Manchester City head into their huge early-season clash against Arsenal this weekend off the back of four wins from four, while the Gunners sealed a 1-0 victory in the north London derby.
Elsewhere, Newcastle will be looking extend their unbeaten start and Liverpool will hope to bounce back from a shock 1-0 defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has claimed Kevin Schade is primed to fill the void in attack following Yoane Wissa’s injury.
“Kevin is in a good place. He’s getting into good positions and has been a little bit unlucky,” Frank said ahead of the trip to Tottenham.
“He hit the post against Southampton and Bryan (Mbeumo) scored – that was a good action.
“He had a fantastic run with the ball and finish against Leyton Orient (in midweek) which was saved by the keeper, and then Fabio Carvalho scored with a bicycle kick.
“So, he’s getting into those positions and doing a lot of good stuff for us. I think he can do more but I’m pleased with his progress.
“Both Kevin and Wissa are good at running in behind; Kevin is obviously quicker. Both are good in the air; I think Kevin is a little bit better.
“Wissa probably links the game a bit better; Kevin is a better pressing player. So there are different pros and cons.”
Frank also discussed the added goalscoring pressure on Bryan Mbeumo, following Ivan Toney’s transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
He added: “Bryan has been doing very well here for five seasons. Adding layers through those seasons
“Last season he was bang on for a top season then got a big injury. Hopefully, nothing will happen to him because he is important for us.
“He thrives on that responsibility. He was the penalty taker last year when [Ivan] Toney wasn’t playing, he is the set piece taker, he is the goalscorer and assist maker so there is a bit of responsibility on his shoulders.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was not present in training this afternoon and is now set to be sidelined against Bournemouth.
During his pre-match press conference this morning, Reds boss Arne Slot revealed the Brazilian was struggling with a muscle issue.
Alisson’s latest injury, believed to be a tight hamstring, continues an alarmingly poor fitness record for the 31-year-old.
Liverpool, who have already agreed a deal to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili next summer, blocked an exit for their current No.2 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher before the recent transfer deadline.
Part of the reasoning behind that is the frequency in which the Republic of Ireland stopper is needed to deputise for Alisson.
Having done so on 26 occasions last season, Kelleher will likely be between the sticks for the first time at club level tomorrow.
Should Alisson miss out, it would mark the 41st game he has been unavailable for due to injury or illness in the past five seasons.
That is by far and away the worst record among Premier League goalkeepers, who don’t usually pick up the frequency of muscle issues that plague outfielders.
The next-closest is Nick Pope, whose dislocated shoulder last season accounts for the bulk of the 34 games he’s missed for Burnley and Newcastle.
Robert Sanchez has been absent from two fewer matches with three injuries and one illness across Rochdale, Brighton and Chelsea stints.
