Premier League Preview: Big Questions Ahead of Matchday 10

EPLNews examines the tactical battles and turning points that could define this weekend’s Premier League matches, asking:

• Can Sean Dyche halt Manchester United’s winning streak in his home debut?
• Will Tottenham outwit Chelsea in a tactical duel?
• Can Unai Emery’s counter-attacks deepen Liverpool’s struggles?
• Might Bournemouth exploit Manchester City’s shaky form?
• Will Fulham finally end their losing run against winless Wolves?
• Is facing Newcastle the perfect chance for Nuno to claim his first win?
• Can Arsenal pull clear at the summit?
• Will Sunderland secure another three points before their schedule toughens?
• Could a return to Selhurst Park halt Crystal Palace’s decline?
• And might Leeds’ wasteful finishing hand Brighton a rare clean sheet?

Can Dyche End Man Utd’s Winning Streak on His Home League Debut?

Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest reign began impressively with a 2-0 Europa League win over Porto at the City Ground — a result that set high expectations despite what followed.
His Premier League home debut arrives after a gruelling three-day turnaround, with Forest hosting a rejuvenated Manchester United side.

The crowd will be fired up, especially as Forest have beaten United in each of their last three league encounters. Yet for United boss Ruben Amorim, this fixture represents a real test. His team have strung together three straight league wins, but away games against defensively disciplined opponents remain a stumbling block.

Their last tactical tussle of this kind — a 3-1 loss at Brentford in September — showed old flaws. To prove they’ve truly turned a corner, United must deliver a commanding, confident performance against a compact Forest outfit.

Will Spurs’ Tactical Trap Catch Chelsea Out?

Tottenham Hotspur boast the Premier League’s best away record (13 points from five games) but own one of the poorest home tallies (four from four). Thomas Frank’s tactical approach thrives on soaking up pressure and countering swiftly — but when Spurs are forced to dominate possession, they often struggle.

That pattern is clear this season: Spurs have conquered Manchester City at the Etihad yet were held 1-1 at home by Wolves. Still, sitting third in the table, their issues pale compared to Chelsea’s woes.

Enzo Maresca’s team have lost three of their last five league games — more than in their previous 16 combined. Chelsea’s slow, possession-heavy style breaks down against low blocks, whereas they flourish in transition, as seen in their win over Liverpool and loss to Sunderland.

Frank’s Spurs may deliberately concede territory, baiting Chelsea into overcommitting and exploiting spaces on the counter. It’s a tactical scenario that strongly favours Tottenham.

Can Emery’s Counter-Attacks Extend Liverpool’s Woes?

Liverpool’s season has been defined by their defensive fragility — and Arne Slot admits he’s struggling to fix it.
“Teams have definitely [found] a playing style against us,” Slot said after the 3-2 defeat to Brentford. “We haven’t found the answer.”

That match again exposed Liverpool’s soft centre: their midfield caught too high, defenders exposed, and opponents exploiting quick counter-attacks. The Reds have faced 571 long passes in the league — the most of any side — and conceded three goals from fast breaks, also a league-high.

Aston Villa and Unai Emery know exactly how to capitalise. Their 1-0 win over Manchester City last week showcased a tactical plan that could undo Liverpool. With Morgan Rogers and another No.10 drifting from the left, Villa will look to slip Ollie Watkins in behind Ibrahima Konaté’s side.

It’s a simple approach — but right now, simplicity is proving deadly against Liverpool.

Can Bournemouth Exploit Man City’s Early-Season Dip?

Bournemouth are enjoying their best-ever Premier League start, collecting 18 points from nine matches to sit second. Victory at the Etihad would ignite title talk, though Andoni Iraola will play it down.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have already lost three of their first nine league games — their worst opening since 2013/14. Their defeats to Villa, Spurs, and Brighton all came against teams adept at rapid counter-attacks following intense midfield pressing.

Bournemouth, unbeaten in their last 11, could extend that streak and strengthen their claim for a Champions League berth. City have already lost consecutive league games once this season, while Erling Haaland’s blank at Villa Park hinted at human form returning.

Still, Iraola’s sides are known for streaky runs — both good and bad. The real challenge is turning this hot start into lasting consistency.

Can Fulham End Their Losing Streak Against Winless Wolves?

Fulham face their most crucial fixture of the season. Four straight defeats have left them just three points clear of the drop zone. Fortunately, Wolves — without a single league win — arrive at Craven Cottage.

Yet Fulham’s record against struggling visitors is poor: they’ve failed to win any of their last five home league matches against teams starting in the relegation zone (D3 L2), including a 4-1 loss to Wolves last November.

Wolves are on the brink of going 10 Premier League games without victory for the second consecutive season. A result here could lift spirits — but another failure might spark panic before their upcoming tests against Chelsea, Palace, and Villa.

Is Facing Newcastle the Perfect Chance for Nuno to Get Off the Mark?

On paper, Newcastle United — buoyed by a dramatic late win over Fulham — look daunting. But for Nuno Espirito Santo’s struggling West Ham, this could be the right fixture at the right time.

The Hammers have endured their worst Premier League start after nine games, collecting only four points. Nuno’s first four matches have brought three defeats, yet his pragmatic approach could finally take hold.

His philosophy emphasises structure: closing spaces, staying compact, and rebuilding confidence through clarity. Such tactics work best against proactive opponents — and Newcastle’s attacking approach might play into West Ham’s hands.

Can Arsenal Start to Pull Away at the Top?

Arsenal’s record against promoted teams is staggering — 23 wins from their last 24, including 13 straight. Their trip to Burnley offers another opportunity to build momentum and potentially open a gap at the top.

Recent history suggests early-season dominance can remove late pressure. Liverpool in 2019/20, Leicester in 2015/16, and Chelsea in 2004/05 all won titles by pulling clear before the run-in.

With Liverpool and City facing stern tests this weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side could make a decisive move.

Can Sunderland Extend Their Momentum Before a Tough Run?

Sunderland’s flying start could continue at home to Everton, who have managed just one win in their last six and arrive at a low ebb.

Still, their strong form has benefited from a relatively kind fixture list — and the schedule soon turns brutal. After this weekend, they face Arsenal, Fulham, Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Man City.

Regis Le Bris’ team may rise to the challenge, but a dip in results feels inevitable.

Could a Return to Selhurst Park Halt Palace’s Decline?

Crystal Palace’s early momentum has faded. They are winless in three league games, losing twice — matching their total defeats from the previous 19 matches.

However, returning to Selhurst Park could reignite their spark. Oliver Glasner’s side are unbeaten in 10 home league fixtures, including a thrilling 3-3 draw with Bournemouth and a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Brentford, though, arrive in fine form — four wins from their last five in all competitions, including a 5-0 EFL Cup rout of Grimsby.

Will Leeds’ Wasteful Finishing Hand Brighton a Rare Clean Sheet?

Brighton under Fabian Hürzeler have kept only one clean sheet in 21 league matches — eight in 47 overall, just 17 per cent, the worst ratio of any Brighton boss in the Premier League era.

Leeds’ wastefulness could finally change that. Their conversion rate sits at 7.7 per cent — third-lowest in the league — and fell to just six per cent in October.

They’ve also leaked nine goals in four away matches and managed only one win on the road, against bottom-placed Wolves.

If ever there was a moment for Brighton to tighten up defensively, this might be it.