L
Summary: A part of me wants to be optimistic about Manchester United. Another season of significant signings, although this time they seem better suited to address long-standing team needs, yet the actual performance under Ten Hag, and his inability to impose a clear game plan during his tenure, are concerning. Back-to-back defeats in matchweeks 2 and 3, especially being dismantled by Liverpool at home, have undoubtedly added pressure on both players and management. The biggest challenge is integrating all the new arrivals effectively while figuring out a solid plan, especially in playing out from the back and in attack. Casemiro’s two passes led to goals, while in a 35-minute appearance, Amad Diallo had more take-ons than United’s starters. These are just a few of the issues Ten Hag must address in addition to more long-standing ones. Despite this disappointing start, Southampton away presents the perfect opportunity to get back on track and build momentum.
Upcoming Match: Southampton (Away)
Newcastle United
Record: 2W-1D-0L
Summary: Newcastle started the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton but didn’t look their best, carrying that performance into a draw against Bournemouth in matchweek 2. In a home match against Tottenham in matchweek 3, they secured a win, as Tottenham lacked their two main striker options yet still produced 20 shots compared to Newcastle’s nine. While Newcastle’s record in the first three matchweeks isn’t concerning, from a fan perspective, the football being played isn’t up to the standard of previous seasons. A tougher fixture list raises questions about Newcastle’s true strength this season.
Upcoming Match: Wolves (Away)
Nottingham Forest
Record: 1W-2D-0L
Summary: Nottingham Forest has been one of the surprising teams of the season, starting strong with no defeats, albeit against a relatively easier schedule compared to some of their competitors. With new arrivals in key positions, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are looking to ride the wave of early success, especially considering they were widely seen as relegation contenders. Playing away at Liverpool won’t help their pursuit, but they have time to integrate new players into the starting lineup and develop a new identity in the long run.
Upcoming Match: Liverpool (Away)
Southampton
Record: 0W-0D-3L
Summary: Southampton shares the bottom of the league with Everton and has the lowest goal tally, with only one goal coming in their most recent defeat’s 90+4th minute by Sugawara. Southampton’s biggest downfall this season will likely be their commitment to playing out from the back through passers when, realistically, they lack the quality to do so. While this tactic allowed them to dominate possession in the first two weeks and narrowly lose 1-0, their collapse against a relatively stronger Brentford side suggests that new gameplay strategies might be needed, especially against stronger teams. It will be a long journey for Southampton, and if they hope to remain in the Premier League in their return season, they’ll need better performances, particularly from Aaron Ramsdale, whose return to a full-time starter role has been marked by three goals conceded.
Upcoming Match: Manchester United (Home)
Tottenham Hotspur
Record: 1W-1D-1L
Summary: Tottenham is a team I’m fond of in the Premier League, alongside Liverpool, so I naturally have optimism toward them. This was exactly how I approached the season, especially with the summer signings, and I had high hopes. However, they’ve fallen short, despite playing, in my opinion, inspirational football. Ange-ball is in full effect, with Tottenham aggressively pursuing offensive opportunities, but they are desperately searching for Solanke and Richarlison’s goalscoring form. The international break should allow these players to return from injury and regain their form and for Postecoglou’s Tottenham to find their ideal starting eleven and stride. I still believe they can challenge for a top-four spot, regardless of this slow start. So far, an unexpected draw against Leicester and a loss to Newcastle, where they could have won if not for their lack of finishing, highlight Tottenham’s inconsistencies. The current team build suggests that this is more of a long-term project than an immediate one. Next matchweek at home, I expect a bounce back performance from Tottenham, though they are too volatile to trust.
Upcoming Match: Arsenal (Home)
West Ham United
Record: 1W-0D-2L
Summary: West Ham started the season under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui, but they’ve surely fallen short of both their and their fans’ expectations, with just one win and two losses in the first three matchweeks. They suffered a home defeat against Aston Villa in the opening match, followed by an away loss at Crystal Palace, and another home loss against Manchester City, leaving them in a tough position going into the international break. They boast key quality players like Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta and have made reinforcements across the pitch. In an effort to climb back up to the top half of the table, Lopetegui will look to find rhythm among his players and integrate the new transfers as they face a more challenging fixture list.
Upcoming Match: Fulham (Away)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Record: 0W-1D-2L
Summary: Wolves have been underwhelming, to say the least, this season, though they’ve faced a tough schedule through the first three matchweeks with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Forest. They’ve failed to win any games, tying with Forest last week and being outpossessed throughout the match. They have quality players in Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia, and Mario Lemina, but the losses of Pedro Neto and Max Kilman have taken a toll. In what will likely be a challenging match at home against Newcastle, Wolves will look to turn the tide, if they can.
Upcoming Match: Newcastle (Home)
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