The Premier League enters Matchweek 5 with several clubs looking to build momentum before the international break, while others are desperate for a result after difficult starts to the campaign.
Manchester United travel to Fulham looking to recover from a difficult week, while Chelsea face another test against a Brentford side capable of hurting opponents on the counter-attack.
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa meet with both sides still searching for their first league wins, while Manchester City will look to build on their derby victory when they host Sunderland.
Elsewhere, unbeaten Hull City visit Newcastle United, Liverpool travel to Bournemouth, Arsenal host free-scoring Brighton, and Leeds United face Crystal Palace.
Man United vs Fulham
Manchester United have collected just four points from their opening four league games and need a response after their 3-2 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup.
Michael Carrick’s side also suffered a 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City last weekend, making a positive result at Craven Cottage particularly important before the international break.
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Fulham, however, will provide a stern test as Alvaro Arbeloa’s side picked up an impressive 0-0 draw at Liverpool last weekend and will be confident of frustrating United again.
United have more pressure on them, but their need for a result could give them the urgency required to edge a tight contest.
Prediction: Fulham 2-2 Man Utd
Chelsea vs Brentford
Chelsea have conceded nine goals in their first four Premier League matches, with at least two goals going in against them in every game.
Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that his side are making repeated defensive mistakes, but Brentford’s counter-attacking threat means Chelsea cannot afford another error-prone performance.
Keith Andrews’ side are also dangerous from set pieces and have shown they can punish teams that leave space behind.
Chelsea should have enough attacking quality to score, but their defensive problems could prevent them from keeping a clean sheet.
Prediction: Brentford 2-3 Chelsea
Tottenham vs Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have both made disappointing starts and remain without a Premier League victory after four matches.
Both clubs underwent significant changes during the summer and are still adapting to the demands of their respective managers, Roberto De Zerbi and Unai Emery.
Home advantage could give Tottenham the edge, but Villa have enough quality to make this a closely fought contest.
Spurs should have their first goal against Villa.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa
Man City vs Sunderland
Manchester City have won all four of their Premier League matches and will be looking to maintain that record against Sunderland.
Sunderland are yet to win away from home this season, drawing at Brentford and losing at Ipswich.
City, meanwhile, will be full of confidence after their derby victory and should have enough control and attacking quality to secure another three points.
Prediction: Man City 3-2 Sunderland
Hull vs Newcastle
Hull City have made an excellent start to life in the Premier League and will arrive at St James’ Park unbeaten after four matches.
Newcastle, by contrast, have conceded eight league goals and allowed more shots than any other team in the division so far.
Their defensive problems were particularly evident in the 4-1 defeat by Leeds United, giving Hull reason to believe they can cause another upset.
Newcastle’s attacking quality should make this competitive, but Hull’s confidence and ability to exploit spaces could earn them a result.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Hull
Bournemouth v Liverpool
Bournemouth and Liverpool could produce an open contest given the attacking approaches of both teams.
Bournemouth have scored in every Premier League match this season, while Liverpool will be looking to improve after their goalless draw with Fulham.
Marco Rose has continued to encourage an aggressive, high-pressing style, while Liverpool under Andoni Iraola are also expected to play with intensity.
That could create an entertaining game with chances at both ends.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2-2 Liverpool
Brighton vs Arsenal
Brighton have been one of the most productive attacking sides in the league, scoring 13 goals in their opening four matches.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side also lead the division for high turnovers, underlining their aggressive approach.
Arsenal, however, have been difficult to break down. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just 2.7 expected goals in total across their opening four league games.
Brighton’s pressing could cause problems, but Arsenal’s defensive structure should give them a platform to secure another important result.
Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Arsenal
Leeds vs Crystal Palace
Leeds have collected eight points from their opening four matches and produced one of their most impressive performances of the season with a 4-1 victory at Newcastle.
Their strong summer recruitment has added depth to a side that already appears comfortable at Premier League level.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have conceded 11 goals and faced the highest expected goals against figure in the division.
Leeds should be able to exploit those defensive weaknesses, particularly at Elland Road.
Prediction: Leeds 3-1 Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest vs Coventry
Nottingham Forest will be looking to build on their late victory at Aston Villa when they host Coventry City.
Forest have yet to score at the City Ground in the league this season, but Coventry arrive having lost all four of their opening matches without scoring.
Oliver Glasner’s side have a chance to turn their recent away victory into a positive run of form, while home advantage should help them finally find the net at the City Ground.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Coventry City
Ipswich vs Everton
Ipswich have already collected six points from their opening four matches and are showing signs that they could make a serious push for Premier League survival.
A victory at Everton would take them to nine points and further strengthen their early-season position.
Everton will be determined to avoid another setback at home, but Ipswich’s confidence and disciplined approach could earn them another valuable point.
Prediction: Everton 1-1 Ipswich Town
