What to expect from Week 4 games of the English Premier League

The much enjoyed international breaks have come and gone until next month, till then we would the little problem of finally identifying who are the real contenders for the 2025/26 English Premier league season

It all starts with week 4 games with an early kick-off between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest and ends with the Manchester derby on Sunday setting the tone for midweek games of the UEFA Champions League

Title Contenders

The Gunners would want to shake off the disappointment of the Day 3 lose to Liverpool and bounce back with a win against the team from the East Midlands who are on a managerial bounce since Nuno Espirito Sancto was sacked and replaced with former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, should be a difficult game for both sides but I expect the Gunners to edge it Verdict:(2-1)

Liverpool go away to Burnley and it would be the perfect exhibition for British record signing from Newcastle Aleksandr Isak, defensive lapse persists for Arne Slot’s men so Verdict:(1-3)

It is the 4th London derby in a row for Chelsea, from which the Blues have gotten 7points their best start to the season in years, despite losing manager Thomas Frank and star players Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa the Bees would definitely put up a good fight against the World Champions, but eventually I expect the possible return Cole Palmer and impact of Joao Pedro to drive the Blues to a win Verdict:(0-2)

Manchester Derby

Ahead of the 197th game between the Red and the Blue side of Manchester in all competitions; United winning 80, City 61 and the remaining 55 have been drawn. I expect Pep Guardiola and his side to get the first win over their eternal rivals since the 2023/24 season, the last 4 encounters have seen the Old Trafford giants win 2 and draw 2 with the Citizens yet to get a win in those games. Verdict: (3-1)

Super Eagles Watch:

New boys Christantus Uche would be looking to settle in quick for Crystal Palace when they take on newly promoted high fliers Sunderland, the Eagles under Oliver Glasner have proven that they can punch above their weight against the big teams, but the Jury still is out on how they behave against the other teams in the league Verdict: (1-0)

Tolu Arokodare would be looking to continue the fine form that saw him get a goal for the Super Eagles of Nigeria against Rwanda when his new team travel to a Newcastle still hurting from the loss of top striker Aleksandr Isak to Liverpool. The Toons sit 17th on the table without a win this season and would be hoping new signings Wissa and Woltemade kick start their season after a dull start to a campaign that would see them play in the UEFA Champions league. Verdict: (3-2)

Fulham have officially become the darling team of all Nigerians with the signing of Chukwueze Samuel the 3rd Nigerian in their ranks take on newly promoted Leeds who are without a win since their 1-0 Day1 victory over Everton, the Cottages on the other hand got a 2-0 win over Brentford sandwiched with a draw against Manchester United on the first day and a 2-0 loss to Chelsea last time out. Verdict: (2-0)

Other Fixtures

Bournemouth vs Brighton (2-2)

Everton vs Aston Villa (2-1)

West Ham vs Tottenham (2-3)