EPL Preview: Big Questions Ahead Of Matchday 7

EPL Preview: Big Questions Ahead of Matchday 7

Matchday 7 of the Premier League is here, bringing drama, pressure, and pivotal clashes across all ten fixtures. Here are the main talking points to watch this weekend.

Who will come out on top in a huge test for Maresca and Slot?

Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in midweek provided another jolt, heightening fears that the major transfer upheaval of summer 2025 has unsettled Arne Slot’s side. Last year’s quiet transition after Jurgen Klopp’s exit looked ideal at the time, but this busier window has brought the teething problems expected 12 months ago.

Liverpool, still top of the Premier League, need to avoid three defeats in a row on Saturday. Yet the pressure is heavier on Chelsea and Enzo Maresca. His side sit on just eight points from six matches – five fewer than at this stage last season – and look far from realistic title contenders despite early predictions.

Losing to the champions is never disastrous, but Chelsea have not suffered three consecutive league defeats since May 2023 under Frank Lampard. Another setback would likely see them fall outside the top ten going into the international break.

For Maresca, this match carries greater weight than for Slot, although both managers would value a victory to reset the mood.

Can Keith Andrews’ defensive system frustrate Manchester City?

Brentford have started better than many expected, already collecting two Premier League wins against high-profile opposition. Yet Aston Villa and Manchester United arguably delivered their weakest displays of the season at the Gtech Community Stadium, leaving questions about how strong Keith Andrews’ side truly are.

The visit of Manchester City will test Brentford’s compact, defensive style. Andrews sets his team up deep and narrow, aiming to force opponents into sterile sideways passing. However, City’s Jeremy Doku poses a unique threat. The winger completed eight dribbles in a standout display against Burnley last weekend, offering Pep Guardiola’s side a direct route through any defensive block.

Brentford’s counter-attacking hope lies with Dango Ouattara and Igor Thiago, who has already scored four league goals. That approach worked against Villa and United – but City represent a far tougher challenge.

Could Bournemouth’s long-ball style lift them into the top three?

Andoni Iraola has overseen Bournemouth’s best-ever Premier League start, and beating Fulham on Friday could push them into the top five heading into the break. Such a result would spark genuine dreams of European qualification at the Vitality Stadium.

Tactically, Bournemouth are well placed to exploit Fulham’s defensive frailties. Silva’s side looked vulnerable against Aston Villa last week, conceding a soft opener when Ollie Watkins lifted a hopeful ball over the keeper in their 3-1 defeat. With confidence low after just three points from their last three games, Fulham risk another poor showing.

Bournemouth naturally play direct football. Only Arsenal and Liverpool have more ‘direct attacks’ than their 10 this season, while they rank second in long passes attempted (341). Antoine Semenyo – scorer of eight of the Cherries’ last 15 goals – is the prime beneficiary of this approach and could fire them into Champions League contention.

Can Sunderland unsettle Manchester United at Old Trafford?

Ruben Amorim badly needs a response after Manchester United’s loss at Brentford dented belief in his project. Just a week before that setback, a 2-1 win against Chelsea was being framed as a potential turning point. Such is the constant scrutiny at Old Trafford that every result feels decisive.

Sunderland will relish the opportunity to add pressure. Regis Le Bris’ newly promoted side are strong in the air, powerful at set-pieces, and never shy of physical contests. They have gathered 11 points from six games – the best start by a promoted team since West Ham in 2012/13.

They have not yet claimed a major scalp. Saturday could be their chance.

Is Nuno the right man to continue West Ham’s hold over Arsenal?

History is on West Ham’s side. Arsenal fans will remember their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates in December 2023, a loss that contributed to their title collapse as they finished two points behind Manchester City. Another 1-0 defeat in February 2025 also ended their challenge.

Remarkably, half of Arsenal’s four home defeats in their last 42 matches have come against the Hammers. Now Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter, looks well suited to extend that run.

Potter’s victory came via a deep defensive block, and Nuno has long relied on similar tactics against “Big Six” clubs. He is content to let Arsenal dominate possession, hoping frustration slows their rhythm. Gunners supporters know too well that such an approach has worked before.

Can Villa build on momentum and revive Morgan Rogers?

Aston Villa secured their first league win last weekend and Unai Emery now has the perfect fixture to build momentum. Burnley have conceded a joint-high 13 goals this season, with the worst Expected Goals against (12.5).

Ollie Watkins, who scored against Fulham, should have further chances. Morgan Rogers, meanwhile, has struggled in recent weeks but may find more joy if shifted wide. Burnley have conceded nine goals from open play, seven from crosses, highlighting their weakness in defending wide areas.

If Rogers stays wide left with Ian Maatsen overlapping, Villa can exploit those channels. With Burnley yet to secure an away point, Villa must take advantage.

Howe or Postecoglou – who needs the win more?

At St James’ Park, both Eddie Howe and Ange Postecoglou find themselves under pressure. Postecoglou has failed to win any of his opening three league games, a record not suffered by a permanent Nottingham Forest manager since Andy Beattie in 1960.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s six points from six matches mark their worst start under Howe and their lowest total since 2021/22. Focus has been on other struggling sides, but Newcastle are level with rivals like Villa and could even fall into the relegation zone with defeat.

This clash feels pivotal for both managers.

Can Leeds exploit Spurs’ midweek fatigue?

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday followed another 2-2 at Brighton. Their only win in the last four matches came against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup.

Leeds United will sense an opportunity. Daniel Farke’s side are physically strong, ranking fourth for tackles won (73) this season, and Elland Road has become a fortress – they are unbeaten there in 23 matches.

The midfield duel could define the game. Sean Longstaff and Joao Palhinha, both with 19 tackles so far, lead the league in that metric. Expect a bruising contest.

Can Wolves finally win before the break?

Wolverhampton Wanderers risk setting an unwanted record. If they lose again, they will become the first top-flight side ever to lose their first four home games in consecutive seasons.

Vitor Pereira’s arrival sparked recovery last season, and his new contract suggests stability is the plan. Signs of improvement are there – Wolves nearly beat Spurs last weekend – but Brighton arrive in strong form, having won four of their last six in all competitions, including a big win at Stamford Bridge.

History favours the visitors, who also won 2-0 at Molineux last season.

Can Jack Grealish derail Palace’s unbeaten run?

Crystal Palace’s victory over the champions last week changed perceptions. Oliver Glasner’s team are no longer viewed as outsiders but genuine contenders for Europe.

Everton could puncture that optimism, but Jack Grealish will be Palace’s main concern. The midfielder has created 17 chances this season, more than anyone else in the division. He will be eager to test Chris Richards, whose mistake led to Liverpool’s equaliser against Palace.

If Palace can keep Grealish quiet, they will set a club record of 13 unbeaten league games, surpassing the 12 achieved between May and October 1990.