Gameweek 3 serves up plenty of intrigue as title contenders, struggling giants, and surprise packages battle for early-season momentum.
Liverpool and Arsenal headline the weekend in a mouthwatering clash at Anfield, with both sides boasting perfect starts.
Manchester United seek redemption against Burnley after their shock League Cup exit, while Chelsea aim to extend their unbeaten run when they host Fulham.
Elsewhere, Spurs look to maintain their flawless form against Bournemouth, and Manchester City
travel to Brighton hoping to bounce back from defeat.
With shocks, statement wins, and potential upsets on the cards, this weekend promises drama across the board. Here is our GW3 preview for all Premier League matches.
Chelsea v Fulham
Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten start to the new season when they take on London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
The Blues were at their brilliant best last week, dispatching an out-of-sorts West Ham 5-1 despite the absence of talisman Cole Palmer. Palmer has been ruled out alongside Badiashile and Lavia.
Fulham produced an inspiring second-half performance to secure a well-deserved draw against Manchester United. It was the Cottagers’ second draw of the season, leaving them with two points from a possible six.
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Manchester United v Burnley
Manchester United hit a new low after being dumped out of the League Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday.
The fourth-tier outfit wasn’t just lucky; they actually looked the better side for large parts of the match. The Red Devils now have a huge chance to turn things around and grab their first league win of the season when they host Burnley this weekend. Mazraoui isn’t expected back until after the international break.
Burnley picked up their first win of the season last week, impressively dispatching fellow newly promoted side Sunderland 3-0. Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts are expected back after the international break.
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Spurs v Bournemouth
Spurs have started the new season in impressive fashion, winning their opening two games, including a shock 2-0 away victory against Manchester City last week.
Despite ongoing transfer-market frustrations, Ange Postecoglou’s side has given Spurs fans plenty of reasons to celebrate. Dejan Kulusevski remains ruled out, while Yves Bissouma is being linked with a move to Galatasaray.
Bournemouth edged past Wolves last week thanks to an early Marcus Tavernier strike in the fourth minute. The Cherries were unlucky to lose on the opening day against Liverpool, but looked much more assured defensively against Wolves.
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Sunderland v Brentford
Sunderland were brought crashing back to earth last week after their impressive opening-day 3-0 win over West Ham, as Burnley handed them the same scoreline in defeat.
The result serves as a timely reminder of just how quickly fortunes can change in the Premier League. Daniel Ballard is expected to miss two to three weeks with a groin injury, while Niall Huggins remains a doubt.
Brentford showed grit to grind out a one-nil win over Aston Villa. It was a much-needed victory after a disappointing showing on the opening weekend that saw them fall to a 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest. Paris Maghoma and Yunus Konak are doubts for the Bees due to injuries.
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Wolves v Everton
Wolves suffered their second consecutive defeat of the season against Bournemouth, leaving them rooted to 19th place with zero points from two games.
Off-field distractions haven’t helped, with striker Jørgen Strand Larsen attracting interest from Newcastle and Vítor Pereira’s side still yet to properly replace Matheus Cunha. Toti Gomes will miss this encounter after picking up a red card against Bournemouth.
Everton kicked off life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in style, dispatching Brighton 2-0 to collect their first three points of the season.
The Toffees head into this fixture as slight favourites given Wolves’ uninspiring start. Adam Aznou is a doubt, while Mykolenko and Patterson are still short of full fitness.
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Leeds v Newcastle
Leeds were completely outclassed by Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates last week, struggling to cope with the Gunners’ quality.
They’ll need to be far more efficient at both ends if they’re to get anything against a tough Newcastle side this weekend. Tanaka and Ampadu remain ruled out for the Lilywhites.
A late Liverpool winner broke the hearts of Newcastle fans after a spirited Magpies comeback from two goals down with 10 men.
Eddie Howe’s side will take pride in their fightback and will back themselves to get a result at Elland Road.
Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Liverpool, while Fabian Schär is expected to miss out with a concussion. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are also doubts.
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Brighton v Manchester City
Brighton’s defeat at Everton saw them slip to 18th place in the table, with just one point from their opening two games. The Seagulls have struggled to find their usual rhythm in build-up play and have managed just one goal so far — a penalty against Fulham. Georginio Rutter will face a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Manchester City’s five-star opening-day performance counted for little as they were outclassed by Spurs at the Etihad last week.
Pep Guardiola’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat and will be desperate to bounce back at the Amex. Rayan Aït-Nouri remains a doubt due to a knee issue.
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Nottingham Forest v West Ham
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike earned Nottingham Forest a valuable point in an entertaining clash with Crystal Palace.
Forest showed plenty of spirit to grab an equaliser and remained compact defensively in the closing stages. Ndoye was instrumental once again, providing the line-breaking pass to set up Odoi’s goal.
Bottom-placed West Ham have endured a nightmare start to the season, losing both games, scoring just once, and conceding eight goals.
The Hammers appear to have regressed over the summer and already look like early relegation candidates. George Earthy has a slight chance of making the matchday squad for this fixture.
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Liverpool v Arsenal
Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield in what is undoubtedly the standout fixture of the weekend. Last season’s top two and this year’s title favourites will be looking to land a psychological blow in what’s expected to be a tight title race.
Both sides have started perfectly, winning two from two, but Arsenal just edge it defensively, having yet to concede, while Liverpool have shipped at least two goals in both games and needed late winners.
The Gunners will be without talisman Bukayo Saka due to injury, while Ben White, Christian Nørgaard, and captain Martin Ødegaard are all doubts.
New signing Eberechi Eze is expected to feature in the matchday squad for the first time. For Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister has been passed fit, while Jeremie Frimpong remains ruled out.
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Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
Goals have been a major issue for Aston Villa in their opening two games, leaving them with just one point and still searching for their first win of the season.
Despite boasting several attacking options, efficiency in the final third has eluded Unai Emery’s side.
A red card didn’t help Aston to Ezri Konsa in the opening game, and they had to show defensive resoluteness to grind out a draw. Konsa is expected back after missing the defeat to Brentford due to suspension
Crystal Palace showed there’s still plenty of life in the squad after the departure of talisman Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, impressing in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest last week. Sarr and Mateta led the line well and could have scored more with better finishing.
New signing Yeremy Pino is available after completing his move on Friday. Odsonne Édouard remains sidelined, while Will Hughes faces a late fitness test.
