After two games so far this season, narratives are being written for each side by fans and press alike when in reality another 36 games are left. Before the end of August teams will have played three more games and seen the transfer window close at 11pm on the 1st September. Therefore I am changing up my weekly preview for the rest of this month, blending it all together within this piece, analysing each team’s remaining games, key players, possible transfer targets and anything else that needs to be discussed.
Arsenal
It’s been a solid start to the season for Arsenal and looking at the fixtures to come, the unbeaten run continuing is not an outlandish statement. Fantasy managers will be hoping Gabriel Jesus trebles his goal output over the next three games, scoring his first away goal for his new team will be on the agenda too.
Transfer activity will be focused on outgoings, as it appears Mikel Arteta wanted players in early, which he has succeeded in doing. The glaring position needed is right fullback as Héctor Bellerín and Ainsley Maitland-Niles look set to leave, Cédric Soares is past his best and Takehiro Tomiyasu is always injured.
If a top class player becomes available, Edu has shown he will make it happen.
Players to watch – Bukayo Saka, Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Jesus
Games to Play – MW3 Bournemouth away, MW4 Fulham home and MW5 Aston Villa home
Aston Villa
Beating Everton was no surprise as the lack of cohesion over the two games is not what you expect from a squad due to kick on. Jacob Ramsey holds the keys to gaining any points before the end of the month as all three future opponents will not enjoy his main skill of bursting into the box. The entire spine of the team on paper looks good and Villa need to show it.
With Tyrone Mings edging towards being out of favour completely (last week’s performance helped his case to stay in the team), a new centre back or two will have to arrive before the window shuts. Losing Diego Carlos is a blow so it would seem if two came in it would have to be one loan and one transfer. Ethan Ampadu of Chelsea is the sort of young player they should be signing, a good defender but equally competent with the ball at his feet.
Players to watch – Emiliano Buendia, Jacob Ramsey and Emiliano Martinez
Games to Play – MW3 Crystal Palace away, MW4 West Ham home and MW5 Arsenal away
Bournemouth
The nightmare run of fixtures continues for the newly promoted team with the only blessing so far being victory in the first game. Bournemouth have a chance against Wolves at home, but with the run of games the Black Country side have undertaken they will feel the same way.
Maintaining confidence around the squad should be the sole goal for Scott Parker. The squad is thin regarding Premier League talent so avoiding injuries when facing the top sides cannot be underestimated. Home games will be the main focus for points but even at this early stage it seems certain they’ll face relegation.
Quality is needed all round but a defensive leader and a marksman are sorely required. The midfield is one area they have adequate depth, led by the imposing Philip Billing, but surely he will be moving on after this season?
A Teemu Pukki or Alfredo Morales playing off Kieffer Moore and Dominic Solanke would increase the goal threat, while targeting former players such as Tyrone Mings or Jamaal Lasceiles to lead the defence will be upgrades to what they currently have.
Players to watch – Philip Billing, Mark Travers and Kieffer Moore
Games to Play – MW3 Arsenal home, MW4 Liverpool away and MW5 Wolves home
Brentford
Each game is a single event to the West London side, shown in the first two games as substitutions rescued a point away to Leicester and tactics blew United away. The next three are all winnable with the hardest match being the last in the month versus Palace away. With injured players starting to return to fitness the landscape looks bright for Thomas Frank as new signings Ben Mee and Aaron Hickey have slotted in with ease.
Like many clubs, the rest of the window is about freeing up spaces within the squad which The Bees have been doing lately but with the five sub rule they may not release anymore. If a injury occurred to Ivan Toney that could mean them coming active again as his role along with David Raya in the team is priceless. Daryl Dike of West Brom comes to mind if you are looking at similar style of play.
Players to watch – Rico Henry, Ivan Toney and Ben Mee
Games to Play – MW3 Fulham away, MW4 Everton home and MW5 Crystal Palace away
Brighton & Hove Albion
The vanilla of the Premier League embark on a enticing run of games to see out the month, if they have their shooting boots on like at Old Trafford nine points seems like a sure thing! Graham Potter must be considered for a big job next time one becomes available, he is not much different to Tuchel but he’s English and not a former PL great player. The kick on this season has to be a cup run, even winning the whole thing. It will be interesting if Colwill starts getting minutes, he is highly regarded by his parent club and the England age group coaching set up.
Keeping the vultures at bay is always the battle which faces the South Coast outfit, they consistently bring in new players every window under the radar who in two years time are sold on at vast profit. Not since Glenn Murray have they fielded a out and out goal scorer, surely they will find their man soon? If they possess a man like that surely a step up in the tiers will follow.
Players to watch – Solly March, Tariq Lamptey and Levi Colwill
Games to Play – MW3 West Ham away, MW4 Leeds home and MW5 Fulham away
Chelsea
The Spurs draw will feel like a defeat, as Chelsea were magnificent on the day totally nullifying the visitors for large periods and should have been out of sight. Sterling has fitted in well which is no surprise as he is a class act, a goal for his new team feels imminent. Leeds away this weekend brings back memories of the 1970s battles, the present day tussle is as one sided as they come, the home sides chance will stem if Chelsea struggle to score.
The cheque book is open at Stamford Bridge and they could bring in up to five new players by the end of the window. Centre forward is key but they shop in the elite supermarkets so you are looking at names like Ronaldo, Icardi or Aubameyang but are they going to succeed or become value for money? I would feel a Ivan Toney, Dominic Calvert Lewin or Alexander Isak would be a better fit. Luxury pieces like de Jong coming in could see Jorginho leave but bringing Gordon from Everton would be madness!
Players to watch – Raheem Sterling, Reece James and Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Games to Play – MW3 Leeds away, MW4 Leicester home and MW5 Southampton away
Crystal Palace
Palace going to City stirs up flashbacks to past Etihad victories and are potentially the first realistic banana skin for the champions. Two key points will need to occur, firstly a City off day and Haaland not playing. The Palace back four will struggle to deal with the colossus Norwegian, pace and flat footedness affects them. The bonus for Viera is Eze’s continual , improving form and the return of Olise. Couple those young men with the enigmatic Zaha and many a PL defence will be begging for mercy.
The transfer remit is young and exciting at Palace and if you have watched the Channel 4 documentary Football Dreams: The Academy this attitude is rooted within their DNA. If Wan Bissaka comes back for £10m they have pulled United’s shorts down. The defender is a potential England player and just needs to be used right, to me his best spot could be in a three on the right side.
Players to watch – Michael Olise, Joel Ward and Wilfred Zaha
Games to Play – MW3 Villa home, MW4 Man City away and MW5 Brentford home
Everton
This club have been treading water for too long. Forest have problems but I can see them beating Lampard’s men this Saturday – the Toffees possess two leaders at the back in Coady and Tarkowski but the firepower is lacking in attack while DCL is injured. My players to watch are all wingers/advanced midfielders, the best of a bad bunch. Anthony Gordon possesses enterprise and endeavour but no finishing touch.
Like a few other PL teams the recruitment policy at Everton seems to be picking names out of a hat. They need a centre forward or two so I suppose they will bring in a holding midfielder, goalkeeper and a left back! It would be prudent if they started to look at players to bring them back up after relegation.
Players to watch – Demarai Gray, Alex Iwobi and Dwight McNeil
Games to Play – MW3 Forest home, MW4 Brentford away and MW5 Leeds away
Fulham
The Mitrovic love off halted abruptly last Saturday when his penalty was saved against Wolves, fantasy managers across the country believed in the hype and fingers were burnt big time. He should have been sent off, in the top flight he is a liability. Gaining a first win doesn’t seem possible from the rest of the month, near neighbours Brentford in league matches have a good record over the last decade while Arsenal and Brighton are good, solid sides.
Recruitment has been very sensible but it would not be a shock if at least three new signings arrive before the end of the month. Looking to recruit fringe players around the league is not a bad avenue to attack, for example Pepe, Bellerin, Oxlaide Chamberlain or Tanganga.
Players to watch – Antonee Robinson, Joao Palinho and Neeskens Kebano
Games to Play – MW3 Brentford away, MW4 Arsenal away and MW5 Brighton home
Leeds United
The Cheerleader Jesse Marsch seems to be gaining enemies among his peers every week but he needs to be careful he doesn’t lose the fans – throwing a two goal lead away at Southampton is not acceptable. Jack Harrison is the heartbeat and shows he could play with better clubs where his directness and delivery would be appreciated. Rodrigo’s form has been a bonus but it’s hard to decipher what or who they are.
They may need to revisit the transfer market as it feels the injury list is a similar size to the active list. They have the Kalvin Phillips money to spend, but it’s hard to tell when the Barcelona IOUs will be worth anything for Raphinha. Seeing who is available from this Saturdays opponents is not a bad place to start in the form of Gilmour or Hudson Odoi.
Players to watch – Rodrigo, Jack Harrison and Robin Koch
Games to Play – MW3 Chelsea home, MW4 Brighton away and MW5 Everton home
Leicester City
The narrative is Leicester are in disarray but six points from the next nine is a firm possibility. They will lose Forfana and Tielemens but the rest will stay, more recruits will arrive and the Kingpower Express will roll on. Brendan Rodgers is one of the best British head coaches around and once this window concludes he can get back to developing his unit. Harvey Barnes is back to fitness this weekend so Jamie Vardy scoring five in the next three games seems inevitable.
Leicester are smart recruiters so touting prospects is madness they sing off their own hymn sheet. It’s plain to see though they need freshness all over the field but especially in goal now Schmeichal has left – the concern being it took Man Utd years to replace his dad.
Players to watch – James Justin, Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy
Games to Play – MW3 Southampton home, MW4 Chelsea away and MW5 Man Utd home
Liverpool
Two points from two and the Red half of Liverpool is in meltdown. Nunez getting sent off means the front three selection is easier and they will develop a bond and understanding which will see them become unbreakable in the short term. Luis Diaz is the hottest player in the league right now and will challenge for individual honours come year end. Newcastle presents the biggest challenge as the game will pan out like the recent MNF match v Palace, low block and pace from the visitors on the break but a interesting battle will be Robertson v Trippier.
Liverpool may lose squad players on loan but I would be surprised if they bring in any new players, the budget is being held back for Bellingham next summer.
Players to watch – Luis Diaz, Andy Robertson and Fabinho
Games to Play – MW3 Man Utd away, MW4 Bournemouth home and MW5 Newcastle home
Manchester City
The champions are playing like defending the title is a breeze, stronger than last season despite losing a few players. Palace represents the biggest challenge this month to City, Newcastle are too cautious in their approach. The twists will emerge when the relentless passage of games commence with the start of the Champions League. City’s squad is deep but Brentford showed last weekend if you can achieve the perfect combination of tactics and luck the win can occur with ease.
Unless a centre back is available I cannot see City bringing anyone in and outgoings will be centred around youth players gaping on loan.
Players to watch – Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland
Games to Play – MW3 Newcastle away, MW4 Palace home and MW5 Forest home
Manchester United
Manchester United are a laughing stock, evidenced by the potential signing of Casemiro from Real Madrid for £70m – the Brazilian is 30-years-old and regressing.
Erik Ten Hag needs to trust his squad, and with Raphaël Varane you have a player who despite being benched last weekend, his introduction has improved the defence. Donny Van de Beek knows what his former boss wants and should be drafted in along with Scott McTominay at the heart of the midfield. Diogo Dalot should be nowhere near the starting XI, as it is criminal he’s even at the club.
Beating Southampton surely is the goal as another heavy defeat to Liverpool will not be tolerated.
Regarding transfers it would be advisable to work with what they have and ship out any bad eggs. Also stopping Ten Hag buying from the Dutch market could be the wisest decision since they relived Van de Gaal of his job.
Players to watch – Varane, Rashford and van de Beek
Games to Play – MW3 Liverpool home, MW4 Southampton away and MW5 Leicester away
Newcastle United
No one likes sensible billionaires but Newcastle are being run the correct way despite the awful regime in charge, and they are intriguing to observe from a far. They encounter a horrific three game stretch this month and will do well if they pick up three points. It’s safe to say though they will not be beaten easily though and signing Nick Pope has been inspired. Joe Willock is like marmite to football observers but I fully expect him to be the goal threat in those matches versus the top two rated sides.
The marquee signing will not materialise this window but surely will drop in January if they are in or around the European places. Smart money would be on Neymar, Joao Felix or Eden Hazard, in that order of priority. This window could see two more players arrive especially at left back (Luke Shaw) and midfield (Julian Draxler).
Players to watch – Dan Burn, Nick Pope, Joe Willock
Games to Play – MW3 Man City home, MW4 Wolves away, MW5 Liverpool away
Nottingham Forest
Unclear why anyone would join Forest right now as you will be in a squad of 35 with no cohesion and your talisman being Jesse Lingard! Steve Cooper is highly regarded, so much so when he quit Swansea last summer no PL club wanted him despite numerous vacancies. He will need to coach and manage on a level like Sir Alex Ferguson to keep this club afloat. They have gone the saturation route ensuring the squad evolves internally as the season goes by. It’s vital they beat Everton this weekend and the best hope they have in front of goal is Emmanuel Dennis.
Just under two weeks to go in this window means Forest have another five signings to make! Not sure about the Gibbs White purchase it’s a lot of money and barely any Premier League form plus if he was that good Wolves would not let him go.
Players to watch – Emmanuel Dennis, Neco Williams, Dean Henderson
Games to Play – MW3 Everton away, MW4 Spurs home, MW5 Man City away
Southampton
No one gave Southampton the memo their is a designated league for youth PL players and they can field senior footballers in the top flight. The model is clear but a bit of support for Ward Prowse would not go a miss. Hussenhuti surely will be relived of his duties in September – the club changed his back room staff over the summer so his exit has been a work in progress. Adam Armstrong’s cameo last weekend was promising and he could have a key role for the rest of the month if any goals are to be scored. Faint hopes of points lie with this weekends game!
Che Adams seems to be on his way out meaning another striker comes in and it’s safe to say the Championship route may be off the table. Whoever comes in will be young that’s for sure, raiding Sheffield United for Berge and Brewster is not the worst idea.
Players to watch – Adam Armstrong, Romeo Lavia, Joe Aribo
Games to Play – MW3 Leicester away, MW4 Man Utd home, MW5 Chelsea home
Tottenham Hotspur
Conte should be done sticking with the old brigade and now fully implement his new signings who offered more resistance to Chelsea when introduced last Sunday. Perisic especially was not brought in to be a sub, he is world class and should be striking fear this month to all in front of him with his direct, piercing running and probing passing. This is still a Spurs squad to be feared and they will learn from the schooling dished out by Chelsea, nine from nine seems a certainty.
Messers Winks, Reguillon and Skipp will leave this month but more incomings seem highly unlikely! January looks viable as they push on towards potential success.
Players to watch – Ivan Perisic, Richarlson, Eric Dier
Games to play – MW3 Wolves home, MW4 Forest away, MW5 West Ham away
West Ham United
The Hammers posture like a top side but they are majorly thin on the ground player wise considering they are involved in Europe and so far on zero points! David Moyes is relying on the trusted crew like Fornals and Lanzini but these lads are always injured. It’s not absurd to suggest this current incarnation will do well to fight off relegation. All three incoming foes can beat them easily and that does not bode well. I expect Rice to bounce back after his penalty miss while Benrahma has been been the player of the year so far.
The owners have to spend this month, at least five new players need to arrive, it will freshen up the competition for places. Rueben Loftus Cheek has Hammer hero written all over him while Isiah Jones from Middlesbrough would enable Coufal to sweat a bit for his place or slip inside to centre back.
Players to watch – Declan Rice, Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma
Games to Play – MW3 Brighton home, MW4 Villa away, MW5 Spurs home
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Portugal’s feeder team roll on but as much as you think you know their identity the less I think we do. They currently still seem happy floating in the top flight, Bruno Lage comes across like his spark has gone and the team can out pass but possess no end result. Hwang has the body shape, skill and pace to thrive in the league but it’s not happening. Nunes by all accounts is the type of player they can flip for double what they paid by January, time will tell. Playing Bournemouth will ensure they pick up three points by the end of the month but Killmans defence will be ultra busy this Saturday.
They have cash to spend following the Gibbs White transfer unless that’s reimbursing the Nunes signing, even so that’s great business for a Portuguese international compared to an England U21. Centre forward is a must have, like many other teams, it’s a shame that Jimenez has never fully recovered from his head injury. If Newcastle are willing to sell Chris Wood, it is not a bad option in the short term, same goes if they want another defender Tyrone Mings should be considered.
Players to watch – Matheus Nunes, Adama Traore, Rayan Ait-Nouri
Games to Play – MW3 Spurs away, MW4 Newcastle home, MW5 Bournemouth away
Have a great Premier League month, many of the games are not very inspiring but it’s the best league in the world and the action never disappoints.
