Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

1. Bees sense chance to sting Blues’ backline

Chelsea haven't won this west London derby since Brentford's first Premier League season. Each visit since October 2021’s 1-0 win has ended in a draw. This season highlights Brentford’s consistency against Chelsea's ongoing rebuild. Kevin Schade, having scored twice at Bournemouth, might find opportunities against a defence still adapting to new tactics. Chelsea's last title win in 2016-17 was with a defensive trio, but their attack is showing more promise. New signing Jannik Schuster faces a challenge replacing Nathan Collins. While João Pedro has contributed goals and assists, fitness concerns could see Danny Welbeck start.

2. Spurs and Villa meet in desperation derby

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosts a match between a struggling Tottenham and 19th-placed Aston Villa, both seeking their first league win. With only one goal scored between them so far, the pressure is immense. Pedro Porro's return is significant for Tottenham. The team's lack of settled form and apparent fearfulness in decision-making are concerning. James Maddison, having come off the bench recently, will be eager to start and inject some initiative.

3. Hürzeler’s scoring express meets champions

Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton, known for structure, faces a high-scoring challenge against champions Arsenal. Malick Yalcouyé, a 20-year-old Ivorian, has seized his opportunity in the No 10 role, scoring twice this season. With four goals in their opening matches, Brighton are the division's top scorers. Arsenal must be wary of Yalcouyé and the attacking threat Brighton poses, especially in their fourth consecutive away game.

4. Mykolenko form a boost for Moyes

Vitalii Mykolenko's early-season improvement has been a quiet success for Everton. The Ukraine international, having signed a new contract and gained muscle, has delivered strong performances, contributing to a defence that has kept four clean sheets in six games. Despite concerns over left-back depth after Adam Aznou's loan, Mykolenko's form has eased worries. Ipswich's new forwards will test Everton's defence, but a win before the international break would be a positive sign for David Moyes's side.

5. Jaissle refuses to delete Newcastle blueprint

Despite a recent heavy defeat and injuries, Matthias Jaissle insists Newcastle will stick to their direct, vertical approach when Hull visits. He is committed to the club's vision of signing young players, adapting to life after key departures like Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. Jaissle acknowledges the setback against Leeds but emphasizes resilience and belief in their strategy, stating they will not change their approach.

6. Delap hopes to impress as Wood regent

Liam Delap, a summer signing for Nottingham Forest, has the potential to replace the impact of Chris Wood. Described as a younger version of Wood – powerful, instinctive, and capable of linking play – Delap and Morgan Gibbs-White showed promising understanding in a recent win. They will look to exploit a Coventry defence that has conceded eight goals in its last two matches. Forest, with plans to expand the City Ground, seem to be regaining momentum.

7. Iraola faces test on south-coast return

Andoni Iraola returns to his former club Bournemouth with Liverpool on Sunday, a city he knows well. Iraola led Bournemouth to their best-ever finish, earning him the Liverpool job. His successors, Marco Rose and his staff, will be prepared for a challenging contest. Despite Bournemouth's slow start, they are expected to be difficult opponents. Eddie Howe's record against Bournemouth with Newcastle (no wins in eight league games) suggests Iraola and his team will face a stern test.

8. Calvert-Lewin: man on a mission

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is aiming to become the first Leeds player since 1932 to score in six consecutive home league games when Crystal Palace visits Elland Road. Daniel Farke's switch to a 3-5-2 formation has revitalized Calvert-Lewin, who struggled as a lone striker. Paired with forwards like Noah Okafor or Lukas Nmecha, his goalscoring has improved. Leeds has made their best start to a top-tier campaign since 2001-02, and the question remains if this form will continue against Palace and if Calvert-Lewin can break the scoring record.

9. Le Bris plots party crash in Manchester

Manchester City has secured maximum points from their opening four games with a series of narrow wins and a larger victory. Their defensive solidity and attacking threat suggest they will be genuine title contenders. Régis Le Bris aims to disrupt City's perfect start, drawing on Sunderland's ability to secure a draw against them last season, albeit at home. The previous fixture at the Etihad Stadium saw City win comfortably.

10. Bobb needs to provide more end product

Oscar Bobb scored a decisive late winner for Fulham against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, showcasing his individual skill. However, the Norway winger needs to translate this form into more consistent end-product for Fulham, who are still seeking their first league win. Bobb, a talented dribbler who was once close to establishing himself at Manchester City before injury, had a good World Cup and should be confident facing Manchester United.