Noel Sliney
BBC Sport

With 26 goals in their five matches, Chelsea have been anything but dull – not that manager Xabi Alonso would mind that.

"We want to have better balance, to be more solid, to be able to win in a boring game as well," he reflected after his side came from 2-0 down in midweek to beat Leeds 6-3 in an EFL Cup tie.

That result was indicative of Chelsea’s breathless start to the season, including needing three and four goals respectively to beat Fulham and Brighton. The glut of goals scored – 16 so far by Chelsea players – have masked defensive deficiencies.

Chelsea are conceding an average of two goals per game in all competitions this season, with only Ipswich facing more shots on target in the Premier League than Chelsea’s 21.

The lack of clean sheets is a longer-term issue; the Blues have gone 19 league matches without one, the joint-third longest run in the club’s history.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Xabi Alonso left his pre-game news conference in a subdued mood and wanting to conduct a "deeper analysis".

That was despite Chelsea producing an impressive comeback to beat Leeds United 6-3 at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

It came after Alonso made four changes at half-time, introducing Cole Palmer, who scored twice, and Morgan Rogers, who provided four assists.

There are now questions over whether the Blues' fringe players are close to the level of the club's established stars after a poor first-half display.

However, the broader picture remains positive at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea scoring 16 goals and conceding 10 in the opening five matches of Alonso's tenure.

It is clear the Spaniard is still implementing his system and Chelsea have at times lacked control in possession. Most importantly, though, he has won four of his first five matches in charge.

Chelsea appear to be an improvement on last season's side, although there is still significant room for refinement.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino made headlines this week when he claimed the Blues should be stripped of the 2016-17 Premier League title.

Pochettino was managing Spurs, who finished second that season, then - and thinks they should be awarded the title.

Chelsea were fined £10.75m in March after being charged by the Premier League for historical breaches of competition rules.

The club also had a six-point deduction "set aside" on appeal.

Pochettino, who managed Chelsea in 2023-24, said: "We [Spurs] should win one title, one Premier League. We should have been awarded it.

"[Chelsea] were punished, they admitted, so that's it? The title should be for the team that was second.

"It's true that we didn't compete with the same rules. It's completely fair to say that we didn't compete before the start of the season with the same card."

Read more here about the arguments either way.

I have happy memories of this fixture because one of my three goals for Chelsea came against Hull, in the FA Cup.

Hull haven't conceded yet and they are the team I have been most wrong about so far this season.

With every passing week, they are putting more egg on my face [see the table based on Sutton's predictions at the bottom of the page] but it can't keep happening, can it?

It probably can, but I am still going for Chelsea to win this. The Tigers have defended brilliantly so far, but they are not going to keep out Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.

Hull will defend ferociously but, as Chelsea showed in the Carabao Cup against Leeds on Wednesday, they have enough quality to play through teams who sit in; and, if they score first, then Hull will have to open up - that's my theory anyway.

The only thing I was unsure about was whether Hull would score too. Chelsea still seem to be a bit chaotic with the way they defend, and they have leaked a few goals, but I have given them a clean sheet. They need one.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0

It's been a tough start to life as Bournemouth manager for Marco Rose.

The Cherries have led in all three of their Premier League games so far this season and failed to win any of them (D2 L1), becoming the second side in the competition’s history to do so after Chelsea in 1992-93.

No side has ever done so in their opening four matches of a campaign before.

A record Rose's side won't be chasing.

Image source, Getty Images

Bournemouth have never beaten Brentford in eight Premier League meetings (D3 L5). They’re the only side the Cherries have faced without yet winning in the competition, while it’s the most the Bees have faced an opponent without losing.

Overall, they are unbeaten in 11 league meetings with Bournemouth (W8 D3) since a 1-0 Championship defeat in August 2014.

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

The Cherries have led in all three of their league games this season, yet failed to win any of them.

Two points from three matches so far probably isn't a fair reflection on how Marco Rose's side have played, but they have developed a habit of crumbling late on in games. Four of the five goals they have conceded have been after the 84th minute, with two of those coming in stoppage time.

In contrast, all of the four league goals scored by Bournemouth have come in the first half. Against Newcastle last weekend, they had 13 shots in the first half, with five on target; after the break, they had four shots, none of which were on target.

"In the second half, we dropped a bit in everything," admitted head coach Rose after Bournemouth were pegged back from 2-0 up by an 88th-minute equaliser.

They started to put that right in midweek, with three second-half goals from a much rotated line-up giving them a 4-0 League Cup win over Lincoln City, which was Rose's first competitive win in charge.

But now Bournemouth need to transfer that to the Premier League, where they have lost seven points from winning positions this season, more than any other team – and 29 since the start of 2025-26, the joint-highest in the division.

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport

Brentford are unbeaten this season but have also been struggling to kill off games in the league, having let a lead slip in their past two top-flight matches.

The Bees have drawn nine of their past 13 Premier League games (W2, L2), and have amassed 11 draws in 2026 - second only to Bournemouth, who have drawn 12.

The latest concession of a lead came last weekend when Sunderland grabbed a draw through an Enzo le Fee penalty in the 82nd minute.

Giving away penalties has also been something of an Achilles heel for Brentford in recent times. They have conceded more than any other Premier League side since the beginning of last season, with six goals coming from the nine spot-kicks they have given up.

On the flip side, they have earned more than any other side in that time, but they are the only team in this Premier League campaign to miss a penalty – that happened in the opening match of the season when Igor Thiago hit the post with his against Tottenham.

Former Bournemouth defender Joe Partington believes Eli Junior Kroupi has received "rightful recognition" after being nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or young talent of the year award.

The 20-year-old, who is sidelined with a broken foot, scored 13 goals in 35 appearances last season.

Partington said on BBC Radio Solent's Cherries Unpicked podcast: "We've had some exceptionally talented young players at this football club, but never one who has been involved in this.

"He did perform exceptionally well last season. Bournemouth really are missing him at the moment, there is a big hole in the team. They are missing him being a slight maverick, being a bit more creative and being able to take risks.

"Bournemouth feel a bit safe in their playing style at the moment, and he is a bums-off-seats kind of player. When he gets the ball in and around the box, people expect him to beat the goalkeeper or hit the target.

"It is rightful recognition for him to be included in those top 10 best young players in the word. Will he win the award? I would say the likelihood is probably not, but it is great confirmation Bournemouth's recruitment team continue to hit the mark.

"Hopefully he is able to overcome this foot injury now and recapture the form that put him in this position in the first place."

To say Bournemouth keep on throwing it away is a bit harsh, but they have been ahead in all three of their league games so far and have not won any of them.

Will they see this one through? I am not sure, but I like the way Cherries boss Marco Rose talks when he has been interviewed after games. He is a bright guy and he will get things right.

I was spot on with my prediction for Brentford's 1-1 draw with Sunderland last week, but the Bees were actually lucky to get a point in the end.

Brentford will play on the counter-attack here and Bournemouth will have a go at them, so this smells like a draw to me.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport

While Forest haven’t beaten Aston Villa away since 1994 and are winless after their opening three Premier League matches for the first time, Oliver Glasner might view this as the ideal fixture to bring his first victory in charge.

Glasner is kryptonite to Villa and Unai Emery, with the Austrian unbeaten in all seven meetings and with an aggregate scoreline of 19-4 in his favour – all while at Crystal Palace.

That sequence includes two victories at Villa Park during a 41-match home spell in which the Birmingham side were otherwise unbeaten.

Glasner has only ever enjoyed one longer unbeaten run against a manager, and he’s never fared better versus a counterpart without ever losing. Similarly, it’s the longest streak Emery has ever endured against another manager without winning.

The wing-back system that Glasner implemented at Palace and now Forest stretches Aston Villa’s narrow set-up, while quick and willing runners on the counter-attack leave Emery’s side vulnerable defensively.

Forest are not fully firing yet under Glasner but the Austrian has expressed his satisfaction with the club’s dealings in the summer transfer window as he configures the squad to his blueprint.

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Villa’s slow start to the current campaign has prompted comparisons with the previous one, when they didn’t score until their fifth league game but then ground out a hard-earned European victory against limited opponents.

That sparked a remarkable run of 17 wins in 19 matches. The difference this season is that, aside from the abysmal opening defeat by Brighton, Villa are at least showing an identity they lacked during the early malaise of 2025-26.

Their defensive structure has been swiftly remedied by Unai Emery, while a gradual improvement in the team’s attacking play was accelerated against Brugge on Tuesday night.

Expensive summer signings Ibrahim Mbaye and Ballon d’Or Young Talent of the Year nominee Johan Manzambi are still to come into the side too – both could make their debuts on Saturday as Villa seek to avoid becoming the first team in English league history to go goalless in their opening four games in successive seasons.

The Villans are on a run of six successive Premier League home wins against Nottingham Forest and dismantled the visitors 4-0 to reach the Europa League final when the sides last met four months ago. However, six of Villa’s starting XI that night, and nine of the 16 players used, are no longer at the club.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter at Villa Park

Oliver Glasner has had a hold over Unai Emery since he arrived in England in February 2024.

In seven games against Glasner's Crystal Palace Emery's Aston Villa managed zero wins.

That includes the Eagles' 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory last year, en route to Glasner lifting the trophy, and 5-0 and 4-1 wins at Selhurst Park.

Palace won 3-0 at Villa Park last season and Glasner is aiming for a repeat with Forest this afternoon.

Yet you have to go back to 1994 for Forest's last win at Villa Park and they were hammered 4-0 in the Europa League semi-final second leg in May.

Former Nottingham Forest winger Paul Anderson says Oliver Glasner "has the personnel" for his wing-back system but thinks it will take time to fully click.

"I've been coaching for over five years now and I love the formation," he told BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast.

"It allows you to outnumber an opposition team anywhere on the pitch.

"You've got to have the personnel to play it, though. You've got to have intelligent players that can drop in and work off each other, and your wing-backs have to be fit.

"Nottingham Forest have very strong centre-backs at the minute.

"There is always going to be a question mark over Murillo's fitness, but if he is fit and at 100% then this formation suits him perfectly. The same goes for Nikola Milenkovic - it is perfect for him.

"It also suits the midfield. It is a formation which is going to allow Morgan Gibbs-White and James McAtee more space in there.

"So they definitely have players in the squad who can do a job in this formation, it is just going to take time to come together."

This is a hard one to start with because, while Aston Villa still haven't won or scored in the Premier League, they got a good win over Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Nicolas Jackson got off the mark in that game and, although his finishing can be erratic, he's the kind of player who will mature and get better every season. I think he will do well for them.

Forest are also yet to win. I know there was controversy over Neco Williams' disallowed goal in their draw against Spurs last time out but I do think they got the decision right in the end.

This is going to be close and I am tempted to go for another Forest draw, but Villa are obviously going to score in the Premier League at some point so I'll be brave and say they will edge it.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the rest of Sutton's predictions against Dorking's Marc White here.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter at Villa Park

Ross Barkley returns for Aston Villa in their only change to face Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder is back in for the suspended Joao Gomes, who serves the final game of his three-match ban, following the midweek Champions League win at Club Brugge.

Summer buy Johan Manzambi is on the bench for the first time after shaking off a knee injury.

Aston Villa XI: Suzuki, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen, Barkley, Kamara, McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings, Jackson.

Subs: Bizot, Mings, Ruggeri, Garnacho, Abraham, Mbaye, Bogarde, Manzambi, Alysson

Daniel Munoz is given his full Nottingham Forest debut as Oliver Glasner makes two changes.

Nikola Milenkovic and Jair Cunha drop out of the squad, although both made the trip to Villa Park.

Ousmane Diomande makes his first Premier League start for the visitors.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Aina, Diomande, Murillo, Munoz, McAtee, Schlager, Williams, Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Delap.

Subs: John; Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Domínguez, Wood, Igor Jesus, Kalimuendo, Yates, Netz.

Pierre Sage makes three changes to the starting XI that defeated Fulham last weekend.

Dean Henderson drops out of the squad and Walter Benitez starts in goal. In front of him, Honest Ahanor replaces Jaydee Canvot in the Eagles' back three.

Jorgen Strand Larsen leads the line at Selhurst Park, replacing Eddie Nketiah.

Crystal Palace starting XI: Benítez, Khalaili, Richards, Disasi, Ahanor, Mitchell, Wharton, Timber, Pino, Kamada, Strand Larsen

Subs: Matthews, Tomiyasu, Mingueza, Doucoure, Lerma, Chilwell, Hughes, Gozo, McNeil

Gary O'Neil makes 1 change to the starting XI that lost 2-0 to Liverpool, with Jack Clarke coming in to replace Daizen Maeda.

At an average age of 26 years and 54 days, it is the youngest side that the Tractor Boys have fielded in the Premier League so far this season.

Ipswich starting XI: Scherpen, O'Shea, Diop, Greaves, Davis, Palacios, Lukic, Fatawu, Enciso, Clarke, Emersonn

Subs: Walton, Kipre, Ouattara, Florentino, Nunez, Philogene, Maeda, Akpom, Flemming

Aadam Patel
Football Reporter at Anfield

Kostas Tsimikas, Ryan Gravenberch and Victor Munoz come in as Andoni Iraola makes three Liverpool changes from the side that started against Atletico Madrid.

Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Rio Ngumoha make way while Cody Gakpo is back in the squad after missing out on Wednesday. There's also a first Premier League start for Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool: Alisson; Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Munoz, Wirtz, Barcola, Isak.

Substitutes: Mamardashvili, Endo, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gakpo, Frimpong, Nyoni, Koumas, Ngumoha.

Alvaro Arbeloa makes two changes for Fulham with David Affengruber coming in for his Fulham debut in place of Joachim Andersen and Sander Berge replaces Exequiel Palacios.

Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson: Berge, Charles, King, Bobb, Gonzalo, Iwobi.

Substitutes: Lecomte, Tete, Andersen, Larsson, Manuel Angel, Smith Rowe, Palacios, Kevin, Muniz.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Chelsea have dropped Maxence Lacroix to the bench for the first time this season, with Malo Gusto named in a reshuffled back line.

It is one of nine changes from the side that beat Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup in midweek, although Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Reece James all came on at half-time.

It is not yet clear whether Chelsea will operate with a back three or a back four.

Chelsea XI: Martinez, Fofana, Colwill, Hato, Neto, James, Lavia, Gusto, Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro

Subs: Penders, Acheampong, Chavarria, Lacroix, Barco, Quenda, Estevao, Gittens, Welbeck

Hull make eight changes from their 1-0 midweek cup defeat at Sunderland.

It's the same line up that drew last weekend at home to Aston Villa with just Matt Crooks starting instead of Lucas Gourna-Douath in midfield.

Sorba Thomas, who suffered a car crash yesterday near the training ground, is name among the substitutes having come away from the accident unscathed.

Hull City XI: Tzolakis, Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Mendy, Giles, Balloumi, Slater, Crooks, Stroud, McBurnie

Subs: Phillips, Target, Norton-Cuffy, Herrington, Gourna-Douath, Iroegbunam, Thomas, Vaz, Cho

Bournemouth manager Marco Rose names an unchanged starting line-up from the 2-2 draw at Newcastle last Saturday.

The German made eight changes for a 4-0 win against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup but Ryan Christie, who scored a hat-trick in the midweek cup fixture, remains on the bench.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Hill, Scott, Evanilson, Adams, Silva, Smith, Tavernier, Kluivert, Rayan.

Subs: Di Gregorio, Cook, Soler, Brooks, Christie, Gannon-Doak, Diakite, Toth, Rodriguez.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews makes four changes from the 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

Jannik Schuster, Aaron Hickey, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Jaidon Anthony come into his starting line-up to replace Michael Kayode, Dango Ouattara, Mikel Damsgaard and injured Nathan Collins.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Hickey, Yarmoliuk, Schade, Thiago, Sangare, Anthony, Ajer, Lewis-Potter, Janelt, Schuster.

Subs: Valdimarsson, Henry, Ouattara, Wilson, Carvalho, Damsgaard, Diouf, Kayode, Nunes.