Chelsea will hope to claim their first Premier League win of the season when they host promoted Luton Town at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United will hope to put their defeat at Tottenham Hotspur behind them when they take on Nottingham Forest. Here’s a preview of third week of matches.
Friday, Aug. 25
Chelsea vs. Luton Town (1900)
Chelsea are aiming to secure their first win of the season when they host promoted Luton at Stamford Bridge after drawing 1-1 against Liverpool and losing 3-1 to London rivals West Ham United.
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is dealing with injury concerns, with captain Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Carney Chukwuemeka, Wesley Fofana, and Benoit Badiashile, among others, ruled out of action.
Luton will look to bounce back after suffering a 4-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion in their first Premier League game. Luton’s first home game of the season against Burnley was postponed due to stadium work.
Saturday, Aug. 26
Bournemouth vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1130)
Bournemouth, who have lost five of their last six league matches, are looking for their first win of the season under new manager Andoni Iraola.
The Spurs could be without new signing James Madison, who is an injury doubt after leaving the last game on crutches.
Fellow Spurs midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, Ryan Sessegnon, and Bryan Gil are also ruled out with injuries.
Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest (1400)
United are unbeaten in their last 30 games at Old Trafford (W26, D4), making it their longest home unbeaten run since a 40-game stretch between Sept. 2016 and Dec. 2017.
Erik ten Hag’s United will likely miss the services of new signing Rasmus Hojlund, with the striker out due to a back injury, while Mason Mount also picked up an injury against Spurs and will be sidelined until the international break.
Forest have lost their last 10 meetings with United in all competitions.
Everton vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (1400)
Premier League bottom side Everton have yet to find the back of the net in the new campaign and have conceded five goals in two games against Fulham and Aston Villa.
Everton have not beaten Wolves since May 2021 (D1, L3).
Both teams have yet to collect any points in two games and lie at the bottom of the table.
Arsenal vs. Fulham (1400)
Arsenal became only the third team to keep 200 away clean sheets in the Premier League when they beat Crystal Palace on Monday.
Bukayo Saka can break the record for most consecutive Premier League games played for Arsenal (currently 82) if he plays against Fulham.
After selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi side Al-Hilal, Fulham have lost their top scorer in four of their last five seasons.
Brentford vs. Crystal Palace (1400)
The last four fixtures between Brentford and Palace have ended in draws.
Brentford are unbeaten in their last five league matches.
In the absence of Ivan Toney, who is still banned, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have scored in both of Brentford’s opening games.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. West Ham United (1630)
Brighton are at the top of the table in the English top flight for the first time in their history.
Brighton have won four of their last six home league matches, including a draw and defeat.
Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton have beaten West Ham six times, while the London side have two victories in the last 14 meetings, with six games ending in a draw.
Sunday, Aug. 27
Sheffield United vs. Manchester City (1300)
City have won 14 of their last 16 league matches and have beaten the Blades in their last five games in all competitions.
City defender John Stones is out of action until after the international break due to an injury, while midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is sidelined for at least four months with a hamstring injury.
City manager Pep Guardiola will miss the game after undergoing back surgery, with assistant Juanma Lillo taking charge of the team in the Spaniard’s absence.
Burnley vs. Aston Villa (1300)
Burnley and Villa have beaten each other twice in the last decade, with the other four games ending in draws.
Vincent Kompany’s promoted Burnley, 18th, are one of two teams yet to score this season, the other being Everton.
Burnley’s last Premier League victory came in April 2022.
- Newcastle United vs. Liverpool (1530)
Liverpool midfielder Alexis MacAllister will be available after the club had his red card against Bournemouth overturned.
Newcastle are winless in their last 13 league games against Liverpool (D4, L9) since a 2-0 home win in December 2015.
Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool are unbeaten in 13 matches (W8, D5) in the league since losing 4-1 at City in April.
Reuters
