I promised this would be a weekly feature, so even amidst the international break, the game is not gone. With Matchweek 3 in the rearview and Matchweek 4 just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take a deeper look at how teams have fared so far and what lies ahead after the break. In this week’s article, we’ll dive into key performances from previous weeks, highlight standout players, and offer insights and predictions on what to expect when Premier League action resumes this weekend. From Manchester United and Everton’s collapses to Brighton’s rise under new coaching, and even Brentford’s evolving identity post-Toney, I’ve attempted to cover it all. Whether teams have stumbled out of the gate or built early momentum, we’ll see how they’re stacking up as Matchweek 4 approaches. If there seem to be any repetitions from last week’s article, I apologize, it might just mean that piece of information is critical to understanding the current status of this team. The season is young, and there are still a lot of points up for grabs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t draw some conclusions from the early form of these teams. Let’s dive in.

Saturday, September 14th

Southampton vs. Manchester United – 7:30 AM EST

Manchester United has started the season shakily. Their last-minute winner against Fulham in the opening week, scored by new addition Joshua Zirkzee, was exactly what they needed to kick things off, despite struggling in that match and offering way too many clear chances to Fulham at home. Since then, their losses away to Brighton and at home against Liverpool, where they were outclassed in every aspect, have put them in a tough spot heading into this away match against Southampton. Manchester United has made adjustments to their pressing game, moving to a more compact and conservative 4-2-4 press to minimize the space available to opponents. While this change has improved their defensive structure, it has reduced the team’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch and generate offensive chances through pressing. Casemiro’s difficulties in midfield are a result of poor support around him, which forces him into risky plays, something that may change in the coming matches with the arrival of Manuel Ugarte. Marcus Rashford has failed to get anything going so far and looks to have lost a significant amount of confidence. Bruno Fernandes, too, has been below his usual standards. United’s tactics are not the issue, but their execution is, with players failing to capitalize on key moments during matches.

Southampton might be the ideal opponent for United to regain some much-needed momentum, and a win here could help rebuild confidence across the squad, especially among the new signings. Even with Southampton’s uninspiring 0-0-3 start, they’ll look to turn things around against United, though their chances remain slim.

As for Southampton, their return to the top flight has been marked by good football with little reward. Although they’ve looked solid at times, especially against Newcastle and Bournemouth, they’ve only scored one goal in three matches while conceding five. As mentioned in the first article, Russell Martin likes to play out from the back with a passing style, which works well in the Championship but may not hold up against top-tier teams. A different approach may be needed, especially against opponents like Manchester United. That said, I expect United to come away with the win because if they drop points to Southampton… let’s not even go there yet.

Prediction: 2-0 Manchester United

Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Ipswich Town – 10:00 AM EST

Brighton has been one of the surprise teams of the season, even after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi as manager. Despite finishing 11th last year (after an 8th-place finish the year before), they’ve appointed 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler (the man is living my dream!) and continued their upward trajectory. They’ve strengthened their squad with signings like Ferdi Kadioglu and Georginio Rutter, who made his debut from the bench last week. While they’ve not played to their full potential just yet, the new tactics that Hurzeler has employed, such as playing through wide forwards to create goal-scoring opportunities in a 4231 formation, have been fruitful so far.

Ipswich Town, after their promotion to the top flight, has had a rough start, facing two of the toughest opponents in Manchester City and Liverpool and understandably losing those matches. However, they gained a positive point against Fulham in Matchweek 3. Ipswich has a squad with some quality players and prospects like Leif Davis, Liam Delap, Omari Hutchinson, and Sammie Szmodics, but whether they can survive the entire season in the top flight remains to be seen. In an away match against an in-form Brighton, their best chance might be a low-scoring draw, though it seems highly unlikely.

Prediction: 3-1 Brighton

Crystal Palace vs. Leicester City – 10:00 AM EST

As I mentioned with Crystal Palace, they were a team I had high hopes for, especially after their second-half resurgence last year under manager Oliver Glasner. However, despite warning signs, most notably Michael Olise’s departure, they’ve struggled to replicate last season’s form so far. With no wins and only two goals scored in three matches, Palace has had a slow start. Eberechi Eze has created the most opportunities, but teammates and VAR, or, in the case of the West Ham match, the crossbar, have conspired to waste those chances. Still, they boast a strong squad on paper that is accustomed to Glasner’s 3421 formation and have some new signings still being integrated into the team, and this home match against Leicester looks like a good opportunity to get back on track.

Leicester City, after their return to the Premier League, started with a promising draw against Tottenham, despite being outpossessed throughout the match. Jamie Vardy’s heroics stood out, as he became Leicester City’s oldest goalscorer in the Premier League. However, they’ve since suffered 2-1 defeats to Fulham and Aston Villa. Leicester has brought in several new faces like Oliver Skipp, Bilal El Khannouss, and Odsonne Edouard, though Edouard won’t be available for this match due to his loan terms with Palace. They might be in for a relegation battle, but I expect them to have some surprising results this season. However, this one seems likely to be a draw, with Crystal Palace the closer side to a victory.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Fulham vs. West Ham United – 10:00 AM EST

Fulham and West Ham currently sit 12th and 13th in the table with four and three points, respectively. Fulham opened their season with a last-minute loss to Manchester United, where they had plenty of chances but failed to capitalize. They bounced back with a win against Leicester, but a draw against Ipswich Town in Matchweek 3 shows their inconsistency. Fulham has kept much of the same squad from the past two seasons but has added Joachim Andersen in defense. He’s yet to make his first start, but his inclusion could help solidify a defense that has looked shaky at times, especially with some key giveaways like the one against United.

West Ham, tipped by many (including myself) to compete for a top-half spot, has struggled under new manager Julen Lopetegui to find consistency. Despite making new signings like Carlos Soler, Niclas Füllkrug, Luis Guilherme, and Jean-Clair Todibo, they’ve yet to find their rhythm and integrate them fully into the starting lineup. As much as Michail Antonio is a West Ham Legend, the lack of a true and consistent goalscoring threat could haunt the Hammers this season, especially considering super-sub Füllkrug’s ineffectiveness so far. This match could see plenty of goal-scoring chances as both teams hope to begin the climb, but I expect a draw, making both teams’ seasons even harder to predict.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest – 10:00 AM EST

Liverpool, under Arne Slot, has looked even stronger than they did under Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season. Slot’s decision not to make any major signings except for securing Euro 2024 standout goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for 2025, and Federico Chiesa for attacking depth, can be considered good, long-term moves. Slot clearly trusts his squad, and after three clean sheets and nine points, fans, including myself, should too. Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a full-time starter has been a revelation, and Liverpool looks like an early contender to challenge Manchester City’s dominance. The team’s use of passing triangles to break down opposition defenses and create space in wide areas, where Slot’s approach emphasizes enticing the opposition press to create space behind them, allows players like Salah to exploit gaps. Arne Slot’s tactical influence has made Liverpool’s buildup play more sustainable, with their defensive line and transitions working in harmony. In a home match against Nottingham Forest, I can only expect a win, especially after their dismantling away victory against Manchester United.

Nottingham Forest, known for constantly reshuffling their squad, has made several smart signings this season, including the Premier League-proven James Ward-Prowse and Elliot Anderson. Their formula of heavy player turnover has had mixed results, but they’re hoping it pays off this time around. They currently sit 9th in the table with five points in three matches and no losses. Despite Liverpool’s form, Forest will look to extend their unbeaten run with a surprising result, although don’t count on it.

Prediction: 3-0 Liverpool

Manchester City vs. Brentford – 10:00 AM EST

Manchester City is, unsurprisingly, the other undefeated team alongside Liverpool. Though they’ve conceded two goals to Liverpool’s none, they’ve scored nine, with Erling Haaland netting seven of those. Under Pep Guardiola, City looks like the clear favorites to make it five Premier League titles in a row. Once known for big spending, and now dealing with 115 charges, their recent efficient transfer policy, including adding Girona’s standout Savio for €20m, continues to bolster their dominance. While City’s defense hasn’t been as rock-solid as in previous seasons, most likely also due to missing Rodri to start the season, their attack more than compensates. In hindsight, City’s dominance can be attributed to what Jose Mourinho might describe as “investments from the past,” as they haven’t even had 2023-24 Player of the Year Phil Foden, or Ballon D’or contender Rodri, two of the team’s most crucial elements to success to play this season yet.

Brentford, despite selling Ivan Toney, has started the season brilliantly, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa stepping up. Mbeumo, with three goals in three matches, has been key to their high-pressing, box-filling, 433 style under Thomas Frank. Despite losing a key player, Brentford has demonstrated resilience and tactical adaptability, showing that they can compete effectively at this level even with changes in personnel. Although their chances against City are slim, Brentford is not without hope, especially given their strong start.

Prediction: 3-1 Manchester City

Aston Villa vs. Everton – 12:30 PM EST

Aston Villa opened the season with a win against West Ham but followed it with a loss to Arsenal, where missed chances stood out. They redeemed themselves with a win over Leicester in Matchweek 3 and sit on six points, though they’d have hoped for more. Ollie Watkins has struggled to contribute, while 20-year-old John Duran has emerged as a new star with two goals on the season. Something to keep an eye on this season will be to see if Duran ever gets a nod over Watkins. Boubacar Kamara returned to training during the international break, joining the fresh and already impressive partnership of Youri Tilemans and Amadou Onana. For now, in their second home match of the season, Villa can’t afford to slip up against an Everton side in disarray.

Everton, on the other hand, has had a terrible start, with no points and the most goals conceded with 10. They came close to securing their first win of the season in Matchweek 3 but collapsed against Bournemouth, losing 3-2 after leading 2-0 in the 89th minute. Injuries and financial struggles add to their woes. Everton’s inability to refresh their squad, coupled with Dyche’s frustration, points to a challenging season ahead. Their defensive frailties and failure to bring in significant reinforcements in key areas leave them vulnerable. If they lose here, it might be time to start asking when Sean Dyche will be on the hot seat, if not already.

Prediction: 2-0 Aston Villa

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea – 3:00 PM EST

Bournemouth has had an impressive start with one win and two draws, remaining undefeated. Their comeback win against Everton was a highlight, and their draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest prove they’re no pushovers. New signings Evanilson and the permanent move of Enes Ünal (I have to shout out my Turkish guys), along with 19-year-old wonderkid Dean Huijsen from Juventus, will make Bournemouth even more competitive this season. They’ll approach this match against Chelsea with a winning attitude.

Chelsea, despite another big-spending summer and the arrival of Enzo Maresca as manager, has started inconsistently, with one win, one draw, and one loss. They struggled early against Wolves but exploded with six goals, only to follow that with a flat draw against a form-less Crystal Palace. While Maresca has had the opportunity to showcase his playing style and tactics in a short amount of time, he will need to get his team to buy into it, and the particular star-powered players to perform it effectively. With a crowded squad and rising internal tensions at the club, nothing short of a win against Bournemouth will ease the pressure on the already tough task on Maresca.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Sunday, September 15th

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal – 9:00 AM EST

In the most anticipated match of the week, Tottenham takes on Arsenal in the London Derby. Tottenham has started with a win, a draw, and a loss, showing inconsistency. Missing their €65m signing Dominic Solanke for the last two matches hasn’t helped, as I believe he would have made a difference. Ange-ball is in full swing, and with a high-risk, high-reward style of play, which demands perfection in execution, we, as well as Ange, are left wanting more out of the team. While exciting in attack, the team’s defensive vulnerabilities are apparent when the system falters. I think that as key players return from injury and chemistry is continued to be built, they’ve got the talent to turn things around. Against Arsenal, this match looks almost certain to be a goal-filled affair, especially with Declan Rice suspended and Martin Odegaard injured. Could this be Spurs’ best chance to claim their first win against Arsenal in the league since 2022?

Arsenal started the season strong with two wins but saw their momentum stall with a draw against Brighton, where questionable officiating stole the spotlight. With injuries already becoming an issue and no true number 9, despite Kai Havertz’s strong start with two goals in three matches, Arsenal’s long-term success could be at risk even further now that Odegaard is slated to be out for some time. With Odegaard Arsenal has a 66.4% win percentage while averaging 2.1 goals per game, however without him, they have a win percentage of 52.6% and a goals per game of 1.6. Still, this London Derby should provide plenty of excitement, perhaps Solanke returning and Raheem Sterling making his debut, with both teams desperate for a win.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Newcastle United – 11:30 AM EST

Wolves have had a disastrous start, with only one point and nine goals conceded, the second most in the league. After a 6-2 home collapse against Chelsea in Matchweek 2, where they were tied at half-time, they’ll be desperate to change their fortunes. Despite adding young talent like André and Strand Larsen, it looks to be a long season for Gary O’Neil’s Wolves.

Newcastle United, on the other hand, has started with two wins and a draw but hasn’t dominated play as much as expected, being out-possessed in two out of three matches played. Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes have each contributed a goal and an assist, and the return of Sandro Tonali from a long-time suspension/ban should strengthen the squad. Wolves will be eager to make up for their poor start, especially after the embarrassing season opener at home, but Newcastle is the more likely side to claim victory.

Prediction: 3-1 Newcastle United