5 things to watch for in Premier League matchday 8 | OneFootball

The Premier League returns following the international break with some important games as we head into a packed schedule. Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham in the early kick-off, Arsenal head to Bournemouth while Arne Slot faces a big test against an improving Chelsea side.

Here are five things to watch for ahead of matchday six:

Chelsea’s chance to prove themselves at Anfield

Chelsea will look to show they belong in the ‘big teams’ conversation with a tough trip to Anfield. Their last visit ended in a crushing 4-1 defeat, showing how far they still were from competing with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. However, under new manager Enzo Maresca, there are signs of progress with Chelsea now just four points off the top of the table.

Facing a dominant Liverpool side under Arne Slot, who has set a new record for the best start by any Liverpool manager with nine wins in ten matches, Chelsea remains the underdog. The Blues have the second-highest number of first-half goals, just behind Manchester City, while Liverpool is yet to concede. With goalkeeper Alisson sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and his teammates will hope to break through the Reds’ weakened defence early on in the game.

Can Trent Alexander-Arnold maintain his fine form in Arne Slot’s biggest test yet?

Trent Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a strong start to the season under Arne Slot, helping Liverpool secure the top spot. His impressive international break with England featured a standout performance out of position as a left-back and a stunning free-kick against Finland after their disappointing loss to Greece.

However, with Real Madrid expressing strong interest and his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Liverpool fans are left wondering if this could be his final campaign at Anfield. As Slot faces his first major test as Liverpool manager against in-form Chelsea, all eyes will be on whether Trent can continue his fine form amid the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Gary O’Neil under pressure as Erling Haaland aims to end goal drought

Wolves find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League with just one point from a possible 21, putting Gary O’Neil under mounting pressure. Having conceded 21 goals—the most in the league—Wolverhampton’s defensive struggles continue.

With Erling Haaland eager to break his two-game goal drought, the stage is set for City’s striker to add to both his tally and Wolves’ defensive woes. This could be an ideal opportunity for FPL managers to activate their triple captain chip on Haaland, expecting a potential goal-fest. However, with Wolves having secured three wins against Pep Guardiola’s Man City in the past, O’Neil will be hoping to get his men howling again.

Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson’s absence could be the difference in a tight clash between Brighton and Newcastle

Brighton and Newcastle are level on points, with only a +2 goal difference placing the Seagulls ahead in 6th, just two points outside the top four. Fabian Hürzeler, the Premier League’s youngest permanent manager, comes into this game on a high after orchestrating a thrilling second-half comeback against Spurs.

Newcastle, however, have struggled to find the net, with both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson sidelined. Anthony Gordon has been filling the central role, while Harvey Barnes has stepped in on the wing. Despite their attacking talent, Newcastle’s lack of a true number 9 has been evident, as highlighted by their recent 0-0 draw against Everton.

With Brighton’s in-form forwards Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck, the Seagulls may have the edge in finishing chances, making the difference in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Ipswich and Southampton target first wins against newly victorious rivals

Ipswich host Everton while Southampton take on Leicester as both teams search for their first wins of the season. Everton and Leicester recently secured their first victories and will aim to build on that momentum, but face tough away tests against teams desperate for their own three points.

Ipswich fans at Portman Road will be hoping for their first top-flight win since 2002, with Kieran McKenna’s side having a good chance against an inconsistent Everton. Meanwhile, Southampton, facing Leicester at home, have been criticised for not changing their possession-heavy approach, but manager Russel Martin remains steadfast, believing it is the best way to win. The Saints’ fans are hopeful that his strategy will lead to their first victory of the campaign.

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