New Delhi: The Premier League is set to return this weekend after the international break, and matchday 8 promises some intriguing matchups as teams navigate a packed schedule. Tottenham Hotspur will kick things off early against West Ham while Manchester United struggling with just one win in their last six league games will look to bounce back as they host Brentford. Brentford, yet to pick up an away point this season might present an opportunity for Erik ten Hag’s side to regain form.
However, with pressure mounting on Ten Hag, Brentford manager Thomas Frank who is often mentioned as a potential successor could further complicate matters at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Wolves welcome Manchester City, and Chelsea’s ongoing progress under Enzo Maresca will be tested in a challenging fixture against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Before the action begins, here’s a closer look at five key storylines to watch ahead of matchday 8.
The Premier League is back this week 😍 pic.twitter.com/sGJrGFps4E
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 14, 2024
Chelsea’s toughest test on the line
Chelsea’s progress under Enzo Maresca faces its biggest challenge as they head to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool. Their last visit ended in a 4-1 defeat displaying how far they were from competing with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. However, under Enzo Meresca they have signs of progress and are just four points behind the table leaders Liverpool.
A look at the Premier League’s current top five teams and each of their next five matches… 🔝
A THREAD 🧵 pic.twitter.com/xkhv9TllMv
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 17, 2024
After a slow start to the season the Blues have shown promising form boasting the second-most goals and expected goals in the league, only behind Manchester City and Tottenham, respectively. Their improvement has been evident but their only encounter with a title contender so far a 2-0 loss to a somewhat under-strength Manchester City showed they still have ground to cover.
Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, have set a blistering pace this season and have conceded the fewest goals and registered the highest number of clean sheets. With Alisson sidelined due to a hamstring injury Chelsea will look to exploit Liverpool’s defense. Chelsea’s attacking players including Cole Palmer will aim to capitalize on this especially given their strong record of scoring in the first half of games.
A win at Anfield would send a strong message about Chelsea’s credentials as genuine contenders for the title this season. The victory will also move them just a point behind Liverpool and prove they hold a position in the conversation among the league’s top teams.
Will O’Neil’s Wolves howl again against City?
Returning to #PL action this weekend! 🩵
🤝 #AsahiSuperDry pic.twitter.com/qrQjUL7HtF
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 17, 2024
Wolves are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one point from a possible 21 which has increased the pressure on manager Gary O’Neil. Their defensive issues are glaring this season, having already conceded 21 goals which is more than any other team in the league. The situation worsened in their recent 5-3 defeat at Brentford where some fans openly turned against O’Neil who later admitted it was his most disappointing game as a coach.
Despite their struggles, Wolves have shown resilience in the past under O’Neil. Last season they managed to turn around a difficult start with a run of one defeat in seven games. Their first home victory that year came against Manchester City, providing a glimmer of hope as they face the reigning champions once again. Although O’Neil may not need a win to save his job yet, another heavy defeat could make his position increasingly uncertain.
With Erling Haaland eager to break his recent two-game goal drought, the Wolves’ fragile defense could be in for a tough test. However, having beaten Pep Guardiola’s City three times before O’Neil will be hoping to summon another fighting performance and get his team back on track.
Man City and Arsenal remain the only two unbeaten sides in 2024/25 🤝
Will both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s sides remain unbeaten in their next three fixtures? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8qi5TStamM
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 13, 2024
Can Bournemouth capitalise on Arsenal’s injuries?
Arsenal head into their weekend clash with Bournemouth facing a growing injury crisis that could disrupt their momentum. Key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Thomas Partey are not completely fit, with captain Martin Odegaard confirmed to remain sidelined. While Mikel Arteta’s side has been formidable on the road this season, winning every Premier League away match in 2024 except, at the Etihad Stadium the absence of these stars may give Bournemouth a glimmer of hope.
Mikel Arteta on Saka: “We are hopeful. We have a session this afternoon. Let’s see.”
On Havertz: “If he trains well today he has a good chance.”
On Martinelli: “Yesterday he did a bit outside, today will be another step and we will understand if we take the risk.”
On Partey:… pic.twitter.com/aKGaTp5Z59
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) October 18, 2024
Bournemouth have lost both of their encounters with Arsenal last season by heavy margins (3-0 and 4-0) and will be looking to take advantage of Arsenal’s weakened squad. The Cherries’ defense has improved since last season, and with home advantage following a 3-1 win over Southampton in their last outing they will aim to cause an upset.
However, Bournemouth’s recent wins have also come against teams in the lower half of the table making Arsenal’s track record remains daunting. With Arsenal eager to leapfrog their title rivals and reclaim the top spot, the pressure is on Bournemouth to make the most of their opponents’ injury troubles if they hope to secure a result.
Erik ten Hag at test again
Erik ten Hag finds himself under intense scrutiny as Manchester United prepares to face a challenging Brentford side. Despite surviving a recent executive committee meeting, Ten Hag’s future remains in danger especially with Thomas Tuchel his primary rival for the managerial position now at the helm of the England national team. A loss to Brentford could exacerbate the mounting pressure on the Dutchman, who is still haunted by a 4-0 defeat to the Bees in his first away game in charge.
Brentford’s manager Thomas Frank is also among the potential candidates for the United job and if manages to add first away league points to the Brentford side he will surely strengthen his case and push Man United closer to opening a vacancy. United’s recent performance this season has been underwhelming with a five-match winless streak looming over the squad. While a commendable 0-0 draw at Villa Park provided some relief, anything less than a victory against the Bees will imperil Ten Hag’s future.
🚨 Thomas Frank has emerged as a leading contender to become Manchester United manager if Erik ten Hag is sacked. #MUFC [@NathSalt1, @MailSport] pic.twitter.com/RU9a5Fn6oR
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) October 17, 2024
Premier League Matchday 8: 5 things to look out for. (Image via Getty Images)
The injuries also continue to plague Ten Hag, compounding his selection dilemmas. The absence of key players like Harry Maguire and a reported muscle issue for expensive midfield signing Manuel Ugarte leaves Ten Hag navigating a challenging landscape. As he approaches a critical juncture in his tenure, all eyes will be on whether Ten Hag can rally his side to secure a vital victory against Brentford.
Ipswich and Southampton eye first wins against in-form rivals
Ipswich Town and Southampton are still searching for their first wins of the season as they face tough opponents this weekend. Ipswich will host Everton at Portman Road where the home fans are hoping for their first top-flight victory since 2002. Kieran McKenna’s side will be looking to take advantage of Everton’s inconsistent form though the Toffees come into the match with some momentum after securing their first win against Crystal Palace.
Back on the road this weekend. 👊#IPSEVE 🔜 pic.twitter.com/fpFitYpd5X
— Everton (@Everton) October 15, 2024
Meanwhile, Southampton face a tricky test against Leicester City at St Mary’s. Russell Martin’s possession-based strategy has drawn criticism as the Saints have struggled to convert control into points. Their only draw of the season came at home against Ipswich, adding to the pressure on Martin to deliver a win.
Back in action 🙌#SOULEI pic.twitter.com/v46o1Fz9MN
— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 17, 2024
On the other hand, Leicester City arrives in good form, having picked up their first victory recently. As one of only three teams to score in every match this season, Leicester will look to exploit Southampton’s defensive vulnerabilities. While the infamous 9-0 thrashing of Southampton by Leicester in 2019 will be referenced and the Foxes will look to repeat the same.
