Finally, after another international break, that saw proud moments for players gaining their first caps for their country, and fans up and down the country simply waiting for the games to pass them by, the Premier League returns this weekend.
And it's back with a bang.
In matchweek 4, we've got 2 London Derbies on Saturday, the Manchester Derby taking place on Sunday and four teams still looking for their first win of the new premier league season.
In addition, there's new signings taking centre stage, hoping to make a flying start this weekend, and a new appointment kicks off his return to premier league management at the home of a familiar foe. Let's dive right in:
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest (12:30 KO)
Yes, we begin the weekend at the Emirates, with big-spending Arsenal taking on Nottingham Forest, under new leadership in the lunchtime kick-off.
Ange Postecoglou was announced as the new Nottingham Forest manager earlier this week, as Nuno Espírito Santo was sacked after leading the club into europe for the first time in 20 years. After taking the club from a relegation battle when he was appointed in 2023, many forest supporters were angry and confused at the decision taken by owner Evangelos Marinakis, who's already sparked much controversy this season already.
Arsenal on the other hand seem to be making big strides already this season, especially in the transfer market.
Signing Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day, along with Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, Viktor Gyokores from Sporting Lisbon, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Noni Madueke from Chelsea in the summer transfer window, shows not only the financial muscle they have, but the quality they now possess in their squad.
Arsenal fans have been crying out for a world class striker for some time now and they've finally got one with a rich scoring pedigree, scoring 39 goals in the league last season, albeit in the Portuguese League.
They've also shown that they can respond quickly in unforeseen circumstances. With Kai Havertz picking up a injury that was set to sideline him for a number of weeks, Arsenal quickly pursued and concluded a deal for Eberechi Eze, right under the noses from rivals Tottenham, who were also pursuing the player.
Arsenal come into Saturday's game sitting 3rd in the table, with 2 wins and 1 loss so far, with that loss coming against Premier League favourites Liverpool. Bolstered with attacking and defensive reinforcements this window, they'll be looking to maintain a strong record at home, having only lost 3 times at the Emirates in the last 2 seasons.
Whereas Nottingham Forest are going into the game with a new manager, and very different style of play.
Whilst Nuno played a very pragmatic style, designed to defend compactly and make it difficult for the opposition to score, Ange Postecoglou's approach couldn't be more opposite.
Nicknamed 'AngeBall', Postecoglou plays a very attacking brand of football, focusing on retaining possession of the ball, commiting a number of players in forward areas and playing entertaining football. And whilst this is a great watch for neutrals, it's not always for his own teams.
Last season, Postecoglou's Tottenham side kept only 6 clean sheets all season, conceding 65 goals, compared to Forest's 46 under Nuno. However, they did score lots too, netting 64 times, marginally higher than Forest's 58. So whilst the football will be more expansive and better on the eye, they may not end up with a team known for defensive stability.
And despite having a major injury crisis in the first half of the season for Postecoglou's Tottenham, and finishing 17th in the league, they did onto win their first major trophy in 17 years, and first european trophy in 41 years. Along with this, they showed that in europe, they were able to play compact, defensively resilient football on their way to achieving success.
So against Arsenal this weekend, it may be a tough start to life as Nottingham Forest manager against formidable opposition, the upcoming games will prove a fascinating watch for Forest fans, and premier league fans watching on.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
AFC Bournemouth vs Brighton (15:00 KO)
Bournemouth come out of the transfer window having lost several key players from last season, and almost their entire defence.
With Dean Huijsen departing for Real Madrid, Illia Zabarnyi joining Paris Saint Germain, Milos Kerkez signing for Liverpool and Kepa Arrizabalaga returning to Chelsea, only to be sold to Arsenal shortly after, it seemed as though Bournemouth would struggle to replace the quality that had sold and maintain their great form from last season.
However, so far this season, they have played quite well despite all these exits. Losing to Liverpool on the opening day wasn't the easy game many thought it would be for the defending champions, with Antoine Semenyo scoring twice and showing the excellent players they still have. Since then, they have beaten both Wolves and Tottenham and haven't conceded a goal in either game. Not too bad for a team that seemingly lost their best defenders in the summer.
This is where great recruitment can prove to be vital. Signing Adrien Truffert from Rennes, Bafode Diakite from Lille and Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea, has helped bring in much needed reinforcements in the summer and has already proven effective in the opening 3 games.
Brighton have had had a mixed bag in terms of their start to the season. Having drawn to Fulham on the opening day of the season, losing to Everton and recently beating Manchester City, after a last minute winner from Brajan Gruda.
In the market, the most notable loss is that of Joao Pedro to Chelsea. Registering 10 goals and 6 assists in 27 appearances last season, he will be a big loss to the Seagulls this season. They have brought in Max De Cuyper and Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiacos this season but the 18 year old may need some time to settle in.
The biggest positive for many Brighton fans is that they've managed to retain key players such as Kaora Mitoma, Carlos Baleba and Yankuba Minteh, with the first two especially involved in lots of transfer speculation. Adding youthful talent to these key players, along with senior figures in the squad like James Milner, Danny Welbeck and Lewis Dunk should hold them and manager Fabian Hurzeler in good stead for the season ahead.
Against an in-form Bournemouth, this game looks an interesting game. With similar attacking styles of play, we could be in for a great tactical battle. Possibly quite a tight game but both sides with lots of attacking talent.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1-1 Brighton
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland (15:00 KO)
Crystal Palace have had quite a dramatic time over the course of the summer transfer window.
In May, they won the FA Cup, their first major trophy in their history, and since then, beat Liverpool in August to win the Community Shield as well. Oliver Glasner has shown himself to be an elite manager indeed.
However, as any Palace fan will tell you, it has not been plain sailing. Since their FA Cup win, an achievement that should have seen them qualify for this seasons Europa League, was snatched away from them due to third party ownership rules prohibiting them from competing in this competition and subsequently being demoted to the Europa Conference League.
Without diving down this rabbit hole, Palace fans rightly feel aggrieved, and this has been coupled with some notable departures, lack of signings and transfer sagas dragging on all summer, much to the annoyance and frustration of fans, and Glasner himself.
Eberechi Eze leaving for Arsenal being the most significant sale. Marc Guehi was on the brink of joining Liverpool on Deadline day, only for Palace to call off the deal after being unable to find a replacement for him. Poor planning and lack of quality incomings has left the Palace squad feeling a bit thin, especially for the upcoming european campaign their going to have soon.
Sunderland on the other hand have had quite the summer. After winning the Championship Play-Off final in May against Sheffield United, they've brought lots of fresh faces and much needed quality to compete in the Premier League this season.
Players like Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen and Simon Adingra from Brighton have given them some much needed Premier League Experience, whilst players like Brian Brobbery from Ajax and Enzo Le Fee from Roma, being made permanent, have given them extra depth and quality.
They have lost key players like Jobe Bellingham to Dortmund and Tom Watson to Brighton so it will be interesting to see how all the new players get on this season.
With Palace and Sunderland both making decent starts to the season, with 5 and 6 point respectively, it will be a good game. I think Palace at home will have enough to beat Sunderland in this game though.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Sunderland
Fulham vs Leeds (15:00 KO)
Fulham always feel under appreciated and never seem to get the credit they deserve.
They've been a recent fixture in the premier league for the past 3 seasons and with an excellent manager in Marco Silva, they have made moves to maintain and push on this season.
The Cottagers splashed out a club-record fee on attacker Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk, a move that signals a clear intent to add firepower. Along with Kevin, the loan arrivals of Samuel Chukwueze and Jonah Kusi-Asare promise to provide fresh options and attacking dynamism. Fans will be eager to see if any of these new faces are thrown straight into the mix to inject some much-needed life into the team.
This match is a chance to ignite their season. Marco Silva's side has yet to secure a victory, having picked up just two points from their opening three games. Frustration has mounted at Craven Cottage, with a recent defeat to Chelsea mired in VAR controversy. The team has also been plagued by defensive issues, conceding a penalty in each of their last five league games—a worrying trend that Marco Silva will be desperate to stop.
Meanwhile, Leeds United arrive in the capital with a more positive, albeit mixed, start to their top-flight return. Daniel Farke's side has secured four points from their first three games, including a gutsy 1-0 win over Everton. While their performances have been far from perfect—a 5-0 thrashing by Arsenal being the low point—they have shown the defensive solidity that was a hallmark of their promotion campaign.
The arrival of new signings like Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer and midfielder Anton Stach adds Premier League experience to the squad. While Calvert-Lewin could make his first league start, Farke will need to manage a number of injury concerns with players like Ethan Ampadu and Joel Piroe nursing knocks.
The match pits two sides with contrasting emotions against one another.
Fulham will be desperate for a win to kick-start their season, hoping their new-look attack can click into gear. Leeds, on the other hand, will look to continue their solid start and defy their poor recent record in London. I think Fulham will just edge this one, with both sides making it difficult for the other.
Prediction: Fulham 1-0 Leeds
Everton vs Aston Villa (15:00 KO)
Everton kick off the new season in their brand new stadium: The Hill Dickinson Arena. A new cause of optimism for the Everton fans, on what's recently been a difficult few seasons for the toffees.
Under David Moyes, Everton have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season. New signings have revitalized the squad, with a particular highlight being the loan acquisition of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. Grealish has been in blistering form, earning the Premier League Player of the Month award for August and becoming the first Everton player to register multiple assists in consecutive games, that's seen Everton pick up 6 points from the opening 3 games.
The arrivals of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling have added further attacking talent, while players like Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry provide more options up front. There's definitely a positive feeling around the blue half of Merseyside.
In contrast, Aston Villa's summer has been rather subdued.
A window of very little signings, mainly down to PSR rule impacting the club. Aston Villa currently operate with a wages to revenue ratio of over 90% - more than any other Premier League club.
They have managed to sign Evann Guessand from Nice, with Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho on loan from Liverpool and Manchester United respectively, as well as Victor Lindelof on a free transfer too. Emi Martinez's future appears to be sorted at the club, after a turbulent summer for the World Cup winner, whilst Jacob Ramsey was sold to Newcastle, most likely towards helping their PSR situation.
On the pitch, season has been defined by a baffling goal drought. Unai Emery's side has failed to score in their three opening league matches, securing just one point from a 0-0 draw against Newcastle. This poor form has put immense pressure on the team, especially alongside a disappointing window.
Historically, this fixture has often been a tight affair, but recent history favors Aston Villa, who are unbeaten in their last 12 league meetings against Everton. However, this Everton side seem to have the wind in their sales. I think they'll compound Aston Villa's miserable start to the season.
Prediction: Everton 2-0 Aston Villa
Newcastle vs Wolves (15:00 KO)
Newcastle have probably had the worst of it over the summer window.
Maybe not in the end result, but the way everything has unfolded in front of them. Dominated by one man: Alexander Isak.
The controversial departure of Alexander Isak created a noticeable animosity between himself and the clubs, the players and fans. And it clearly spilt over to the performances.
Two draws and a narrow defeat have left them without a win and a worrying lack of goals, despite an excellent underlying attacking process. Eddie Howe's side has looked defensively solid, conceding just three goals in three games, but the absence of a clinical edge has been clear.
This weekend, however, offers a chance to start a fresh and close the chapter of the summer. Newcastle's transfer business saw them bring in the highly-rated youngster Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, along with Yoane Wissa from Brentford. Whether they'll be able to make up for Isak's departure remains to be seen but vital steps have been taken to add firepower upfront.
For Wolves, the mood is just as somber. Three games, three defeats. They sit at the bottom of the table, having conceded a league-worst eight goals. While their last match, a spirited 3-2 loss to Everton, showed some fight, the defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern for new manager Vitor Pereira.
Like Newcastle, Wolves had a busy summer, seeing key players like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri depart for big-money moves. They've sought to fill the gaps with a number of recruits, including forward Tolu Arokodare and well named David Moller Wolfe from AZ Alkmaar, amongst others.
Historically, this fixture has been favourable to Newcastle, who have lost only two of the last 20 Premier League meetings with Wolves. With both sides in desperate need of a result, the pressure is on. I think Newcastle have added the quality to push past Wolves, who may not have enough for the season ahead.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Wolves
West Ham Vs Tottenham (17:30 KO)
Always a big game for both sets of supporters, and always produces a tense atmosphere in the London Stadium.
West Ham fans will get to see a glimpse of one of their former players on show for their much despised rivals - that being Mohamed Kudus of course - recently signing for Tottenham from West Ham. The last player to make the move between the clubs was Scott Parker back in 2012 and is very unusual to see West Ham sell a first team player to Tottenham, much to the anger of the West Ham supporters.
There's already a growing feeling of dissonance and disconnect at the football club between the fans. From the stadium, to the manager, up to the ownership, all causes of tension, disappointment, frustration and possibly worst of all - apathy.
With Lucas Paqueta tipped to leave the club, only to send his own message in the fans in their previous game against forest, and a lack of investment in the squad, it's not hard to see why West Ham fans feel so depressed about the season ahead.
They have signed El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague and Matheus Fernandes from Southampton, along with some free signings in former Spurs player, Kyle Walker-Peters and Calum Wilson from Newcastle, amongst others. A very underwhelming window indeed, summed up by letting Lukasz Fabianski go in the summer, only to resign him with Wes Foderingham leaving the club.
Spurs have had one of the most complex and emotionally polarised summers in recent times. In May, they won the Europa League for the first time in 41 years. Since then, they've sacked Ange Postecoglou, hired Thomas Frank, and made real hard work of signing players this summer, all culminating in the resignation of Chairman, Daniel Levy, at the end of the window.
In terms of signings, it has been public knowledge that they have pursued but failed to sign multiple top player this window. Morgan Gibbs-White seemingly close when his release clause was met, only for him to sign a new deal with Nottingham Forest soon after. Another rabbit hole perhaps. Eze was also close to joining but significant delays and failure to agree a deal allowed Arsenal to steal him from under their noses, much to the humiliation of the Tottenham fans.
They have made some significant editions though, eventually. In addition to Kudus, they made some much needed signings in key areas.
Joao Paulinha was signed on loan from Bayern Munich, and Randal Kolo Muani was signed on loan from Paris Saint Germain on Deadline day, as they addressed the need for a defensive midfielder and attacking options upfront and outwide. They did make one extremely big signing as well - Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
After the failure to sign Gibbs-White and Eze, the feeling was pretty glum amongst Tottenham fans. But this one certainly went some way to soothing the pain. After James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski were both out with long-term injuries, Spurs simply had to buy a creative attacking midfielder.
Much to the delight and desire of the manager, Spurs were able to have a very good window in the end, that ticked many of the boxes. And with Champions League football back this season, more strength in depth was a must.
Whilst this fixture in the last two seasons has ended 1-1 at the London Stadium, there is a very different Tottenham team from those games.
Thomas Frank was known for his tactical flexibility at Brentford, and has already begun to show it at Tottenham. He played 5 at the back against Paris Saint Germain in the Super Cup and execute it to perfection. Despite the late collapse and penalty loss, the played superbly.
Then in their opening two premier league games against Burnley and Manchester City, playing a back 4 but showing that he could employ a different approach to 2 very different league opponents. Winning both these games was proof of that.
West Ham have had a tougher opening two games, losing both and not having a lot to show for it. They did however, produce a robust performance, especially 2nd half against Nottingham Forest to win and win well in the end.
These games always come with tension and are normally a close result. I think it will be close again.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Tottenham
Brentford vs Chelsea
Brentford have had a difficult summer this time round.
They've lost their manager, Thomas Frank, to Tottenham, their club captain, Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, and their two most prolific strike force in Brian Mbuemo, to Manchester United, and Yohan Wissa, to Newcastle United on deadline day.
New manager, Keith Andrews, has an uphill task on his hand. A fairly inexperienced manager and to some, an underwhelming appointment for the Bees. Losing big players won't be too surprising for Brentford fans, apart from the scale this summer, as they normally have great recruitment and well-established model that has seen them rise and kept them in the Premier League since 2021.
Signing like Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth and Caohmin Kelleher from Liverpool seem to be astute signings and in keeping with their recruitment strategy. However, it does feel this time that it isn't enough, considering the quality they lost. Losing 2 of their opening 3 games hasn't helped paint a brighter picture so far.
Chelsea on the other hand have had another summer of buying big players.
They have signed Joao Pedro from Brighton, Jamie Gittens from Dortmund, Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, Liam Delap from Ipswich and Estevao from Palmeiras, amongst others. All very good players, who bring a great mixture of experience and youth to Enzo Maresca's team.
The problem as always is the sheer number of players Chelsea have. Some sources quoted them as having as much as 45 players. With a registered squad of 25 players, they seem to be overloaded with players who won't get any game time.
Couple that with the PSR rules restricting many clubs this summer, having such a large players presents a high wage bill that may cause them issues going forward.
On the pitch however, Chelsea are performing well. Sitting 2nd in the league currently, undefeated so far with 2 wins and a draw, they seem to be building on a positive first season for Enzo Maresca, having won the Conference League and Club World Cup over the summer.
Whilst new signing, Liam Delap, has picked up an injury in the last game vs Fulham, Joao Pedro has hit the ground running, getting 2 goals and 2 assists in his first 3 games.
With Brentford's significant departures and Chelsea's continued good form, I can only see Chelsea extending their unbeaten run this season.
Prediction: Brentford 1-3 Chelsea
Manchester City vs Manchester United
The biggest clash of the weekend for sure, the first Manchester Derby of the season.
Manchester City had a disappointing end to last season by their standards, finishing 3rd in the league and no major trophy, after bowing out of the Club World Cup to Al-Hilal.
They did, however, start the summer on a brighter note, making some big signings before the Club World Cup. In came Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves. They also brought in Gianluigi Donnoruma from PSG and James Trafford before the window shut, replacing the outgoing Ederson to Fenerbahce. Some good business.
On the flip side, they've lost some talented players too. Premier League legend, Kevin De Bruyne departed the club and joined Italian champions, Napoli. Ilkay Gündoğan also left for Galatasaray, along with Jack Grealish to Everton and Manuel Akanji to Inter amongst others.
Losing a lot of premier league winning experience will be felt but as with Pep Guardiola teams, they still have lots of quality and experience in the squad, with Rodri set to return shortly. His absence has been notable in their results so far: losing two of their opening three games to Tottenham and Brighton, whilst beating Wolves in their first game.
For Manchester United, it's was a dreadful end to last season. Finishing 16th in the League, losing the Europa League Final to Tottenham and facing significant issues on and off the pitch with an uncertainty around Ruben Amorim's future, especially in light of a shock defeat to Grimsby Town in the 2nd round of the League cup.
Despite the club seemingly facing financial constraints, they have invested significantly in the squad, especially in attack. Signing Brian Mbuemo from Brentford, Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig has given them much needed firepower upfront. Senne Lammens also joined to replace the outgoing Andre Onana, who's faced significant criticism for his performances in recent games, as well as last season.
With a mixed start for United in the league: winning one, drawing one and losing one. But prior to the Grimsby game, their performances did seem to have improved from last season. There's still a lot of work to do for Ruben Amorin but he is sticking firmly to his principles, coaching his team in his trusted 3-4-3 system.
Both teams are underperforming by their standards but the Manchester Derby has produced some good games in recent years, and has a level of unpredictability about it.
I think Manchester City will win this one, but it will be close.
Prediction: Man City 2-1 Man Utd
Burnley vs Liverpool
Burnley returned to the premier league this season, with the best defensive record ever in the Championship. Scott Parker's team only conceded 16 goals in 46 league game - an astounding record. And one that lead them to promotion, being pipped to the title by Leeds on the final day.
In the Premier League however, it's a different kettle of fish.
Their opening day defeat to Tottenham was an example of the challenge and gulf between the Championship and Premier League, followed by their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Having said that, they have beaten fellow promoted side Sunderland, and have shown signs of quality in their opening games, with United only winning with a last gasp penalty.
They have brought in some player, like Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea and Jaidon Anthony from Bournemouth. However, compared to relegation rivals, they haven't strengthened enough. The loss of James Trafford to Manchester City is another blow to their squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool and their fans must be on cloud 9. What a summer they have had.
Champions of the Premier League 2025, and a string of incredible signings to improve an already outstanding side, who only look like getting better.
Joy did turn to grief in July when tragically, Diogo Jota, and his Brother Andre Silva, lost their lives in a car accident in Spain. A true loss for the club and for football.
In terms of the transfer window, the signings of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen was a statement signing, breaking the record for a premier league signing at the time. Adding to that, signing Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen, followed by the cherry on the cake: Alexander Isak.
A signing that you felt was always going to happen, but it took a while to get over the line.
They have had notable departure in Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich and Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal.
Even before the significant signings Liverpool had made, it would have been tough for Burnley. They come up against the best team in England, arguably in europe as well. I think they will be too much for Burnley.
Prediction: Burnley 0-4 Liverpool
