Fabian Hürzeler highlighted Joël Veltman as one of the Premier League's most underrated players as Brighton gear up to face bottom-placed Southampton on Friday. 'He knows what it takes to win games,' Hürzeler said about the Dutch defender, who has started in all but one of Brighton's league matches this season. Veltman, who spent eight years at Ajax before joining Brighton in 2020 for £900,000, is 11 months older than his manager and his experience has been crucial in the absence of captain Lewis Dunk due to injury. He is expected to return against Russell Martin's side as Brighton aim for their fourth clean sheet of the season and a chance to move into second place in the table before the weekend's fixtures.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, without any prior association with Nottingham Forest, could be a popular choice at the King Power Stadium. All indications suggest that his first match in charge of Leicester might be at the Gtech Community Stadium. During his interim stint at Manchester United, Van Nistelrooy showed great enthusiasm for the role and brings trophy-winning experience to Leicester, having won the Dutch Cup in his sole season at PSV Eindhoven. His tactical flexibility and preference for quick, attacking play with defensive solidity could quickly win over fans who were dissatisfied with Steve Cooper's defensive approach. His strategy against the team with the best home record in the top flight will be fascinating to watch.
Despite improved performances, Oliver Glasner is concerned that Crystal Palace have yet to secure wins. The Austrian manager is hoping that Eberechi Eze can return against Newcastle after a hamstring injury that has kept him out since the EFL Cup win over Aston Villa last month. Adam Wharton is also nearing a return, which is crucial for a challenging run of fixtures that includes matches against Ipswich, Brighton, Manchester City, and Arsenal. A repeat of April's 2-0 win over Newcastle at Selhurst Park, courtesy of two goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, would ease the nerves in south London. Ismaïla Sarr is likely to start for a fourth consecutive match after scoring his first Premier League goal against Villa last week.
Nottingham Forest, having suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season, welcome Ipswich to the City Ground and hope to regain their defensive form. After conceding only seven goals in their first 10 matches, Nuno Espírito Santo's side has let in six in their last two games. Liam Delap poses a significant threat, and Forest's central defensive duo of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic will need to be at their best. In Chris Wood, Forest have a formidable striker of their own, and with both center-forwards in good form, this could be a classic clash of the big men.
Wolves' top-flight matches have seen 48 goals this season, more than any other team, but Gary O'Neil is more focused on his side's recent entertaining performances. Wolves have scored six goals in their last two matches, with Matheus Cunha contributing half of them. However, their defensive record remains a concern, with only one clean sheet in the league. With Santiago Bueno and Craig Dawson returning to fitness, Wolves are looking more promising ahead of their match against Bournemouth.
At West Ham, there was not unanimous agreement over the decision to sign Carlos Soler on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. Julen Lopetegui wanted the Spanish midfielder, but others were not as convinced. Some in the recruitment department preferred Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea. Yet, Lopetegui's choice seems to be paying off, as Soler impressed in West Ham's win over Newcastle. Lopetegui will hope that Soler's resurgence continues against Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca faces a balancing act at Chelsea. Enzo Fernández has been in and out of the team, but the midfielder has five assists in three games, easing concerns about his future at Stamford Bridge. Managing the squad's egos is a challenge for Maresca, with João Félix, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Jadon Sancho all vying for playing time. Maresca has a wealth of attacking options, but keeping everyone happy will be crucial.
In his third game as Manchester United's manager, Ruben Amorim hopes to see clear signs of his playing philosophy taking hold. Creating more chances is paramount for United, who have struggled in front of goal. Sean Dyche's pragmatic Everton, only five points behind the hosts, will be a suitable test. Dyche will aim to exploit United's weaknesses at Old Trafford, making this a compelling match to watch.
Tottenham have won six and lost five of their 12 Premier League matches this season, with their only draw coming against Leicester. Guglielmo Vicario's fractured ankle has left a void, and Fraser Forster is expected to deputize. Ange Postecoglou has dismissed concerns about Forster's ability to play a short-passing style, emphasizing that it is more about mindset. This is Forster's chance to prove he can be mentally imposing as well.
Arne Slot has brought success to Liverpool, and one of his most significant achievements could be ending Manchester City's four-year hold on the Premier League title. The prospect of going 11 points clear of the champions with an 18th win in 20 matches under Slot makes this a highly anticipated and consequential moment for Liverpool. For City, the stakes are even higher, with five defeats in six games and a late collapse against Feyenoord. Without Rodri, they appear fragile, and Josko Gvardiol's error-prone performances add to Guardiola's problems. City must rediscover their resilience at Anfield, where Guardiola has never won in front of a crowd.
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