So far Wolves have combined domestic and European duties very impressively. Their squad has shown enough depth – thanks partly to Adama Traoré’s terrific improvement – to suggest that Nuno Espírito Santo could make some alterations to the lineup that a…
Two games in and Steve Bruce feels backed into a corner. It was always going to be tough to take over from Rafael Benítez but the manner Newcastle’s defeat at Norwich appeared to crystalise the supporters’ worst fears. Where Benítez’s team would be fer…
Can Bournemouth stop Manchester City? Probably not. Eight defeats from eight meetings in the Premier League speaks for itself. How Pep Guardiola’s side respond to completely dominating Tottenham but failing to win is key. If profligacy is again the ord…
Southampton lost their opening two matches but tend to be tricky opposition for Brighton and will surely fancy their chances after Graham Potter’s attacking revolution stalled against West Ham. Kevin Danso could also debut to refresh Ralph Hassenhüttl’…
Daniel Farke found himself in the odd situation of having to play down expectations before Chelsea’s visit to Carrow Road. “Listen, we spent less than £1m this summer,” he said, “Chelsea are the Europa League winners. We remain underdogs.” That the Ger…
Sheffield United have enjoyed an impressive reintroduction to Premier League life but their manager, Chris Wilder, is rightly wary about the threat posed by Jamie Vardy. Like Wilder, Leicester’s star striker, is from Sheffield and began his career in n…
Both teams have made a 100% start to the new season but it will require a first win at Anfield for seven years, or a rare display of substance at least, for the visitors’ credentials to be taken seriously. Arsenal’s last three visits to Liverpool have …
Pre-season has not had the cleansing effect Watford would have hoped. The blistering downward spiral of results from the end of last season has bled into this. Javi Gracia needs a spark and Ismaïla Sarr’s defence-shredding pace could be exactly that if…
After two matches the way Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United to play is clear and he will hope this high-energy pressing game can break down Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson’s side lost at Sheffield United last time out and are seeking to bounce b…
Frank Lampard will have gleaned real positives from Istanbul, even if his first two competitive matches in charge of Chelsea have now technically yielded defeats to Manchester United and Liverpool. Leicester represent a different but distinctly awkward…
Sheffield United’s first home game in the Premier League for 12 years is bound to be an evocative occasion. While locals would like nothing better than to see local hero Billy Sharp score the winning goal, they will also be mindful of the threat posed …
Last week’s 4-0 defeat of Chelsea brought sunshine after a troubled summer for Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjær has singled out Alexis Sánchez and Fred for encouragement though the Chilean and Brazilian appear unlikely to start against opposition…
In only the second round of fixtures comes a contest that will offer an early season hint of these two teams’ prospects. Manchester City finished 27 points ahead of Tottenham last term so a draw would be an acceptable result for Mauricio’s Pochettino’s…
Steve Bruce is waiting on a fitness update from Allan Saint-Maximin, and expects Norwich to test a defence that struggled against Arsenal: “Their philosophy is ‘we’ll always score more than you’”. Daniel Farke has mounting injury concerns, with winger …
Unai Emery has somewhat of a selection headache for Saturday’s early kick-off. Academy graduates Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock impressed in the win at Newcastle but could make way for club-record signing Nicolas Pépé and Dani Ceballos, while David Luiz …
Abdoulaye Doucouré’s presence in the opposition midfield may prompt a wry smile from Marco Silva, given his problems in that department. Watford rejected two late offers from Everton for the 26-year-old this summer and, with Morgan Schneiderlin suspend…
Jürgen Klopp’s visitors face a quick turnaround after Wednesday’s Super Cup battle. Their hero in Istanbul, goalkeeper Adrián, is a doubt after hurting his ankle when a spectator ran on to the field during Liverpool’s celebrations. Naby Keïta remains u…
Renewed optimism around Villa Park is reflected in record season ticket sales, and Dean Smith says his team’s ability to turn on the style at home will be key to them thriving this season. Eddie Howe reluctantly sold Tyrone Mings to Aston Villa during …
Graham Potter will be reluctant to change a winning recipe after such a promising opening-day victory at Watford. Summer signings Neal Maupay, Adam Webster and Aaron Mooy may have to wait for their full debuts as Potter takes charge of his first compet…
Ole Gunnar Solskjær hopes his brave new world starts with a promising performance following a first summer in charge of Manchester United. Frank Lampard, in his competitive debut as the Chelsea No 1, will look for precisely the same from his team. Harr…
