London, UK | Xinhua | It is a busy Saturday in the Premier League with eight matches after a series of midweek Carabao Cup fixtures helped to give some sides a boost and others something to think about.
Aston Villa entertain third-placed Brighton after a home defeat to Everton in the Carabao Cup, which highlighted how important the rested trio of Ollie Watkins, Boubacar Kamara and Emiliano Martinez are to Unai Emery’s side.
They will return to face Brighton in what looks like a stiff test of both sides’ chances for this season.
Manchester United enjoyed a rare evening of calm in the Carabao Cup as they won 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace, and fates has decreed that the fixture is repeated in the league this weekend.
Expect both teams to have plenty of changes to their midweek elevens and Palace to put up a rather more rugged display, with Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi back to give them plenty more arguments in midfield and defense.
Everton’s Carabao Cup win at Aston Villa gives Sean Dyche’s side something to build on as they welcome Luton to Goodison Park. Luton have just one point from five games, and this is a chance for Everton to gain momentum.
Summer signing Tyler Adams could make his league debut for Bournemouth as Andoni Iraola’s side entertain Arsenal. There are a few doubts about Arsenal’s finishing so far this season, especially with Kai Havertz failing to adapt, but with Bournemouth still searching for their first win, Mikel Arteta will be optimistic of winning a duel between coaches from Spain.
It has been a good week for Newcastle United, who beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup after putting eight goals past Sheffield United last weekend. Newcastle face another newly promoted side when Burnley visit St James’ Park.
Expect Pep Guardiola to make a lot of changes and bring the big-name players such as Erling Haaland back for Manchester City when they visit Wolves on Saturday afternoon. Central midfielder Rodri will miss the game through suspension, but others such as Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden all return.
Tottenham’s morale can only have increased after their 2-2 draw against Arsenal last weekend, and they have the chance to make another statement when they entertain Liverpool.
With Son Heung-min thriving following the arrival of James Maddison in midfield, this looks like a thriller, especially as Darwin Nunez is finally showing why Liverpool signed him a year ago.
Nottingham Forest face Brentford in Sunday’s match, while a south-London derby between Fulham and Chelsea on Monday night. Chelsea have struggled in attack all season and Nicolas Jackson’s suspension won’t help to solve Mauricio Pochettino’s problems as he tries to turn an expensive squad into something resembling an effective team.
Lots to look forward to over the next few days 🤩
We start with a bumper Saturday schedule 🗒 pic.twitter.com/xi1VZ257hv
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 29, 2023