The Premier League heads into its final round of fixtures before the international break, with plenty still at stake at both ends of the table.
Arsenal will look to strengthen their position at the top, while Manchester City face mounting pressure after consecutive defeats. Manchester United, meanwhile, are desperate to turn their fortunes around as they prepare to welcome an in-form Aston Villa side.
At the other end of the table, bottom-placed Sunderland face a difficult test against Chelsea, while Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are also in urgent need of points.
With the pressure building, here is a closer look at all 10 fixtures, including the latest team news, key talking points and our match predictions.
Everton vs Coventry City
Friday | 8:00pm
Everton head into Friday’s encounter sitting seventh in the table with 13 points, following an important 1-0 victory away to Newcastle on Monday. However, their attacking output remains a concern, with just nine goals scored in their opening nine league matches.
Jarrad Branthwaite remains a slight doubt, while Jack Grealish appears to have fallen out of favour under David Moyes.
The fixture also marks Frank Lampard’s first return to Everton as an opposing manager since his departure in January 2023. His Coventry City side will arrive with confidence after a convincing 3-1 victory over Sunderland.
Coventry, currently 16th, will be without striker Haji Wright and defender Aurèle Amenda. Their recent matches have been relatively open, with more than 3.5 goals scored in five of their last seven league and cup outings.
Midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, who averages 2.9 fouls per 90 minutes, could also have an important role to play in the middle of the park.
Everton’s home advantage and defensive organisation should give them the edge, although their lack of goals suggests this may not be a particularly comfortable afternoon.
Our prediction: Everton 1-0 Coventry City
Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday | 12:30pm
Tottenham arrive at Elland Road with renewed confidence after recording three consecutive Premier League victories under Roberto De Zerbi. They currently occupy ninth position and will be looking to extend that run against a Leeds side struggling for consistency.
Leeds are 12th and have gone five league matches without a win since their impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle. They have managed just two goals during that period and have won only once in their last nine matches across all competitions.
Tottenham’s attacking performances, however, have not been entirely convincing. Dominic Solanke has scored just once in 444 minutes of Premier League football this season, while Spurs have failed to score before half-time in each of their last three away league fixtures.
Rodrigo Bentancur returns from suspension, while Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are expected to feature in midfield.
For Leeds, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is hoping to return from a foot problem, although Noah Okafor and Anton Stach remain major doubts.
Leeds have drawn five of their last eight top-flight matches, and their recent defensive resilience could make this a difficult contest for Tottenham. Neither side has shown enough attacking consistency to suggest a convincing victory.
Our prediction: Leeds United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal vs Hull City
Saturday | 3:00pm
Arsenal have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome Hull City to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners currently lead the standings with 24 points and could establish a six-point advantage with victory, at least until Manchester City play later in the day.
Mikel Arteta’s side arrive following a 1-0 win over Liverpool and a 2-1 Champions League victory against Slavia Prague. Viktor Gyökeres was particularly influential in the latter, scoring and providing an assist.
Arsenal have scored the opening goal in six of their last seven matches across all competitions, underlining their ability to establish control early.
However, Bukayo Saka is injured, while Max Dowman is suspended. Ezri Konsa and William Saliba are also being assessed.
Hull, currently 11th, have proved difficult to beat but have struggled to convert their performances into victories. Six of their last 10 matches have ended in draws after 90 minutes.
Mohamed Belloumi has emerged as their main attacking threat, recording three goals and two assists in 690 minutes. However, they will be without suspended midfielder Matt Crooks.
Hull have not won a league match since their opening two fixtures of the campaign. Against an Arsenal side chasing another statement victory, their task looks particularly challenging.
Our prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Hull City
Fulham vs Newcastle United
Saturday | 3:00pm
Newcastle United travel to Fulham under increasing pressure, with manager Matthias Jaissle facing questions following a disappointing run of results.
Four defeats in their last six matches have raised concerns, while their away form offers little encouragement. Newcastle have won just six of their last 23 away Premier League fixtures.
Their problems are compounded by the absence of Joelinton, who has picked up a fresh injury, and Jacob Ramsey, who is suspended.
Fulham, meanwhile, appear to be finding their rhythm under Álvaro Arbeloa. They have collected seven points from their last three matches, including a 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa.
Josh King has been a positive attacking presence, registering 10 shots on target in nine league appearances. Ryan Sessegnon is also available again following a three-match suspension.
Victory would see Fulham move above Newcastle in the standings, providing further motivation for the home side.
Although Fulham have been involved in relatively low-scoring matches, with fewer than three goals in six of their last eight league fixtures, their recent momentum makes them difficult to overlook.
Our prediction: Fulham 2-1 Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Saturday | 5:30pm
Manchester City travel to Nottingham Forest knowing that another defeat could significantly damage their title ambitions.
Pep Guardiola’s side remain second with 21 points but have surrendered top spot following consecutive defeats against Aston Villa and Brighton. A third successive league defeat would represent a major setback.
Their defensive record is becoming increasingly concerning. City have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven matches, although Antoine Semenyo is their only reported absentee.
Erling Haaland remains their biggest attacking weapon, with 14 goals across the Premier League and Champions League this season. The Norwegian has also registered 26 shots on target in 12 starts.
Forest, currently 19th, have struggled to find the back of the net, particularly at home. They have failed to score in five home matches this season despite producing encouraging shot and expected-goals numbers.
Swiss winger Dan Ndoye leads their scoring charts with two league goals, while striker Igor Jesus has returned to training.
Forest may find opportunities against a Manchester City defence that has looked vulnerable in recent weeks. However, their own inability to convert chances makes it difficult to see them taking advantage.
City should have enough quality to secure a much-needed victory.
Our prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City
Brighton vs Brentford
Sunday | 2:00pm GMT
Brighton have emerged as one of the most exciting sides in the Premier League this season, and their home performances have been particularly impressive.
Currently third with 19 points, Brighton have won all five of their home league matches, scoring at least three goals in every victory. Their results include a 3-0 win over Arsenal and a remarkable 5-0 victory against Crystal Palace.
They also arrive after recording victories over Manchester City and Getafe, although the demanding schedule could test their squad depth.
Manager Fabian Hürzeler rotated heavily during Thursday’s European fixture, while Stefanos Tzimas and Kaoru Mitoma remain unavailable.
Brentford sit sixth but have yet to win an away league match this season. Their injury concerns include Kaye Furo, Antoni Milambo, Rico Henry and Fabio Carvalho. Yehor Yarmoliuk, however, returns from suspension.
The Bees have shown a willingness to attack on their travels, with both teams scoring in six of their last seven away league fixtures.
Brighton’s home dominance makes them favourites, but Brentford’s attacking approach could ensure they have a say in the contest.
Our prediction: Brighton 2-1 Brentford
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool
Sunday | 2:00pm GMT
Liverpool travel to Selhurst Park looking to recover from a difficult run of results, while Crystal Palace will be hoping to capitalise on the visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Palace currently sit 18th and will be without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who begins a three-match suspension following the rejection of his appeal against a red card received against Tottenham.
Eddie Nketiah is expected to lead the attack, although Ismaïla Sarr is unlikely to feature.
There was some encouragement in midweek, as Daichi Kamada scored a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim. Palace’s home fixtures have also been entertaining, with more than 3.5 goals in four of their last six league matches at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool, meanwhile, occupy fifth position but have looked far from convincing defensively.
Defeats against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Premier League have exposed some familiar weaknesses. Their four Champions League matches this season have produced 24 goals.
Ryan Gravenberch remains a doubt, while Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Jérémie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined.
Liverpool possess enough attacking quality to take all three points, but their recent defensive performances suggest Palace could find opportunities.
Our prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool
Ipswich Town vs Bournemouth
Sunday | 2:00pm GMT
Bournemouth head into the weekend in impressive form, with Marco Rose’s side establishing themselves as one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking teams.
Their winning run has reached seven matches across competitions following a 3-1 comeback victory against Sparta Prague on Thursday.
Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan all made decisive contributions after coming off the bench, highlighting the attacking depth available to Rose.
Evanilson has now scored six goals in his last seven appearances, while Rayan has registered six shots on target across his last four league outings.
Rose made eight changes in Prague, meaning several first-team regulars should return for Sunday’s fixture. England midfielder Alex Scott could also be available again after recovering from a thigh problem.
Ipswich, currently 14th, have been competitive since returning to the top flight. They come into this match following a 2-2 draw against Hull City.
Both teams have scored in five of Ipswich’s last six league matches, while midfielder Saša Lukić is their only reported fitness concern.
The short turnaround following European action could present a challenge for Bournemouth, but their current form and squad depth make them favourites.
Our prediction: Ipswich Town 1-2 Bournemouth
Sunderland vs Chelsea
Sunday | 2:00pm GMT
Sunderland face another difficult afternoon as they welcome Chelsea to the Stadium of Light, with the pressure mounting on the Premier League’s bottom side.
They have collected just five points and managed only one victory in their last six matches across all competitions. Their recent 2-0 home defeat to Dinamo Zagreb will have done little to improve confidence.
Defensive injuries are a significant concern. Omar Alderete is suspended, while Dan Ballard, Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle are unavailable through injury.
Despite their league position, Sunderland have shown some resilience at home. Their first four league matches at the Stadium of Light produced just five goals, suggesting they could make life difficult for Chelsea.
The visitors arrive in fourth position following a 2-0 victory over Manchester United. However, their own injury concerns remain, with Reece James, João Pedro and Maxence Lacroix among those who missed the match.
Cole Palmer remains central to Chelsea’s creative ambitions, while Morgan Rogers has scored the opening goal in four of his last eight starts for the club.
Chelsea will be aware of Sunderland’s threat, particularly after losing 2-1 to them both home and away last season.
Nevertheless, with Sunderland’s defensive options depleted, the visitors should have enough quality to secure the points.
Our prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Sunday | 4:30pm GMT
Manchester United’s struggles continue to dominate the conversation, and Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa represents another important test for Michael Carrick.
United currently sit 17th with seven points and have not won a Premier League match since August.
Their 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma ended a nine-match winless run across all competitions. Matheus Cunha was the standout performer, scoring twice late in the game to complete a comeback after United had fallen 2-0 behind.
However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a major concern. United have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six matches.
Lisandro Martínez is suspended, while Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw and Benjamin Šeško are unavailable through injury.
Carrick will be desperate for a positive league result to ease the growing pressure surrounding his position.
Aston Villa, currently 10th, arrive with considerably more confidence. They have recorded impressive victories over Manchester City at home and Tottenham and Newcastle away.
Nicolas Jackson has also been in excellent form, scoring seven goals in his last eight appearances for Villa.
Unai Emery will have to manage several absences of his own. Matty Cash is suspended, while Amadou Onana and Matteo Ruggeri are injured. Villa’s midweek defeat to Barcelona could also affect their energy levels.
United will hope to draw inspiration from their European comeback, but their defensive instability remains difficult to ignore. Villa’s recent form and attacking threat give them the advantage.
Our prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Aston Villa
The Verdict: What to Watch Before the International Break
Gameweek 10 promises another important weekend in the Premier League, with significant implications at both ends of the table.
Arsenal have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the summit, while Manchester City desperately need a response after back-to-back defeats. The outcome of their respective fixtures could shape the title conversation heading into the international break.
Further down the table, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are running out of time to turn promising moments into valuable points. Manchester United also face a defining test as they attempt to translate their European comeback into improved domestic form.
Elsewhere, Bournemouth’s impressive winning streak, Brighton’s remarkable home record and Newcastle’s recent struggles provide additional talking points.
One thing is certain: the final round before the international break has plenty of potential to reshape the Premier League standings.
…Strictly the writer’s opinion
