Thursday 14 / November / 2024
LONDON: Brighton and Manchester United kick off matchday two in the Premier League on Saturday in what looks to be just one of a host of interesting games, with some coaches already under early-season pressure to deliver.
Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler got off to a flying start, as the 31-year-old's team won their opening game 3-0 away to Everton, and have since brought in Georgino Rutter and Brajan Gruda, who could start against Manchester United.
The Red Devils looked improved in their opening game, but still huffed and puffed before a late goal gave them three points against Fulham.
Aston Villa against Arsenal is probably Saturday's standout game, and Arsenal could have Mikel Merino available if he completes his transfer from Real Sociedad in time.
Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz will continue to provide the spark for the Gunners against a rival that kicked off the season with a win away to West Ham.
Villa missed out on a move for Joao Felix in the week as he transferred to Chelsea, and coach Unai Emery may feel he still needs another attacker to complete his squad.
Manchester City cruised past Chelsea in their opening game and could welcome Ilkay Gundogan back, after Barcelona allowed him to return to the club he had left 12 months ago to ease their economic worries.
Gundogan would slot straight back into the City midfield against Ipswich, with the newly-promoted side enduring a baptism of fire on their return to the Premier League, having played and lost to Liverpool in their opener.
Tottenham disappointed as they only drew away to Leicester City last Monday, and coach Ange Postecoglou needs new striker Dominic Solanke to find his Bournemouth form quickly. Everton travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a chaotic opening day performance that has put the pressure on head coach Sean Dyche, and with the club again looking close to being sold, Dyche needs to get things right fast.
Crystal Palace and West Ham meet after opening day defeats, but a question hangs over whether England international Marc Guehi will start for Palace, as he appears to be edging closer to a move to Newcastle United.
Leicester travel to Fulham buoyed by their opening day point at home to Tottenham, and with their hopes on veteran striker Jamie Vardy. Fulham played some good football at Old Trafford last week, but probably need a striker to complete their attractive football.
Southampton dominated away to Newcastle on their return to the Premier League, but lost to their only shot on goal all game. Coach Russell Martin will hope for better luck at home to Nottingham Forest, who are likely to be direct rivals in the battle to avoid relegation.
Chelsea will visit Wolverhampton on Sunday in another test for Enzo Maresca, whose side was outplayed by Manchester City and disjointed for long periods in their UEFA Conference League win at home to Swiss side Servette on Thursday night.
Maresca's squad management has already come under scrutiny amid his treatment of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, and defeat to Wolves would pile pressure on the new Chelsea coach.
Arne Slot is under no such pressure after his Liverpool reign got off to a winning start in Ipswich, and there are high hopes ahead of their home game against Brentford. Ivan Toney could return for Brentford after transfer interest from Saudi Arabia saw him left out of their win at home to Crystal Palace.
Finally, Eddie Howe returns to Bournemouth again as Newcastle coach knowing his side needs to improve on their display against Southampton. Defender Fabian Schar is suspended after last weekend's red card.
