Manchester City’s defeat at Nottingham Forest has given Brighton an opportunity to climb into second place, while Liverpool head to Crystal Palace looking to recover from successive defeats. Manchester United, meanwhile, face Aston Villa with their Premier League form becoming an increasing concern.
Five matches take place on Sunday, with Chelsea looking to strengthen their position in the top four and bottom club Sunderland desperate for points. Four fixtures kick off at 14:00 GMT, followed by Manchester United against Aston Villa at 16:30 GMT. Here are the key talking points and latest team news.
Brighton v Brentford (14:00 GMT): A chance to move into second
Brighton have made one of the most impressive starts to the Premier League season, and Manchester City’s 3–1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday has presented Fabian Hürzeler’s side with an opportunity to climb into second place.
The Seagulls have scored a league-leading 24 goals in nine matches and have conceded only seven. Their attacking football has been particularly effective at the Amex, where they have never lost to Brentford in the Premier League.
But the visitors are capable of making this an awkward afternoon. Brentford have scored in every league game this season and have lost only once in their last 11 Premier League outings. Keith Andrews’ side also arrive following a 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
There is a question about how Brighton will cope with the physical demands of another quick turnaround. They returned from Spain on Friday after Thursday’s Conference League victory over Getafe.
Team news: Brighton hope midfielder Chema Andrés will be available after missing the European trip. Brentford welcome Yehor Yarmoliuk back from suspension, but Fábio Carvalho and Rico Henry remain unavailable. Brentford’s official match preview confirms those absences.
The contest between Brighton’s prolific attack and Brentford’s ability to create chances could make this one of the afternoon’s most entertaining fixtures.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool (14:00 GMT): Can the Reds respond?
Liverpool travel to Selhurst Park needing to put a difficult week behind them. Defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League was followed by a 3–2 Champions League loss at Fenerbahce on Wednesday, leaving Andoni Iraola searching for a response.
The Reds remain within reach of the leading clubs, but their recent performances have raised questions about the balance of the side and the reliability of an attack affected by injuries.
Crystal Palace have problems of their own. The Eagles enter the weekend in the relegation zone, with seven points from nine games. Yet they have shown in previous meetings that they can make life difficult for Liverpool, particularly when they deny their opponents space and create opportunities on the counterattack.
Palace’s attacking absences could be significant. Jean-Philippe Mateta is suspended following his dismissal against Tottenham, while Ismaila Sarr will not return until after the international break.
Team news: Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch remains doubtful with a heel problem. Jeremie Frimpong is unavailable, alongside longer-term absentees Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni. Palace could turn to Eddie Nketiah or Jørgen Strand Larsen to replace Mateta, according to the clubs’ pre-match team-news update.
Liverpool will expect to dominate possession, but the more important question is whether they can turn that control into clear chances. Another disappointing result would increase the scrutiny on Iraola heading into the international break.
Ipswich Town v Bournemouth (14:00 GMT): Can the Cherries maintain their momentum?
Bournemouth head to Portman Road in excellent form. Marco Rose’s side have won three successive Premier League matches without conceding, recovering impressively from a difficult start to the campaign.
They also arrive on the back of a 3–1 Europa League victory away to Sparta Prague, part of a seven-match winning run across all competitions.
Ipswich have found life back in the Premier League challenging but remain competitive. Gary O’Neil’s side have 11 points from nine matches and have lost only once at home in the league this season.
The hosts have also demonstrated resilience, coming from behind to draw against Nottingham Forest and Hull City in their last two league matches.
Bournemouth’s record against promoted clubs provides an interesting subplot. Despite finishing sixth last season, they failed to win any of their six Premier League matches against newly promoted opponents. Rose will want to improve that record.
Team news: Ipswich midfielder Saša Lukić has returned to training following a groin problem and could be involved. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has also resumed training, although his availability remains uncertain. Rose is expected to restore several regular starters after making changes for Thursday’s European fixture.
For Ipswich, this is an opportunity to show they can compete with one of the league’s form teams. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will be determined not to lose the momentum they have built.
Sunderland v Chelsea (14:00 GMT): Pressure at opposite ends of the table
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has proved difficult. Régis Le Bris’ side sit bottom with five points from nine matches, having won only once in the league this season.
The Black Cats also suffered a Europa League defeat against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, adding to the demands on a squad already struggling with injuries and suspensions.
Chelsea arrive in a much stronger position. Xabi Alonso’s team are fourth, with 16 points, and a victory would strengthen their challenge for Champions League qualification.
However, Chelsea have not always been convincing defensively. Sunderland will hope that their home support and physical approach can unsettle the visitors, particularly after another demanding week of European football.
Team news: Sunderland defender Omar Alderete is suspended, while Habib Diarra remains sidelined. Nordi Mukiele is expected to be available after missing Thursday’s match.
Chelsea are without Jorrel Hato, Maxence Lacroix and João Pedro. Alonso is also assessing Moisés Caicedo, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could return following jaw surgery. The Chelsea manager outlined the situation in his pre-match fitness update.
For Sunderland, every home fixture is becoming increasingly important. Chelsea will see this as a match they should win, but they cannot afford to underestimate a side with little room for further setbacks.
Manchester United v Aston Villa (16:30 GMT): Can European relief become league recovery?
Manchester United’s Premier League position remains deeply concerning. Michael Carrick’s side start Sunday’s action in the relegation zone, with just seven points from nine matches and no league victory in their last seven outings.
Yet Tuesday’s remarkable Champions League comeback against Roma offered a reminder of what United can produce. Trailing 2–0, they fought back to win 3–2, with Matheus Cunha scoring the decisive goal.
The challenge now is to translate that European performance into domestic results. Encouraging nights in the Champions League will count for little if United continue to struggle in the competition that determines their week-to-week standing.
Aston Villa are also looking for greater consistency. Unai Emery’s side begin the afternoon in mid-table, but they have enough quality to cause United problems, especially if the hosts leave themselves exposed in pursuit of a much-needed victory.
History favours United, who have lost only twice in 31 Premier League home meetings with Villa. But previous results will offer little comfort if the visitors establish control of midfield.
Team news: United defender Lisandro Martínez is suspended following his red card against Chelsea. Carlos Baleba is doubtful after suffering a hamstring problem against Roma, while Patrick Dorgu has returned to training.
Villa will be without suspended right-back Matty Cash. Aaron Wan-Bissaka faces a late fitness assessment, while Matteo Ruggeri and Amadou Onana remain sidelined, according to Villa’s official team-news update.
United’s supporters will hope Tuesday’s comeback marks the beginning of a recovery rather than another isolated high point in a frustrating season.
A Sunday that could reshape the table
With the November international break approaching, Sunday’s results could have an important bearing on how several clubs view their opening months of the season.
Brighton have an opportunity to underline their ambitions near the top, Liverpool and Chelsea need convincing performances for different reasons, and Sunderland face another examination of their ability to compete at this level.
But the greatest pressure may be at Old Trafford. Manchester United have shown they can produce a stirring European comeback. Their supporters now need to see evidence of a Premier League recovery.
All five matches will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports. The confirmed starting line-ups for the 14:00 fixtures are expected approximately one hour before kick-off.
.jpg){kind=link}