After a brief hiatus courtesy of another international break, the Premier League is back in action, and fans of every club have reasons to feel optimistic as they eagerly await the resumption of their favorite teams’ campaigns. Our club experts have provided compelling insights into why each top-flight team can look forward to the upcoming fixtures with a sense of hope.
Arsenal: First-choice attack is back.
Arsenal, despite remaining unbeaten in the Premier League, has faced criticism for not fully unlocking their attacking potential. The absence of their first-choice attacking trio, consisting of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, starting together this season could be a significant factor. The upcoming match against Chelsea might present manager Mikel Arteta with the chance to deploy all three, potentially elevating Arsenal’s performance.
Aston Villa: Clinical efficiency is going a long way.
Despite a slew of absentees and a somewhat unconvincing start, Aston Villa finds themselves in a promising fifth place. The absence of key players like Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia for most of the season has not hindered their ability to efficiently secure victories. With room for improvement and a series of favorable home fixtures on the horizon, Villa remains optimistic about their potential this season and their goal of breaking into the “top seven.”
Bournemouth: Scott’s return.
Bournemouth, despite a recent defeat to Everton, is keeping its cool. The club remains optimistic, noting the various challenges faced, including multiple player injuries and new signings adjusting to the squad. The impending return of Alex Scott, who made a name for himself in the Championship last season, could potentially provide a significant boost and elevate the mood around Bournemouth.
Brentford: Mee’s imminent comeback.
Brentford has experienced a somewhat underwhelming start to the season, with injuries to key players like Ivan Toney and defensive stalwart Ben Mee. The positive news is that Mee is getting closer to full fitness after being sidelined with a calf injury. His return should provide much-needed stability to the defense and strengthen Brentford’s overall performance.
Brighton: Coping with adversity.
Brighton is sitting comfortably in sixth place, despite facing numerous challenges early in the season. Their participation in the Europa League has added to the squad’s workload, and several players have been sidelined with injuries. However, their new signings, including Carlos Baleba, offer hope for a strong replacement for key players. The club’s satisfactory start to the season is a testament to their resilience.
Burnley: Favourable fixtures at last.
Although Burnley has had a difficult start to the season, their fixture list is set to become more favorable. Despite being in the relegation zone, manager Vincent Kompany has been experimenting with the squad to find the best combination. The valuable lessons learned from challenging matches will serve them well in upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace.
Chelsea: They finally look like a team.
Chelsea’s journey to becoming a cohesive football team has been a lengthy one, marked by significant investments in new players. The last three matches have shown promise, with improved results, goals scored, and solid performance metrics. As Chelsea prepares to face Arsenal, they carry real confidence, marking a stark contrast to the apprehension of just a few weeks ago.
Crystal Palace: Franca could actually play football.
In the short term, Crystal Palace fans can anticipate the return of Matheus Franca to the pitch, providing a genuine left-winger on the left flank. Furthermore, when Michael Olise joins him on the field, the team’s form is expected to improve significantly. In the medium term, Marc Guehi’s contributions to England’s success could bring pride to the club. Long-term prospects are bright too, with progress made on the redevelopment of Selhurst Park offering hope for the future.
Everton: Dyche’s team are improving – yes, really.
Ahead of the Merseyside derby, Everton finds reasons for optimism despite historical challenges in away derbies. Recent victories and a convincing performance against Bournemouth have boosted their spirits. The return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, astute loan signings, and a promising midfield combination provide hope for a brighter future. Regardless of the derby’s outcome, Everton is undoubtedly heading in the right direction.
The return of Premier League action promises to bring exciting moments and surprises for fans of all clubs, and these reasons for optimism provide added anticipation for the forthcoming matches.
