10 Key Questions Ahead of the Premier League Weekend

10 Key Questions Ahead of the Premier League Weekend

Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 Premier League season arrives this weekend, and with it come intriguing narratives, tactical dilemmas, and high-stakes clashes. Here are the ten key questions that could define the round of fixtures.

Does Manchester United’s new direct style give them the edge in the derby?

The Manchester derby is set to be one of the most important in years. Both clubs are in transition, both managers are searching for momentum, and both have endured stuttering starts.

Rúben Amorim’s project at Manchester United still awaits a defining moment. A late penalty against Burnley hardly felt like the spark to ignite a new era. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has already lost two of his opening three league games for the first time in his career. Manchester City last began with three defeats in four back in 1995/96 – a campaign that ended in relegation.

Amorim’s tactical shift towards direct football may provide the edge. With Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha spearheading quick transitions, United have made 131 off-ball runs in behind – the most in the division. Mbeumo alone accounts for 54, a league-high figure.

Historically, United have often prospered against City through counter-attacking, winning four times at the Etihad under Guardiola. With City’s midfield looking stretched as Tijjani Reijnders adapts, Amorim’s approach through the centre could be decisive. Victory would mark a potential turning point, while defeat could condemn City to a turbulent campaign.

Will Postecoglou’s style backfire against Arsenal?

Ange Postecoglou’s appointment at Nottingham Forest is a bold gamble. His expansive, high-line football is a stark contrast to his predecessor’s caution. Yet there are caveats. Postecoglou adjusted his style at Tottenham last season, winning the Europa League with a defensive set-up. And Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, had already pressed higher – registering 301 high-intensity pressures in the final third last year, second-most in the league.

However, if Postecoglou returns to pure “Ange-ball”, Forest could be exposed at Arsenal. Nikola Milenković, who saw red for Serbia against England, looks ill-suited to such a system.

For Arsenal, struggling in attack with the second-lowest open-play xG (1.54), facing a high-risk Forest might provide the perfect remedy to their early-season sluggishness.

How will Slot accommodate Isak at Liverpool?

Liverpool face Scott Parker for the first time since the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth in 2022. On paper, it should be routine for Arne Slot’s 100% starters. But the arrival of Alexander Isak complicates matters.

Hugo Ekitike has scored twice as a No 9, and Liverpool already appear overly attack-heavy, despite eight goals in three matches. Slot must decide: move Ekitike wide, risking Milos Kerkez’s form, or play him behind Isak, potentially marginalising Florian Wirtz.

Finding balance is Slot’s biggest challenge. Adding a striker does not always guarantee more goals.

Can Newcastle or Wolves kick-start their seasons with new strikers?

Neither Newcastle United nor Wolverhampton Wanderers have won in the league so far. Both struggle in front of goal and have recruited heavily at centre-forward.

Newcastle brought in Yoane Wissa, scorer of 19 goals for Brentford last season, and Nick Woltemade, who netted 17 for Stuttgart. Wolves signed Tolu Arokodare, joint-top scorer in Belgium with 21 goals, albeit underperforming his xG by 7.6.

Whether starting or off the bench, one of these newcomers may be crucial in ending their team’s slow start.

Will Villa’s new signings inspire a breakthrough – or will Grealish punish them?

Aston Villa’s desperate need for attacking quality saw Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho arrive on deadline day. With no league goals yet, Villa are close to joining the short list of sides to draw four blanks at the start of a Premier League season.

Sancho adds pace and width, while Elliott brings creativity, having been involved in seven goals across his last seven starts. Yet this weekend, Villa face a dangerous opponent: their former star Jack Grealish, who already has four assists in two games for Everton.

Villa’s season could hinge on whether their new arrivals inspire, or their old hero torments them.

Can Brentford’s low block frustrate Chelsea?

Brentford’s victory over Villa showcased Keith Andrews’ defensive formula: sit deep, congest the centre, and frustrate possession-heavy teams. Chelsea now provide the real test.

Enzo Maresca’s side often struggled against low blocks last season, winning just once when holding over 65% possession in seven matches. But this year, the flair of Estevão Willian, Joao Pedro, and Alejandro Garnacho may give Chelsea the unpredictability to break through.

Could Bournemouth v Brighton decide a European spot?

It might be early, but Bournemouth v Brighton feels like a six-pointer in the race for Europe. Only five points separated them last season in eighth and ninth, and with eighth potentially bringing UEFA Conference League football, their head-to-heads could prove decisive.

Both teams are unbeaten in two, with Bournemouth boasting back-to-back clean sheets and Brighton riding a run that has seen them collect 31 points since February – behind only Liverpool, City, and Chelsea.

Victory here could carry huge weight by May.

Will Muani and Simons transform Spurs?

Tottenham Hotspur made two of the window’s most exciting signings: Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. Muani scored nine in 13 for Juventus, while Simons delivered 0.67 goals or assists per 90 at RB Leipzig.

Following a deflating defeat to Bournemouth, Thomas Frank will hope their arrival reignites Spurs’ tempo, particularly against West Ham’s conservative set-up.

Can Kevin help Fulham finally win?

Fulham remain winless, but new signing Kevin arrives with promise. At 22, he scored six and assisted two for Shakhtar Donetsk, also netting twice in the Champions League, including against Bayern Munich.

His cutting edge could make the difference against a Leeds side that have scored only once this season. Daniel Farke’s men continue to rely on the misfiring Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has underperformed his expected goals more than any Premier League player since 2022/23.

Can Sunderland join an exclusive Premier League club?

Promoted Sunderland could make history with a third win from four. Only Nottingham Forest (1994/95) and Bolton Wanderers (2001/02) have achieved that feat.

Both Sunderland victories have come at home, but Crystal Palace’s injuries to Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr may provide an opening away at Selhurst Park. With Europa Conference League demands also stretching Palace, Sunderland’s dream start could continue.