Premier League Preview: What’s in store for Gameweek 5?

With the international break done and dusted, attention returns to the Premier League this weekend with a full round of exciting ties in the offing.

The action begins on Saturday at 12.30, with Liverpool travelling to Wolves. The pair have had contrasting starts to their respective seasons, with Jurgen Klopp’s men unbeaten after four games having beaten Aston Villa, Newcastle and Bournemouth as well as picking up a point against Chelsea in Gameweek 1.

The Reds were underwhelming compared to their usually high standards last season, finishing fifth and missing out on Champions League football, so the primary objective for them this time out will be to secure a top-four finish.

However, and while it’s still early days, their performances so far suggest that they may indeed prove to be the main title-challenger to Manchester City alongside Arsenal and anything less than three points against Wolves would be deemed as disappointing.

Wolves have been unfortunate, losing 1-0 to Manchester United on the opening weekend in a game where they were undoubtedly the better team but lacked that crucial cutting edge in front of goal.

Their 4-1 defeat to Brighton was poor, although the Seagulls are continuing to prove that they are more than one-season wonders with some rampant displays thus far. A hard-fought win away at Everton saw them get their first win on the board before they narrowly lost 3-2 away at Crystal Palace before the international break.

This game will arguably prove to be their biggest test of the campaign’s opening quarter, though, but if they can get anything out of it then it would set them up nicely for the upcoming games against Luton, Aston Villa and Sheffield United – all sides they face as part of their next six fixtures.

Elsewhere, Manchester United host Brighton in what looks set to be a cracking spectacle and one which really could go either way. The south coast outfit clinched the spoils at Old Trafford at the start of last season, winning 2-1, and are well placed to repeat that feat considering their recent form.

Two 4-1 wins over Luton and Wolves respectively alongside a 3-1 win over Newcastle has seen Roberto De Zerbi’s side take nine points from a possible 12 so far, while United have struggled to get out of first gear and lost 3-1 away at Arsenal before the break.

Down in London, Fulham welcome Luton to Craven Cottage hoping bounce back from their 5-1 thrashing at the Etihad, as the second-bottom placed Hatters go in search of their first points of the campaign following three defeats against Brighton, Chelsea and West Ham – all games which, to be fair, won’t necessarily be viewed as season-determining when you factor in the calibre of their opposition.

Meanwhile in the capital, Tottenham host Sheffield United looking to continue their unbeaten start, while West Ham face a tough tie against reigning champions Manchester City at the London Stadium. Aston Villa take on Crystal Palace in a game which hangs firmly in the balance after positive starts for both sides, and the late kick-off comes from St. James’ Park as Newcastle play host to Brentford.

Chelsea make the modest trip south to Bournemouth in Sunday’s early fixture, hoping for an immediate reaction to their hugely lacklustre performance against Nottingham Forest last time out. The Blues have endured another poor start to their season, winning only one of their first four games, against Luton, and currently sit exactly where they finished last term – 12th – already eight points behind leaders City.

Arsenal will then go in search of their fourth win of the season when they take on Everton at the Emirates, a game in which the north Londoners will be heavy favourites given how poorly the Toffees have started (three defeats and a draw from four). Should Mikel Arteta’s side win and City, Liverpool and Spurs each slip up in their games, they could well end the weekend in top-spot – all ifs and buts at this stage.

The gameweek is then brought to a closure on Monday evening, as Nottingham Forest welcome Burnley to the City Ground following that emphatic 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Burnley are bottom and have taken zero points from their opening three matches, although they have played City, Spurs and Villa, so some slack must be afforded to Vincent Kompany and his team. Monday’s result in the East Midlands could already be crucial.

Premier League GW5 Fixtures:

Saturday 16 September 2023

12:30 Wolves v Liverpool

Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

Fulham v Luton Town

Man Utd v Brighton

Spurs v Sheff Utd

West Ham v Man City

17:30 Newcastle v Brentford

Sunday 17 September 2023

14:00 AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea

16:30 Everton v Arsenal