The fifth round of the English Premier League is under way after Brentford and Chelsea opened the weekend's action on Friday.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Brentford claimed an emphatic 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho. Still unbeaten in the league, Brentford moved up to third place with nine points.
Saturday's programme is highlighted by Brighton's home clash with reigning champions Arsenal, while on Sunday, fast-starting Leeds will look to build on their impressive opening to the season when they host struggling Crystal Palace.
Brighton vs Arsenal
Arsenal enter Matchweek 5 as Premier League leaders. The London side have won all four of their matches, collecting 12 points and staying ahead of Manchester City, who also have 12, on goal difference. Mikel Arteta's team have conceded just once, the best defensive record in the league.
However, the trip to the Amex Stadium promises to provide a serious test.
Brighton have also made an impressive start and sit sixth with seven points. Fabian Hurzeler's side have been particularly effective going forward, scoring 13 goals in four matches – the highest total in the Premier League. The Seagulls thrashed Coventry 5-0 in their previous league outing.
Brighton nevertheless have a lengthy injury list. Evan Ferguson, Mats Wieffer, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Stefanos Tzimas are ruled out. Femi Azeez, Michael Svoboda and Jaouen Hadjam remain doubtful. Hurzeler said ahead of the match that his squad had suffered no new injuries.
Arsenal also have fitness concerns. William Saliba will definitely miss the game, while Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
The head-to-head record adds another layer of intrigue. Brighton are without a victory in their last six Premier League home meetings with Arsenal, recording two draws and four defeats.
However, with the Seagulls entering the weekend as the league's highest-scoring side, Arsenal's perfect start faces one of its toughest tests yet.
Leeds vs Crystal Palace
Leeds have been one of the early surprises of the Premier League season.
Daniel Farke's side remain unbeaten after four matches, collecting eight points from two wins and two draws. They sit fourth in the table ahead of the remainder of Matchweek 5.
Leeds produced an emphatic performance in their previous league match, beating Newcastle 4-1 at home, and will now look to maintain their momentum against a Crystal Palace side struggling for consistency.
Palace have collected only three points from their opening four matches and sit 16th. The Eagles have one win and three defeats and have already conceded 11 goals. They suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Ipswich in their previous Premier League outing.
Their European campaign, however, provided a welcome boost in midweek. Crystal Palace opened the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing 4-0 victory over Polish side Lech Poznan. Yeremy Pino, Chris Richards, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah were on target.
Palace will travel to Leeds with several absentees. Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Chadi Riad are unavailable through injury, while Axel Disasi is suspended.
Leeds will be without Joe Rodon, while Harry Wilson has suffered a quadriceps injury. Ilia Gruev, however, is available again.
Premier League Matchweek 5 schedule, Baku time:
September 18
23:00 Brentford vs Chelsea – 3-0
September 19
15:30 Tottenham vs Aston Villa
18:00 Brighton vs Arsenal
18:00 Everton vs Ipswich
18:00 Newcastle vs Hull City
20:30 Nottingham Forest vs Coventry
September 20
17:00 Bournemouth vs Liverpool
17:00 Leeds vs Crystal Palace
17:00 Manchester City vs Sunderland
19:30 Fulham vs Manchester United
Premier League table ahead of Saturday's matches:
1. Arsenal – 12
2. Manchester City – 12
3. Brentford – 9
4. Leeds – 8
5. Hull City – 8
6. Brighton – 7
7. Chelsea – 7
8. Liverpool – 6
9. Everton – 6
10. Ipswich – 6
11. Nottingham Forest – 5
12. Newcastle – 5
13. Manchester United – 4
14. Sunderland – 4
15. Bournemouth – 3
16. Crystal Palace – 3
17. Tottenham – 2
18. Fulham – 1
19. Aston Villa – 1
20. Coventry – 0
