The Premier League is back this weekend with Matchday 7, but there's plenty of Friday news stories around the league that have taken place this week.
Let's look back at some of those key stories now. Or you could check out our big preview of Sunday's big game – Aston Villa vs. Manchester United!
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Gary O’Neil faces a tough start with Wolves this season. Despite some good performances, the team has struggled due to individual mistakes. O'Neil, known for helping teams avoid relegation, is working hard to refine his approach. Having conceded a league-high 16 goals so far, Wolves need to tighten their defence and capitalise on their attacking opportunities to improve their standing in the league.
Jadon Sancho is playing a key role in Chelsea's resurgence under Enzo Maresca. The team boasts an exciting all-English attacking midfield trio, including Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke. This trio has been performing well, contributing to Chelsea's improved form. Their chemistry on the field is a promising sign for the team's future success.
Leicester City must address their defensive problems after allowing numerous shots on goal, thus conceding 12 goals in their six EPL matches. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has expressed concern over the number of shots faced. As they prepare to face Bournemouth, tightening up their defence is crucial. Improving their defensive strategy will be key to climbing the league table as the Foxes have scored eight goals, the same as Fulham and Newcastle United.
Mohamed Salah looks forward to facing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Liverpool has not lost there since 2014, and Salah has historically performed well against Palace. His excellent form continues to be a driving force for Liverpool. Fans are eager to see if he can maintain his scoring form after netting the second goal in the midweek 2-0 Champions League win over Bologna.
Kai Havertz aims to match Robin van Persie’s record of scoring in seven consecutive games at the Emirates Stadium. His partnership with Leandro Trossard has been effective in Martin Ødegaard's absence. Arsenal fans are hopeful that Havertz can continue his impressive form and help the team secure important victories. The German was on target once again in midweek in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Paris St Germain at the Emirates.
Pep Guardiola is experimenting with different players to fill Rodri’s role at Manchester City. John Stones might get a chance against Fulham as Guardiola seeks a suitable deputy for Rodri. Finding the right replacement is crucial for maintaining City's strong performance in the league. The Citizens have been linked with a number of defensive midfielders in the January transfer window during the week including Martin Zubimendi and Marco Barella.
Julen Lopetegui faces pressure at West Ham after three straight home defeats. Rumours of disputes within the team suggest that Lopetegui may need to adjust his style for long-term success. The team must find a way to turn their fortunes around and climb the league standings after a dismal start to the season has left them languishing in 14th place,.
Anthony Gordon returns to Everton with Newcastle United, amid expectations of being jeered by fans. He played well in Newcastle’s recent draw against Manchester City and may play a key role again due to Alexander Isak’s probable absence. Gordon's performance, along with fellow winger Harvey Barnes will be crucial for Newcastle's chances of success against the Toffees this weekend.
Manchester United visits Villa Park needing a positive result after recent disappointments. They face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who have been in excellent form of late, including a marvellous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in midweek. However, Villa has struggled recently against Erik ten Hag’s side, losing all the last four against the Red Devils. United will hope to capitalise on this and secure a much-needed win to ease the pressure on their under-fire manager, who came in for further criticism after United's 3-3 draw away to FC Porto in midweek.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler must decide on central defensive pairings following Jan Paul van Hecke's injury. The key issue they face is who will partner Lewis Dunk. The Seagulls face Tottenham Hotspur, known for playing with a high defensive line and who come into this game having beaten Manchester United (3-0) and Ferencvaros (2-1) away from home in the past week.
The England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures at home to Greece and away to Finland has been announced. Dominic Solanke is recalled to the squad for the first time since 2017 due to his strong form. Other notable inclusions are Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham.
However, Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, James Maddison, Aaron Ramsdale and Valentino Livramento miss out.
Caretaker manager Lee Carsley said he wants to avoid a “copy and paste” situation with his England squads, saying it was time to evaluate some other playing options and players that had been omitted from the squad had been informed and understood the manager's decisions.
The selected goalkeepers are Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), and Nick Pope (Newcastle United). Defenders included on the squad are Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Man City), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City) and Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace).
The midfielders chosen are Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), and Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid). Forwards include Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham) and Harry Kane (Bayern Munich).
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, remains defiant despite facing intense scrutiny. The team recently drew 3-3 with Porto after squandering a two-goal lead. Ten Hag urges judgment at the end of the season, emphasising that the team is in a process and will improve. However, patience is believed to be wearing thin with the Dutchman after a number of poor performances in a row.
Southampton boss Russell Martin is another under pressure after the Saints secured just one point from their opening six games of the season. Martin said he felt let down by his players first half display against Bournemouth last week, a game they lost 3-1. The Saints lie 19th and play Arsenal at the Emirates tomorrow in a very tough-looking game.
Pep Guardiola is close to becoming the new England national team manager, according to some reports in the media. Manchester City has started the Premier League season well, sitting second in the table. However, Guardiola's contract ends at the end of the current season, and there are doubts about whether he will renew it. It seems much will depend on how the hearing about Manchester City's alleged 115 breaches of financial fair play pans out.
If Guardiola leaves Manchester City, influential players like Erling Haaland, Rodri, and Kevin de Bruyne might reconsider their futures at the club. The English Football Association is interested in having Guardiola take charge of the national team starting next summer. This potential change could significantly impact the Premier League.
That concludes our Premier League Friday news roundup! Join us again next week!
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