As the Premier League season reaches a critical juncture, this weekend’s fixtures promise no shortage of drama, intrigue and potentially season-defining moments. From struggling stars desperate to turn their fortunes around, to interim managers hoping to make one last positive impression, here are the 10 key storylines to keep an eye on:
Brentford’s Leaky Defense a Cause for Concern
Despite impressive wins over Wolves and Ipswich, Brentford’s porous backline has been exposed in recent weeks, conceding a worrying six goals across their last two home games. Manager Thomas Frank insists he’s not overly concerned by the volume of crosses his team is allowing, but against a Bournemouth side with dangerous wide players, the Bees can ill-afford another defensive horror show.
Kamada Must Step Up in Eze’s Absence
With talismanic creator Eberechi Eze still sidelined and Eddie Nketiah now also out injured, the creative burden falls squarely on Daichi Kamada’s shoulders as Crystal Palace host Fulham. The Japan international, Palace’s top earner, has flattered to deceive since his summer move from Frankfurt, but looked sharper in last week’s cup win over Villa. His manager will hope that uptick in form continues.
Paquetá’s Alarming Dip Hurting Hammers
Lucas Paquetá’s dramatic loss of form has coincided with West Ham’s slide into the bottom half of the table. The Brazilian, who faces FA charges over alleged betting breaches, was hooked at half-time in the Irons’ last league win against Man United, with his side visibly improving in his absence. For the visit of Everton, Paquetá simply must rediscover his spark if he’s to keep his place in Julen Lopetegui’s XI.
Fernandes the Key for Soaring Saints
Southampton’s club-record signing of Mateus Fernandes looks more and more astute by the week. The 20-year-old midfield metronome, who plays with a maturity beyond his tender years, was outstanding once again in last weekend’s vital win over Everton. Up against a struggling Wolves side, Southampton will need the former Sporting starlet at his scheming, relentless best to secure another priceless three points.
City Staring Down Barrel of Fourth Straight Loss
Few would have predicted Manchester City’s current rut at the start of the season, but Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Brighton having suffered three consecutive defeats for the first time in the Spaniard’s tenure. The Seagulls, flying high under new boss Fabian Hürzeler, will fancy their chances of heaping more misery on the visitors with their fluid, fearless brand of attacking football.
Díaz Audition for Long-Term Striker Role
Luis Díaz’s remarkable midweek hat-trick against Leverkusen, on his first start as a central striker under Arne Slot, was a tantalizing glimpse of what the electric Colombian could offer in a more advanced role. With Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa still out, and Darwin Núñez misfiring, Díaz may well lead the line again versus Aston Villa. A repeat of his German heroics would be hard for Slot to ignore.
Van Nistelrooy’s Last Stand at Old Trafford
Sunday’s clash with Leicester will be Ruud van Nistelrooy’s fourth and final match as Manchester United’s caretaker manager before Rúben Amorim officially takes the reins on Monday. The Dutchman has made no secret of his desire to remain at Old Trafford in some capacity, but with three wins from three so far, he may yet get a result that makes him undroppable.
Wood Aiming to Bite Hand that Once Fed Him
Chris Wood’s Newcastle nightmare is a distant memory these days, with the New Zealand hitman thriving at Nottingham Forest to the tune of 8 goals in 10 games. Having scored a hat-trick on his last visit to St James’ Park, Wood will be licking his lips at the prospect of showing his old side what they’re missing. With service from wide men Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, expect Wood to ask serious questions of the Magpies’ defense.
Cajuste Poised to Seize His Spurs Chance
With Kalvin Phillips suspended for the visit of Ipswich, Jens Cajuste looks primed for his first extended run in the Tottenham midfield. The Swede, on loan from Napoli, has shown encouraging flashes in his cameo appearances so far and will be determined to stake a claim alongside the combative Sam Morsy against the league’s second leakiest defense. A dominant display could see Cajuste make the position his own.
Blues Sweating on Palmer Fitness for Arsenal Clash
Chelsea will anxiously await news on Cole Palmer’s ankle injury ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The midfielder, who has rapidly become the creative heartbeat of Enzo Maresca’s side, limped out of the win over United last weekend after a horror challenge from Lisandro Martinez. While the Blues are not short on attacking midfield options, so much of their play flows through the mercurial Palmer. Keeping him fit could prove pivotal to their top-four hopes.
“This weekend won’t decide the title or relegation, but it could provide us with some of the defining images and moments of the season when we look back in May.”
– According to a Premier League pundit
The table is fascinatingly poised heading into this round of games, with Liverpool holding a slender two-point advantage over Manchester City at the summit and just six points separating nine teams between 3rd and 11th. At the other end, the three promoted sides look to be in a desperate scrap for survival, but a shock result here or there could yet offer a lifeline heading into the hectic festive period.
With so much at stake and no shortage of compelling individual storylines to monitor, this promises to be another Premier League weekend to savor for the neutral. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
