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Preparing for the Premier League weekend: eight key factors.

Eight hot topics ahead of the Premier League weekend, including Arsenal's injury woes, Fabian Hurzeler's strong start on the south coast, and Steve Cooper's reunion with his former club.


Can Cooper continue to ascend against old club Forest?


Steve Cooper was not the most popular choice as Leicester sought a replacement for Enzo Maresca in the summer, with Nottingham Forest ties and a shaky start doing little to help his standing.

Back-to-back victories have boosted Cooper's cause, propelling Leicester to 14th place and six points clear of the relegation zone. It isn't enough to persuade, but the 44-year-old is on the right track at King Power Stadium.

A comeback from two goals down to win against Southampton last weekend shown spirit, and the Foxes will now play his former club in an East Midlands rivalry on Friday night. Another win over in-form Forest might propel Leicester into the top half.

Villa has enough depth to prevent another European hangover.

Aston Villa have immediately demonstrated that their success last season was not a fluke. Unai Emery's squad is back in the top four and has secured maximum points in Europe to lead the Champions League rankings. Villa are only the third team in Champions League history to win their opening three games without surrendering a single goal.


Emery's team will, however, want to avoid another European hangover. Their thrilling victory against Bayern Munich earlier this month was quickly followed by a lackluster performance in a goalless draw with Manchester United in the Premier League.

Fortunately, Villa's depth is growing. Boubacar Kamara and Emi Buendia have returned after long-term ailments, and Tyrone Mings is close to returning after missing over a year with an ACL injury. Villa even started Ollie Watkins on the bench against Bologna in midweek, demonstrating Emery's confidence in the options available.

Shot-shy Ipswich provided optimism against Brentford.

Ipswich Town have had a difficult start to their Premier League return. Kieran McKenna's club had not won in eight games since promotion, and successive defeats to West Ham and Everton felt like a sucker punch.

Despite Liam Delap's promising start, the Tractor Boys have had fewer shots (75) than any other Premier League team.

A trip to Brentford, despite the Bees' comfortable 13th place, could be encouraging. Thomas Frank's club has only won one of their past five league games and has allowed the most shots on goal (57).

Hurzeler Start deserves more praise.

Fabian Hurzeler has made a strong start at Brighton. The Premier League's youngest manager made the major move from St Pauli to the south coast in the summer, having led the German team to Bundesliga promotion last season.

Hurzeler has pushed Brighton into the Premier League's top five, with recent victories over Tottenham and Newcastle sending a strong message.

The Seagulls have only lost one of their first eight games, which is very impressive given the level of their opponents. Brighton has faced five of last season's top eight, earning ten points from those games.

Will Nunes be given another shot at City?

Matheus Nunes' performance was one of the more encouraging aspects of Manchester City's easy victory over Sparta Prague in midweek.

Matheus Nunes vs. Sparta Prague:

▪️100% successful dribbles
▪️100% tackles won
▪️7 recoveries
▪️8 duels won

What a performance 👏💙

The Portugal midfielder has only started seven league games since joining Wolves in 2023, but Nunes could be in line for another this weekend. Nunes' assured performance saw him prosper from the left, setting up goals for John Stones and Erling Haaland before winning and converting a penalty against the Czech champions.

Pep Guardiola's pre-arrival billing for Nunes may not have helped his situation with the Citizens, but there have been signs of improvement recently. A matchup with freshly promoted Southampton provides an excellent opportunity for Premier League minutes.

Howe needs more from the Newcastle frontline.

Newcastle's season is stalling after a four-game winless streak. The Magpies have failed to score in consecutive games, with Alexander Isak trying to match last season's form and Callum Wilson sidelined.

Only Harvey Barnes (3) and Anthony Gordon (2) have scored more than once in the Premier League this season, and Howe needs more from his frontline as they prepare to play Chelsea this weekend.

His struggling team faces Chelsea and Arsenal in successive games, and they must improve to risk extending their losing streak. Newcastle have not won at Stamford Bridge since a Papiss Cisse-inspired triumph in 2012.

Lopetegui feels the heat at West Ham.

Julen Lopetegui is under pressure at West Ham. His employment is under threat following a terrible start to the Premier League season, as evidenced by last weekend's 4-1 hammering against Tottenham. West Ham faltered after grabbing the lead against Tottenham, with their midfield overpowered after the break.

The Hammers have struggled since investing £132.5 million in their squad this summer. Lopetegui's additions have struggled, with Jean-Clair Todibo and Guido Rodriguez among those who have failed to meet expectations so far.

Manchester United will visit the London Stadium this weekend, which could lead to a more positive atmosphere and performance. If not, the heat on Lopetegui may become overwhelming.

Will Arsenal overcome difficulties in this crucial clash?


Arsenal face Liverpool in a crucial clash at the top of the table, but preparations for the Gunners have been far from ideal.

Mikel Arteta's team could play without five of his first-choice XI. Martin Odegaard (ankle) and Bukayo Saka (hamstring) are unlikely to play, and there is a defense injury crisis with William Saliba suspended and Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber sidelined.

Arsenal suffered in the face of adversity, as their unbeaten run came to an end last weekend at Bournemouth. Can the North Londoners overcome their differences and release a statement this time?

Liverpool, who currently lead the standings and have won 11 of their last 12 games under new manager Arne Slot, will have different ideas.
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