Premier League Weekend Preview: Cunha Faces Wolves As Chukwueze Pushes For A Starting Role

‎As the Premier League heads into another action-packed weekend, several clubs find themselves at crucial crossroads.

‎Here is an in-depth look at the major talking points ahead of the fixtures.

‎Wolves Need Bite as Cunha Faces Former Club

‎This time last season, Southampton were leaking goals, conceding five to both Chelsea and Tottenham.

‎Now, Wolves hold the unwanted record of the division’s worst defensive side, with 29 goals conceded. Yet under Rob Edwards, they have become more competitive, even if results have remained poor.

‎Their attacking impotence is far more alarming. With just seven goals in 14 matches, Wolves have been timid in front of goal, lacking both thrust and confidence.

‎Monday’s meeting with Manchester United could deepen the crisis, but it also carries an intriguing subplot: Matheus Cunha returning to face his former club.

‎Cunha’s Wolves career may have been marred by occasional flashes of ill-discipline, but he brought a dynamism this current team desperately lacks.

‎He scored in this fixture last season, troubling United’s defence a threat Wolves have failed to replicate since his departure. If there was ever a moment when Wolves needed a spark, this is it.

‎Losing further ground could leave them more than 15 points from safety before Christmas.

‎Why Chukwueze Has Earned a Fulham Starting Spot

‎Fulham’s memories of hosting Crystal Palace last season are bitter, having lost twice at Craven Cottage. But this time, Marco Silva’s men have every reason to feel optimistic after their spirited fightback against Manchester City.

‎A big factor behind this revival is Samuel Chukwueze.

‎The Nigerian winger has repeatedly transformed matches from the bench. His inch-perfect cross secured a late winner against Sunderland, and his brace against City showcased his explosiveness and intelligence in the final third.

‎Fulham have momentum at home, and Silva may now feel compelled to reward Chukwueze with a starting place. The energy he brings could be decisive in a fixture that has historically punished slow starts.

‎Brighton Must Show Ruthlessness to Stay in the European Hunt

‎For half an hour against Aston Villa, Brighton looked like they had finally found their rhythm under Fabian Hürzeler. Intensity, control, and two early goals suggested a turning point.

‎But Villa’s fightback and Brighton’s defensive fragility resulted in their first home loss since April.

‎Hürzeler acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, insisting that 30 minutes of brilliance is not enough. With West Ham visiting the Amex on Sunday, ruthlessness will be essential.

‎David Moyes’s side proved in midweek with a late goal at Old Trafford that they will punish any team that fails to take its chances. Brighton’s pursuit of European football depends on cutting out the small mistakes that have repeatedly cost them big moments.

‎Should Arne Slot Play Isak and Ekitike Together?

‎Liverpool’s midweek struggles against Sunderland highlighted deeper concerns within Arne Slot’s system. Even the introduction of Mohamed Salah could not inject the needed spark.

‎Opponents are no longer intimidated by the champions, and Leeds’ victory over Chelsea will only heighten their confidence as the Reds travel to Elland Road.

‎Slot may consider a tactical shake-up, and starting both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike could offer something different. Ekitike’s ability to drift wide and cut inside complements Isak’s presence through the middle.

‎That combination could give Leeds’ defence problems and offer the unpredictability Liverpool have been missing in recent weeks.

‎Wissa’s Long-Awaited Newcastle Debut Could cause a Tactical Shift

‎A familiar managerial reunion awaits at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle face Scott Parker’s Burnley. Howe may finally welcome summer signing Yoane Wissa back into the squad, months after a knee injury delayed his debut.

‎With DR Congo not selecting him for AFCON, Newcastle will have him fully available during a critical period.

‎Wissa’s arrival may prompt a new tactical approach. Nick Woltemade could move into a deeper No. 10 role, creating space for Wissa’s pace and directness.

‎Burnley, already struggling, would prefer not to face a fresh attacking threat especially if Sandro Tonali also returns to strengthen Newcastle’s midfield.

‎Van de Ven’s Pace Will Be Crucial Against Thiago

‎Tottenham’s decision to rest Micky van de Ven for the draw at Newcastle raises suspicion that Thomas Frank was protecting him for a bigger challenge: Brentford’s lethal striker Igor Thiago.

‎With 11 league goals, second only to Erling Haaland, Thiago brings raw speed and power that few centre-backs can match.

‎Van de Ven, one of the quickest defenders in Europe, may be the only Spurs player capable of neutralising the threat. With a Champions League match against Slavia Prague looming, Frank appears to have prioritised the Brentford clash, aware of the damage Thiago can inflict if given space.

‎Can Manchester City Stop the Chaos at the Back?

‎Manchester City remain unstoppable in attack, scoring 32 league goals already, but their defensive issues resurfaced in a wild 5-4 win over Fulham. Pep Guardiola will not have enjoyed the chaos, but City still boasts a respectable defensive record overall.

‎Sunderland, however, arrives with one of the league’s strongest defensive units, having conceded only 14 goals. Their disciplined 1-1 draw with Liverpool reinforced their resilience.

‎Saturday’s meeting will be a sharp tactical contrast: City’s relentless attack against a Sunderland side that is compact, organised, and confident.

‎Sean Dyche Returns to Everton Deserving Appreciation

‎Sean Dyche’s Everton exit feels distant, but it came less than a year ago with the club one point above the relegation zone.

‎His spell ended after a poor run of form, yet the challenges he faced were immense: two points deductions for financial breaches predating his arrival, absentee ownership, takeover uncertainty, limited transfer funds, and the threat of administration.

‎Everton’s recent win at Bournemouth under David Moyes has turned the mood around, but Dyche’s role in keeping the club alive through turbulence cannot be ignored.

‎When he walks into the fully completed Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time on Saturday with in-form Nottingham Forest, he deserves recognition, not resentment.

‎Bournemouth Look to Ünal for Fresh Attacking Inspiration

‎Bournemouth’s attack looks drained, with only one point collected from their last five games. Andoni Iraola attempted to rotate his forwards against Everton, but the experiment backfired as Junior Kroupi’s form dipped and Evanilson’s struggles continued.

‎Enes Ünal may now be ready for his first start in nearly a year. After two cruciate ligament injuries, the former Manchester City forward scored within a minute of coming on against West Ham, offering a glimpse of renewed sharpness.

‎Saturday’s match against Chelsea could be the ideal moment to restore confidence in the frontline, even if Ünal plays only the first half before fresher legs take over.

‎Arsenal Aim to Make a Title Statement at Villa Park

‎Arsenal’s memories of facing Aston Villa are uneasy ones squandered leads, halted winning streaks, and title-race damage. Yet they arrive at Villa Park this weekend as league leaders with a five-point cushion at the top.

‎With Villa losing only once since August, this is a stern examination of Arsenal’s champion credentials.

‎A win on Saturday would not only extend their lead but send a resounding message: this may finally be the season Mikel Arteta’s side finishes the job.