Casemiro's poor form puts pressure on Manuel Ugarte
After Casemiro's disastrous 45 minutes in the crushing defeat to Liverpool, Erik ten Hag looks set to hand new signing Manuel Ugarte his St Mary's debut.
In the second half of the defeat to Liverpool, Ten Hag was forced to bring on 18-year-old Toby Collyer to try to bring calm to Kobbie Mainoo. Before that, Casemiro had made two unforgivable mistakes, thereby helping Liverpool take a 2-0 lead.
Since the 2024 Copa America, Ugarte has returned to play for Uruguay, including the full 90 minutes against Venezuela. The former PSG midfielder has since returned to Man United to train.
With little time to adapt, it would be risky for Ten Hag to start Ugarte against Southampton. However, the Dutch strategist has no other choice.
The Man City machine is gradually rolling
After the first 3 matches of the Premier League 2024-2025, Manchester City won all 9 points, scored 9 goals and conceded 2. They defeated Chelsea, Ipswich and West Ham in a completely overwhelming match.
In the 2022-2023 season, Brentford is the rare team that can beat Man City right at the Etihad. However, Ivan Toney - who scored both goals for the "Beets" in that match, has now left the team.
In that context, Erling Haaland is in extremely impressive form this season with 7 goals in 3 matches. Therefore, the most practical goal for Brentford is probably just a draw.
Niclas Fullkrug to make West Ham debut?
West Ham enter the new season under new manager Julen Lopetegui. Defeats to Aston Villa and Man City were understandable, while victory at Selhurst Park was a good performance from The Hammers.
However, Lopetegui has yet to define West Ham's playing style. In particular, the Spanish strategist has yet to use Niclas Fullkrug - the £27 million new recruit from Dortmund. In that context, The Hammers' attack clearly still does not bring peace of mind after the opening 3 matches.
Therefore, Lopetegui will definitely need to give Fullkrug a chance, especially when Michail Antonio is having trouble with form. However, this will depend on the German striker's physical condition after the FIFA Days in September.
Highlights of the North London derby
In recent years, the North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal has always been dramatic with unpredictable results. And when the two teams meet in round 4 of the 2024-2025 Premier League, attention is even higher because of the playing kits.
Arsenal will have to play in their away kit in the upcoming derby, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) said, citing the Gunners' home kit as having a lot of white and this would cause visual confusion if Tottenham were to play in their traditional white shirt.
As a result, Mikel Arteta's side will take to the field in black. Arsenal proposed a combination of the home shirt with red shorts and socks, but this was not approved.
