It’s time to prepare for a full slate of action as Matchweek 4 of the 2023/24 Premier League season begins.
Matchweek 3 delivered high-octane action and drama, ranging from 10-man Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle United, Man City scrapping past Sheffield United, Virgil van Dijk’s controversial red card, Man United’s comeback win against Nottingham Forest and West Ham stunning Brighton.
Only time will tell if Matchweek 4 can live up to its hype and expectations, but on paper, there are plenty of quality games on the menu commencing from Friday evening. With that being said, here are 5 things to look forward to in matchweek 4 of the relatively new Premier League season.
#Manchester United’s Emirates Test
Manchester United have endured a wobbly start to the new season, yet they have six points from a possible nine. They looked surprisingly passive in midfield against Wolves and Tottenham, chaotic in their new high press, which is leaving them susceptible to counter-attacks. And Nottingham Forest exploited this at the weekend, stunning the hosts by taking a shock 2-0 lead inside four minutes.
It took a herculean effort from Man United to come from 2-0 down to win 3-2, demonstrating their resilience and fight to maintain their enviable record at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag. However, there are so many gaping problems to address before Ten Hag is satisfied with his team’s displays.
Up next for United is a trip to Arsenal—the big-ticket game of the weekend. Arsenal haven’t been at their sublime best so far this season, scraping wins against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace before being held by Fulham at the weekend. With the Gunners yet to settle down as a unit, it will be interesting to watch how Ten Hag plans to exploit the hosts’ weaknesses and return home all smiles—unlike their last trip to north London where they lost 2-0 to Spurs.
#Luton Town’s first home game
Newly-promoted Luton Town had to postpone their opening game against Burnley at Kenilworth Road in order to complete a £10m revamp of the Bobbers Stand to meet the Premier League standards and requirements for broadcasters.
After intense work over the last three months, the Bobbers Stand has been redeveloped and will host Luton Town’s first Premier League home match of the season. The stand reopened for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup 3-2 win against Gillingham at 75% capacity, and now the Hatters will host West Ham United on Friday.
Kenilworth Road, the club’s home since 1905, is expected to be rocking and up for the fight against an in-form Hammers’ side coming off the back of a terrific 3-1 win over Brighton. As Luton’s first home game following promotion draws close, will the fans’ patience be worth it on Friday?
#Can Everton break their duck?
With zero points, zero goals scored and six goals conceded, it is fair to say that Everton have got off to the worst possible start in their bid to secure survival in the Premier League this season. Sean Dyche is already feeling the heat and must turn things around quickly to cling on to his job at Goodison Park.
The Toffees were by far the better team at the weekend, creating plenty of chances and opening Wolves’ defence at will only to end up failing to put the ball in the back of the net. Wolves—via substitute Sasa Kalajdzic—scored in the 87th minute and returned home with three points. This should’ve stung Dyche and co as they put in an improved overall performance when compared to the opening two fixtures.
Next up for the Toffees is a trip to Bramall Lane to face newcomers Sheffield United. The Blades showed great valour, spirit and organisation against Man City last weekend and were close to pinching a valuable point, only for Rodri to break their hearts with a rasping left-footed drive to win it 2-1 for the visitors. Given how United played against City, Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off will be a stiff challenge for Dyche’s Everton.
#Does Darwin Nunez start against Aston Villa?
Jurgen Klopp is blessed with one of the best pool of attacking talent in the Premier League and that was further highlighted in Liverpool’s fantastic comeback win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez have found the back of the net in Liverpool’s opening three matches. Klopp’s biggest challenge will be determining his best front three, with all the forwards staking a claim for a first-team berth. And Nunez is the latest player to do that with his stunning cameo against the Magpies.
With Liverpool a man down and a goal down, Nunez came off the bench in the 77th minute and equalised after four minutes with a sublime finish, before stealing it at the death with a carbon copy goal. The Uruguayan’s match-winning display against Newcastle demonstrated a clinical edge he lacked at times last season, but will it be enough to start in Liverpool’s next game against Aston Villa?
#Brighton vs Newcastle United
Newcastle United head down to the south coast to take on Brighton after crashing back down to earth with a loss to 10-man Liverpool at St James’ Park last weekend. Brighton, on the other hand, were picked apart by West Ham’s swift breaks in the 3-1 loss at the Amex Stadium.
For Newcastle, Eddie Howe in particular, might be reflecting on the decision to substitute the impressive Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali when leading 1-0 against Liverpool. On the contrary, Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi will be ruing the golden chances his players created but missed to punish West Ham.
Both teams will be desperate to bounce back from their respective losses which makes this a very entertaining setup at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.