Premier League Match Preview: Sept. 16-18 Fixtures and Key Statistics

 Premier League Match Preview: Sept. 16-18 Fixtures and Key Statistics

Premier League Match Preview(Image-Getty)

Here's a detailed and plagiarism-free rewrite of the match-by-match facts and statistics for the upcoming Premier League fixtures from Sept. 16-18:

Saturday, Sept. 16

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool 

Liverpool enters the match unbeaten in their last 15 league games. Interestingly, they've seen a player sent off in consecutive league matches for the first time since March and April 2015.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool's new midfield signing, showcased his talent with his debut goal for the team in their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa just before the international break. Furthermore, vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold secured his first assist of the season during that match at Anfield.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have struggled historically against Liverpool, having lost 14 of their 18 league encounters with the team, with only two matches ending in draws.

West Ham United vs. Manchester City 

Pep Guardiola returns to the touchline for Manchester City as they face David Moyes' West Ham, who currently sit fourth in the standings, just two points behind the league leaders City. Guardiola had missed two games due to back surgery.

James Ward-Prowse of West Ham has made a significant impact, becoming the first player in the team to either score or assist a goal in his first three league appearances. West Ham's 10 points in their opening four games of the season ties their joint-highest tally since 1999-2000.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sheffield United 

Tottenham's new captain, Son Heung-min, exhibited his prowess with a stunning fourth league hat-trick in their recent match against Burnley. Spurs, currently in second place, aim to achieve their best start to a league season since 1965 under the guidance of new manager Ange Postecoglou.

This season marks a unique occurrence in the English top-flight, with four teams (Everton, Sheffield United, Luton Town, and Burnley) all losing their opening three games of the campaign.

Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion 

Manchester United anticipates debuts from midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and defender Sergio Reguilon at Old Trafford. Additionally, 20-year-old forward Rasmus Hojlund is in contention to start after a cameo appearance at Arsenal earlier in the month.

Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri may get a chance in the absence of Antony, who faces assault allegations. Meanwhile, Brighton's 18-year-old striker Evan Ferguson, who recently secured his first league hat-trick against Newcastle United, is uncertain due to injury.

Fulham vs. Luton Town 

This matchup marks the first league meeting between Fulham and promoted Luton since the 1959-60 campaign. Luton aims to avoid becoming the second team to suffer four consecutive losses in their debut top-flight season, following Swindon Town in 1993-94.

Fulham boasts a strong record at home against promoted sides, having won three and drawn four of their last eight matches. Their only loss in this regard came at the hands of Leeds United in March 2021.

Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace 

Aston Villa's momentum was halted with a 3-0 loss to Liverpool before the international break. They look forward to the return of Alex Moreno following the defender's injury last season. Crystal Palace has struggled at Villa Park, securing just two wins in their last 16 league matches there.

Newcastle United vs. Brentford 

Newcastle's new signing, Sandro Tonali, faces an injury doubt after missing Italy's Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine. Eddie Howe's Newcastle, after a 20-year absence, qualified for the Champions League but has faced a challenging start to the season, losing three of their first four league matches.

On the other hand, Thomas Frank's Brentford has been impressive, with only one defeat in their last 11 league matches, a 1-0 loss to Liverpool in May.

Sunday, Sept. 17

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea 

Chelsea's record-signing Moises Caicedo found himself in an unusual position, giving away a penalty on his top-flight debut for the team in a 3-1 loss to West Ham last month. Chelsea aims to improve their record, with just two wins in their last 16 league games.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino faces the challenge of ending his 13-game winless streak in away league matches, a run that dates back to February 2019 with his former club, Spurs.

Everton vs. Arsenal 

Arsenal carries the momentum from a 3-1 home win over league rivals Manchester United. Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure opened their campaign with a goal against Sheffield United. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make a return after a facial injury sustained last month, providing a much-needed boost to manager Sean Dyche as Everton aims to climb from 18th place.

Monday, Sept. 18

Nottingham Forest vs. Burnley 

Nottingham Forest, bolstered by seven new signings on transfer deadline day, will miss promising Wales striker Brennan Johnson, who moved to Spurs earlier in the month. Forest relies on new signing Anthony Elanga, who joined from United and has already made an impact with a goal and an assist.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany seeks to shore up his defense after conceding 11 goals in their first three matches since their promotion to the Premier League.