The English Premier League returns following the international break, setting the stage for a weekend full of high-octane clashes, dramatic storylines, and tactical intrigue. From much-anticipated player reunions to marquee manager showdowns, Matchweek 8 promises to capture the imagination of football fans everywhere. Read on for a comprehensive preview of the upcoming fixtures, projected starting lineups, and match insights.
Chelsea vs Leicester City: Kante Faces Former Side in London Showdown
This weekend sees defending champions Leicester City travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, as N’Golo Kante prepares for an emotional reunion with his old club. Leicester have shown quality in European competition but struggled against top Premier League opponents, with heavy defeats highlighting their difficulty replacing midfield powerhouse Kante. Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed by the speed of Jamie Vardy, but the attacking duo of Diego Costa and Victor Moses are expected to prove decisive for the hosts.
Predicted Lineups:
| Chelsea (3-4-3) | Leicester City (4-4-2) |
|---|---|
| Courtois; Cahill, Terry, Luiz; Alonso, Kante, Matic, Azpilicueta; Moses, Costa, Hazard | Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez, Amartey, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Slimani, Vardy |
Victor Moses steps in for Willian, while John Terry returns in Conte’s preferred back three. Leicester maintain faith in Amartey alongside Drinkwater amid midfield challenges.
Manchester City vs Everton: Attack Takes Center Stage at the Etihad
Manchester City welcome Everton in a match brimming with attacking talent. City’s forwards, including Sergio Aguero and the creative David Silva, will look to outscore their opponents, though defensive frailties remain. Everton’s hopes are pinned on Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie, whose pace and power could pose problems for the home side.
Predicted Lineups:
| Manchester City (4-1-4-1) | Everton (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| Bravo; Zabaleta, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernandinho; Nolito, Gundogan, Silva, Sterling; Aguero | Stekelenburg; Coleman, Jagielka, Williams, Baines; Cleverley, Gueye, Barry; Barkley, Lukaku, Bolasie |
Raheem Sterling is likely to start despite fitness concerns, while Tom Cleverley returns for Everton and Barkley continues in attack.
Stoke City vs Sunderland: Battle of the Winless Sides
Stoke and Sunderland, both yet to secure a victory this season, face off in a crucial fixture. After promising displays during the international break, Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri are expected to be key to Stoke’s search for their first three points. Sunderland’s injured ranks put extra pressure on senior figures like Jermain Defoe.
Predicted Lineups:
| Stoke City (4-2-3-1) | Sunderland (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Grant; Bardsley, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Imbula, Cameron; Arnautovic, Allen, Shaqiri; Bony | Pickford; Manquillo, Kone, Djilobodji, Van Aanholt; Ndong, Rodwell; Watmore, Gooch, Khazri; Defoe |
Adnan Januzaj is sidelined; Wahbi Khazri is expected to feature, while Lee Grant retains his place in Stoke’s goal.
West Bromwich Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs Aim to Continue Dominant Run
West Brom have improved with Nacer Chadli’s arrival but now face an in-form Tottenham side. Spurs’ defensive solidity and attacking proficiency, with Heung-Min Son, Dele Alli, and Erik Lamela all firing, make them favorites to take all three points on the road.
Predicted Lineups:
| West Brom (4-2-3-1) | Tottenham Hotspur (4-1-4-1) |
|---|---|
| Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Galloway; Fletcher, Yacob; Phillips, Chadli, McClean; Rondon | Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Wanyama; Sissoko, Eriksen, Alli, Lamela; Son |
Chadli faces his former club, while Son stands in for the injured Kane up front.
Arsenal vs Swansea City: Bradley’s Debut at the Emirates
Arsenal host Swansea, who have had Wenger’s number in previous encounters, but enter this match in strong form. With star attackers performing well, the Gunners are confident of asserting their dominance, though new Swansea manager Bob Bradley will be eager to make an impact.
Predicted Lineups:
| Arsenal (4-2-3-1) | Swansea City (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Cazorla, Xhaka; Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi; Sanchez | Fabianski; Naughton, Van der Hoorn, Amat, Taylor; Fer, Cork, Ki; Routledge, Sigurdsson, Baston |
Monreal is buoyed by his international form, and Swansea may return Neil Taylor to the XI under Bradley.
Bournemouth vs Hull City: Cherries Look to Capitalize at Home
Hull’s promising start has waned, and new permanent manager Mike Phelan faces a stern test against a Bournemouth side with a strong home record. The hosts’ solid defense is expected to hold firm, while Callum Wilson and Joshua King lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups:
| Bournemouth (4-2-3-1) | Hull City (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| Boruc; Smith, Francis, S. Cook, Daniels; Arter, Surman; Stanislas, Wilshere, King; Wilson | Marshall; Elmohamady, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Clucas, Huddlestone, Mason; Snodgrass, Mbokani, Diomande |
Elmohamady re-enters Hull’s lineup after suspension, while Wilshere continues in an advanced role for Bournemouth.
Crystal Palace vs West Ham United: London Derby Promises Goals
A high-scoring affair is on the cards as Crystal Palace face a struggling West Ham side affected by injuries. Wilfried Zaha’s form could prove crucial, while West Ham hope Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio can offset defensive woes.
Predicted Lineups:
| Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1) | West Ham United (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| Mandanda; Ward, Tomkins, Delaney, Kelly; Ledley, McArthur; Townsend, Puncheon, Zaha; Benteke | Adrian; Arbeloa, Reid, Collins, Ogbonna; Noble, Obiang, Kouyate; Antonio, Zaza, Payet |
Palace continue to reshuffle at the back, while West Ham are forced to adapt with multiple defenders sidelined.
Middlesbrough vs Watford: Hornets Aim to Capitalize on Boro’s Struggles
Middlesbrough’s sluggish form contrasts with an impressive Watford side led by Troy Deeney. With Isaac Success and Etienne Capoue providing additional firepower, Watford are well-placed to secure three away points.
Predicted Lineups:
| Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1) | Watford (4-3-3) |
|---|---|
| Valdes; Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Forshaw, de Roon; Downing, Ramirez, Stuani; Negredo | Gomes; Zuniga, Prodl, Kaboul, Holebas; Pereyra, Behrami, Capoue; Amrabat, Deeney, Ighalo |
Zuniga fills in at right-back for Watford, while Middlesbrough continue to search for chemistry in attack.
Southampton vs Burnley: Saints Seek Consistency at St Mary’s
Claude Puel’s Southampton are steadily finding their rhythm after a slow start, and with Charlie Austin and Dusan Tadic in form, they’ll look to overwhelm a Burnley side that typically struggles on their travels.
Predicted Lineups:
| Southampton (4-3-1-2) | Burnley (4-5-1) |
|---|---|
| Forster; Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Targett; Hojbjerg, Romeu, Davis; Tadic; Austin, Redmond | Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Gudmundsson, Hendrick, Marney, Defour, Boyd; Vokes |
Targett is likely to cover at left-back for the injured Bertrand, while Burnley rely on Defour’s creativity.
Liverpool vs Manchester United: Premier Clash at Anfield
The headline fixture of the weekend pitches Jurgen Klopp’s energetic Liverpool against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. Liverpool’s dynamic attack, featuring Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Philippe Coutinho, faces a United defense that has lacked consistency. Both managers have a storied history, adding spice to this north-west derby.
Predicted Lineups:
| Liverpool (4-3-3) | Manchester United (4-2-3-1) |
|---|---|
| Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Can, Henderson, Lallana; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho | De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind; Herrera, Pogba; Lingard, Mata, Rashford; Ibrahimovic |
Emre Can may receive his first start this season due to midfield injuries. United stick with De Gea and retain Rashford and Lingard in the attacking third, with Luke Shaw still sidelined.
Premier League Matchweek 8: Final Thoughts
As the weekend approaches, anticipation is at its peak with mouth-watering battles and intriguing tactical questions awaiting answers. Will Kante’s presence dismantle his former side? Can Liverpool continue their irresistible form against a Mourinho-led United? Share your predictions and thoughts on all the weekend’s fixtures in the comments below!
