EPL Matchday Preview: Big Questions Ahead Of Matchday 6

EPL Matchday Preview: Big Questions Ahead of Matchday 6

Matchday 6 of the 2025/26 Premier League season is here, bringing plenty of intrigue and uncertainty. As ever, fans are asking questions, and whether or not those questions will be answered remains to be seen. Keep an eye on our EPLNews page for full coverage and reports across all of the weekend’s fixtures.

Here are ten of the most pressing questions ahead of this round of matches.

Will Brentford’s Approach Allow Manchester United to Thrive Again?

Brentford have enjoyed success at home against Manchester United, winning two of their last three Premier League meetings at the Gtech Community Stadium and scoring nine goals across those encounters. Yet this season tells a different story.

Keith Andrews’ team have conceded 10 goals in their opening five matches, their worst defensive start since 2003/04. They have also allowed 70 shots – only Burnley have faced more (95).

Brentford’s deep defensive setup has yielded very little possession, recording just 34 per cent in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea and 22 per cent in the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa. While counter-attacks remain a threat, Ruben Amorim’s United side, buoyed by their win over Chelsea, will aim to control proceedings.

United’s coherence last week stemmed not from Chelsea’s red card, but from Enzo Maresca’s decision to sit deep, allowing United’s 3-4-3 to dominate possession. Amorim’s system was designed for such control, as he found regularly at Sporting in Portugal. Brentford’s defensive posture may well play into United’s hands—unless Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade can exploit the gaps.

Will Emery Finally Adjust Aston Villa’s Approach?

Unai Emery’s frustration in May against Fulham was clear when he criticised his team’s reliance on backwards passing and lack of progression. That same issue persists, with Villa appearing stale. Their reliance on drawing the opposition press before quickly releasing the ball has become predictable.

Villa are averaging just 2.4 shots on target per game this season, down from 4.5 last term and their lowest since 1997/98. Emery knows change is overdue.

Fulham’s compact midblock may again trouble Villa, unless Emery introduces tactical shifts. The prospect of Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen starting together, after combining effectively against Sunderland, could spark improvement. A shift towards exploiting wide areas may be crucial.

Can Maresca Handle Brighton’s Chaos or Will Chelsea Be Outpaced?

Opta statistics highlight a big stylistic contrast. Chelsea have played 91.8 per cent of their passes short, the highest in the league, while Brighton have gone long 13.2 per cent of the time, their most direct since 2018/19.

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton embrace chaos, thriving in transitional moments. Chelsea under Maresca, by contrast, prioritise structure, short passing, and positional control. That approach was evident when he shifted to a back five following an early red card against Manchester United.

Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 home league matches (W9 D3), with seven clean sheets in their last nine. Moises Caicedo’s league-leading tackles (21) and interceptions (15) provide the tools to counter Brighton. Saturday’s clash will test whether Maresca’s methods remain modern or outdated.

Can Newcastle Revive Their Season Against Arsenal?

Newcastle United have won their last three home matches against Arsenal without conceding. Supporters will expect another strong showing, especially given their defensive record of four clean sheets in five games this season.

Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to face criticism for their slow and conservative style. A draw or defeat at St James’ Park could leave Liverpool seven points clear.

Newcastle have been blunt in attack, failing to score in three matches, but a statement win could kickstart their season. For Mikel Arteta, the pressure grows, with calls for goals, control, and calm—a tall order in this fixture.

Will Manchester City Get the Routine Win They Need?

Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves on opening weekend feels like a distant memory. Their return of seven points from five matches is their worst start since 2006/07.

Facing Burnley at home provides the perfect chance to reset. City have won their last 13 meetings with Burnley, scoring 46 and conceding only twice. Burnley, despite starting reasonably well, have faced more shots (95), more on target (25), and recorded the highest xGA (10.5) in the division.

A victory could spark a winning run, with Brentford, Everton, and Aston Villa their next three opponents.

Can Calvert-Lewin Break Down Bournemouth’s Defence?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s career has been plagued by injuries, but his move to Leeds United offers a fresh start. His header and decisive play against Wolves last weekend showed glimpses of his old form.

However, this weekend he faces a Bournemouth side in excellent shape. The Cherries have matched their best Premier League start and conceded just 40 shots in total. Since their opening fixture against Liverpool, they have not allowed more than six shots in a game.

For Calvert-Lewin, building momentum will be tough against such defensive resilience.

Can Liverpool Become the Last Unbeaten Side?

Liverpool face Crystal Palace in a clash of two unbeaten teams. Palace are unbeaten in 11 league matches and 17 in all competitions, including a Community Shield victory over Liverpool.

Yet the visitors hold the historical edge, winning nine and drawing one of their last 10 away league meetings with Palace.

A Liverpool win would make them the only unbeaten club left and mark their sixth consecutive victory. Only two reigning champions have ever opened with six wins, both retaining their titles afterwards. With Arsenal visiting Newcastle, Liverpool could open up an even greater gap.

Will Postecoglou’s Home Debut Deliver ‘Ange-Ball’?

Nottingham Forest host Sunderland in their first Premier League clash since 1996/97, and Ange Postecoglou’s home debut promises attacking football.

Forest will attack relentlessly, but Sunderland, who have started brightly, pose a serious counter-attacking threat through Simon Adingra and Wilson Isidor, the latter scoring half of their goals this season.

Forest could overwhelm their visitors, yet they remain vulnerable to pace in behind. This promises to be an open, unpredictable game.

Will Kudus and Richarlison Punish Wolves Again?

Tottenham face Wolves, a side that has beaten them in four of the last five meetings. However, Wolves arrive in dire form with five straight league defeats.

Spurs’ new partnership of Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison has flourished. Kudus has assisted Richarlison three times already, the most effective link-up in the division. Richarlison also enjoys facing Wolves, scoring six goals in 12 appearances against them.

A Spurs win would leave Wolves as only the fourth Premier League side to lose their opening six matches of a season.

Can Grealish’s Deliveries Trouble Potter’s Struggling West Ham?

Everton host West Ham, with Jack Grealish in outstanding form. The August Player of the Month has four assists and 13 chances created, second only to Bruno Fernandes (15).

West Ham’s defensive fragility is alarming, conceding seven goals from corners already this season. Graham Potter’s side must handle Grealish’s set-pieces and crosses to avoid another damaging defeat.

Everton have not conceded a league goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium this season and could record three consecutive home clean sheets for the first time since 1987/88.

Potter’s record of 12 defeats in 23 league matches, the highest loss rate of any permanent West Ham manager, only adds to the pressure.