EPL Preview: Big Questions Ahead of Matchday 8
As the international break draws to a close and domestic football resumes, EPLNews examines the crucial talking points ahead of Matchday 8 of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
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Can Manchester United Shock Liverpool at Anfield?
The standout fixture of the weekend is the north-west derby, arguably the biggest clash of the season so far. With emotions high and narratives aplenty, the aftermath of this encounter is certain to dominate headlines for days.
Liverpool have endured a miserable run, losing three consecutive matches in all competitions, their latest setback a defeat at Stamford Bridge that saw them relinquish top spot. A loss on Sunday is almost unthinkable. It could drop them as low as sixth in the table and intensify scrutiny over Arne Slot’s team balance, potentially pushing the Reds towards crisis territory.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have lingered near that danger zone for some time. Yet their recent victory over Sunderland has provided a flicker of optimism. Ruben Amorim will hope his side can make a major statement at their arch-rivals’ home.
United often thrive when playing deeper and counter-attacking—much like their 2-1 triumph over Manchester City last season, their most recent away win against reigning champions. But with Mohamed Salah, who boasts 13 goals and 19 goal involvements against United (both Premier League records), Liverpool will be fiercely motivated to respond.
Will the Premier League Return with a Bang at the City Ground?
The two-week international hiatus always seems longer than it is, making the Saturday lunchtime fixture a welcome return. This one promises fireworks.
Nottingham Forest, under Ange Postecoglou, have lost four of their last five league games and remain winless after seven matches in charge. Their shift to a high-possession, expansive style has been drastic—only Manchester City have produced more 10+ pass sequences (122) and build-up attacks (41) than Forest (112 and 29, respectively).
Postecoglou’s busy schedule has limited training time, making the international break a vital period for fine-tuning tactics. Yet that also increases the pressure for immediate results.
Chelsea, buoyed by their 2-1 victory over Liverpool, need to sustain momentum. Failure to do so could dent their title ambitions further. Enzo Maresca’s men have managed only three wins in their last 14 away games (D4 L7), collecting just 27% of their points away from home this year—the lowest ratio among ever-present Premier League sides. A win at the City Ground could start to change that narrative.
Can Arsenal Break Their Fulham Hoodoo?
Arsenal have won just one of their last four meetings with Fulham and are winless in their last two visits to Craven Cottage. It’s a significant test of the Gunners’ progress and newfound consistency under Mikel Arteta, whose deep squad now looks ready for sustained success.
Last season’s 1-1 draw in December came as Arsenal’s title charge began to wobble. The season before, a 2-1 defeat to Fulham followed a loss to West Ham, derailing their challenge as Manchester City finished two points ahead.
Although Arsenal look better equipped this time, Fulham’s recent two home wins—albeit against Leeds and Brentford—show their strength at Craven Cottage. An Arsenal win may appear routine to outsiders but would mark a meaningful stride forward.
What Does Villa’s Four-Match Winning Streak Reveal?
Aston Villa’s four consecutive victories have sparked optimism. Unai Emery has reshaped his side effectively, revitalising their Europa League campaign and reminding them of what’s at stake this season after missing out on Champions League qualification.
Yet the opposition—Fulham and Burnley among them—makes their resurgence hard to gauge. This weekend’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur is a more telling benchmark. Villa’s direct, high-tempo style will face a real examination against a Spurs side two points off the top.
Thomas Frank’s team have scored 13 goals from an xG of 7.5, the league’s biggest overperformance (+5.5). Following narrow and drawn-out results recently, defeat to Villa would deal them a heavy blow. A Villa win, however, would move them within two points of Spurs and reinforce their top-five ambitions.
Can Newcastle End Their Goalless Run Away from Home?
Newcastle United face a tough trip to Brighton, where they earned only one point from two meetings last season. Yet Eddie Howe may welcome this tactical challenge to end their four-game scoreless run on the road—their longest drought since May 2015.
With just six goals this season and a 7.5% shot conversion rate (second lowest in the league), Newcastle need a spark. Brighton’s aggressive press could provide that. Fabian Hurzeler’s side have recorded 56 high turnovers and 13 leading to shots, both league highs, offering Newcastle opportunities to counter.
However, Brighton are unbeaten in eight home matches against Newcastle and have lost only once in their last 11 Premier League home games.
Can Nuno Secure a Winning Start at the London Stadium?
Nuno Espírito Santo endured tough opening fixtures at Everton and Arsenal, but now gets his first home match as West Ham head coach. Having beaten Brentford 3-1 with Forest earlier in the season, and with Tomas Soucek returning from suspension, he’ll be confident of repeating the feat.
West Ham have lost all three home matches this season—each against London rivals—for only the second time in their history. Fortunately, Brentford have also lost all three of their away fixtures, making this the ideal chance for Nuno to claim his first home win.
How Will Everton Fare at Man City Without Grealish?
David Moyes has lost eight consecutive Premier League away games at Manchester City, dating back to his Man Utd days. Even with Everton in decent form, Pep Guardiola’s side are heavy favourites—especially as Jack Grealish is ineligible to face his parent club.
Grealish has been central to Everton’s attack, contributing to five of their nine league goals and creating 17 chances, more than any teammate. His absence strengthens City’s position, as they quietly rebuild momentum with 10 points from their last four matches.
Will Sunderland’s Set-Pieces Sink Winless Wolves?
A win would give Sunderland 10+ points from their opening four home games for the first time since 1968/69. Their strong start owes much to favourable fixtures, making victory over Wolves, who remain winless and bottom with two points, essential.
Set-pieces could be decisive. Sunderland’s non-penalty xG of 5.6 includes 2.5 from set-pieces—a league-high ratio of 45%. Wolves, meanwhile, have conceded 37% of their non-penalty xGA from dead-ball situations, the fourth-highest in the division. The numbers point to another big day for Sunderland.
Can Burnley Win a Vital Six-Pointer at Turf Moor?
It may lack glamour, but Burnley v Leeds United is a crucial six-pointer that could shape the relegation fight. Despite positive starts from promoted sides, Burnley and Leeds sit in the bottom six and have yet to beat any club that finished higher than 13th last season.
Burnley’s sole victory came against fellow newcomers Sunderland, while Leeds’ only wins since the opening day have been against struggling Wolves. Matches like this will determine who escapes the relegation zone before confidence fades.
Which Champions League Outsider Can Keep Their Momentum?
With Newcastle and Villa resurgent and the traditional big clubs asserting dominance, the surprise contenders for European football are Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth. Their head-to-head this weekend could decide which one sustains its push for a Champions League berth.
Palace are unbeaten in nine home league matches at Selhurst Park, while Bournemouth, despite winning four of their last six, have managed only two victories in nine on the road. Home advantage could prove decisive as both sides aim to extend their improbable charge towards Europe.