Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend | Premier League
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Gunners forget the fuss to get it right with White
The good news just keeps rolling in for Arsenal. They are closing in on agreeing a new deal with Ben White and it is the latest evidence of an efficient approach that avoids the kinds of muddle they have seen in the past when contracts run down. White’s deputy at right-back, Takehiro Tomiyasu, played superbly in the rout of Lens but the Englishman may return to the starting lineup for Wolves’ visit on Saturday. Mikel Arteta and Gary O’Neil, old adversaries in their playing days who have forged a firm mutual admiration as managers, may wish to discuss their respective VAR-related grievances if a spare moment presents itself. Wolves will hope to cause a surprise but Arsenal and White, their recent performances as clean and clinical as the club’s off-pitch dealings, hope for the kind of unfussy victory that has become a richly promising hallmark of late. Nick Ames
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Luton looking up but must get busy against Bees
Having claimed a first home win of the season in beating Crystal Palace and considering Everton’s plight, Luton’s chances of avoiding relegation have improved. But to enter the Christmas period out of the bottom three, Rob Edwards’ team may need to take points from their next three matches. Considering that Arsenal and Manchester City are the next visitors to Kenilworth Road, a result of some kind at Brentford would be helpful. Perhaps only Thomas Frank’s team match Luton for their energy output, and the GTech Stadium is all but guaranteed to host a full-blooded, physical battle. Brentford have the greater Premier League nous, though Ross Barkley’s ability to take on opponents and spread the play from midfield was crucial in beating Palace. Chiedozie Ogbene’s speed down either flank was Luton’s other main weapon last week. Brentford will offer two such players in Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to test Luton’s defence. John Brewin
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Burnley’s Blades date loaded with consequence
Something must give at Turf Moor, for the sake of Vincent Kompany and Paul Heckingbottom. Burnley have not won at home in the Premier League all season, or taken a single point, while Sheffield United have not won away. Collectively, two of the division’s bottom three clubs have won only two of 26 matches this term to underline the growing chasm between the top flight and the Championship. But while Kompany looks safe, even after the sickening defeat by West Ham last week that ensured Burnley equalled Newport County’s unwanted league record of seven successive home losses at the start of a season, criticism of his opposite number is growing among Blades supporters. A first away win may help Heckingbottom’s cause but, for both clubs, this fixture is loaded with consequence. Andy Hunter
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Cooper’s Forest future in question once again
Steve Cooper’s tenure at Nottingham Forest has been a…
Read More: Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend | Premier League 2023-12-01 00:02:00