The seventh round of the English Premier League kicks off today, October 17, with three days of action featuring several intriguing encounters.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Manchester City enter the latest round as the outright leaders, having won all six of their opening matches to collect a maximum of 18 points.
Enzo Maresca's side thrashed Liverpool 3-0 away from home in the previous round, maintaining a three-point advantage over reigning champions Arsenal. Brighton sit third with 13 points, followed by Brentford, Everton and Chelsea, who have all collected 10 points.
Two Saturday fixtures are attracting particular attention. Unbeaten Everton will host Chelsea, while surprise top-four contenders Brentford will attempt to capitalize on Liverpool's inconsistent form.
Everton vs. Chelsea
The seventh round opens with a clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The teams enter the encounter as neighbors in the standings, with Everton occupying fifth place and Chelsea sitting sixth.
Both sides have 10 points, although the Merseyside club hold the advantage thanks to a superior goal difference.
Under David Moyes, Everton have made an impressive start to the season, recording two victories and four draws. Their defensive performances have been particularly solid, with just five goals conceded in six matches.
In the previous round, the Toffees surrendered their lead against Hull City in a 2-2 draw, despite second-half goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry.
However, Everton have several injury concerns ahead of Chelsea's visit. Defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been struggling with a muscular problem, while Ukrainian international Vitaliy Mykolenko could return to action.
Summer signing Christian Norgaard is gradually recovering from injury but is not yet ready to start.
Chelsea, meanwhile, approach the match in confident mood following an emphatic 5-1 victory over Bournemouth.
Jordan Henderson was the standout performer, scoring twice and providing an assist. Joao Pedro also netted a brace, taking his Premier League tally to five goals this season.
Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso's team continue to struggle defensively. Chelsea have conceded 13 goals in six matches, despite scoring 15 themselves.
The visitors' biggest absentee is captain Reece James, who underwent knee surgery. According to Alonso, the defender will be sidelined for several weeks.
Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha are also unavailable for the trip to Liverpool.
Brentford vs. Liverpool
Another fascinating encounter will take place in London, where Brentford host Liverpool.
Few would have predicted before the season that the hosts would be ahead of their illustrious opponents in the standings after six rounds.
Keith Andrews' side occupy fourth place with 10 points, while Liverpool are ninth with nine.
Brentford remain one of only three unbeaten teams in the Premier League, having recorded two victories and four draws.
One of their most impressive results was a convincing 3-0 home victory over Chelsea. In their previous outing, the Bees shared the points with Aston Villa in a 2-2 draw.
Remarkably, Brentford have scored 12 goals in six matches, with nine different players finding the net. This variety of attacking options makes them particularly difficult opponents.
However, the hosts also face several selection problems.
Forward Kevin Schade and defender Yannick Schuster are doubtful after sustaining injuries against Aston Villa. Nathan Collins and Mikkel Damsgaard are continuing their recovery, while Josh Dasilva and Kaye Furo remain unavailable.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are experiencing a difficult period under Andoni Iraola.
The Reds have managed just two Premier League victories this season, alongside three draws and one defeat.
Their most painful setback came in the previous round, when Manchester City secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Anfield.
However, Liverpool responded impressively in midweek, defeating Austrian side LASK 6-3 in the UEFA Champions League.
French midfielder Bradley Barcola was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the Reds to victory.
Liverpool will now be hoping to reproduce that attacking performance in domestic competition, although injuries and suspensions could complicate their task.
Ryan Gravenberch will miss the Brentford match through suspension following his red card against Manchester City.
The availability of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai remains uncertain, while Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are still recovering from injuries.
The previous Premier League meeting between these sides in London adds another layer of intrigue.
In October 2025, Brentford defeated Liverpool 3-2 at home. The Bees will be looking to repeat that achievement, while Liverpool desperately need points to avoid falling further behind the league leaders.
Premier League Matchday 7 schedule (Baku time)
October 17
15:30. Everton vs. Chelsea
18:00. Brentford vs. Liverpool
18:00. Fulham vs. Hull City
18:00. Manchester City vs. Ipswich Town
20:30. Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa
October 18
17:00. Bournemouth vs. Sunderland
17:00. Brighton vs. Crystal Palace
17:00. Leeds United vs. Manchester United
19:30. Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
October 19
23:00. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Coventry City
Premier League standings before Matchday 7
1. Manchester City – 18
2. Arsenal – 15
3. Brighton – 13
4. Brentford – 10
5. Everton – 10
6. Chelsea – 10
7. Leeds United – 9
8. Hull City – 9
9. Liverpool – 9
10. Ipswich Town – 9
11. Newcastle United – 8
12. Crystal Palace – 7
13. Manchester United – 6
14. Coventry City – 6
15. Nottingham Forest – 5
16. Aston Villa – 5
17. Sunderland – 4
18. Bournemouth – 3
19. Tottenham Hotspur – 3
20. Fulham – 2
