Premier League Matchday 4 Preview

The early weeks of the 2025-26 Premier League season have already delivered fireworks. There has been a glut of big transfers, managerial tweaks, and the first glimmers of form, both promising and concerning. As Matchday 4 looms, clubs are no longer feeling each other out. Momentum is beginning to matter, and every result feels more consequential.

Isak, Transfers and Newcastle’s Reboot

One of the headline stories of the transfer window was Alexander Isak’s high-profile departure from Newcastle to Liverpool. The move, completed for a British record fee, ended months of speculation. Isak was not only Newcastle's top scorer through 2024-25, but a talismanic figure whose presence shaped how opponents defended and how his own side built attacks.

His exit was a blow, but Newcastle did not leave themselves without options. They invested heavily to bring in new forwards: Nick Woltemade, from Stuttgart, and Yoane Wissa, from Brentford. Woltemade is young, tall, and seen as a striker who can lead the line but also link play; Wissa brings more Premier League–seasoned experience and robustness. Both players will share the pressure of replacing Isak’s goal haul, but also offer stylistic variation.

Going into Matchday 4, Newcastle is in transition—hoping the new front-line and wider squad additions stabilize their season after such a seismic change up top. How they perform in upcoming fixtures could define whether they’re still challengers or rebuilding.

Fixtures to Keep an Eye On

Manchester City vs. Manchester United

The Manchester Derby always demands attention, and this edition is no exception. Liverpool’s big spending has made headlines, but City remain the standard for dominance—both in possession and in ruthlessness. Erling Haaland has been sharp, turning chances into goals, and City will rely on him to exploit any defensive cracks United present. United, meanwhile, have moments of quality but need coherence. Can they counterattack well? Will their defensive structure hold under sustained pressure? This match sets the tone for both clubs' ambitions: one trying to affirm dominance, the other trying to reclaim ground.

Arsenal vs. Nottingham Forest

Arsenal have shown signs of settling into their attacking rhythm—the kind that demands respect. Forest, conversely, have looked vulnerable at the back, particularly away from home. Arteta will want efficiency here: goals from his forwards, support from midfield, and minimal defensive errors. Forest may attempt a counterattack strategy, but Arsenal’s control of the ball and dominance in territory make them the favourites. It’s the kind of fixture where possession and defensive discipline should tell.

Newcastle vs. Wolves

For Newcastle, this is more than just three points—it’s about proving that the new signings can carry the load Isak left behind. Wolves have struggled to score early in the season and tend to be more dangerous in quick transitions than in sustained attacks. Newcastle will try to assert themselves offensively, but they will also want to avoid being caught out on the break. If Woltemade and Wissa can make an impact—pressing, scoring, moving intelligently—then Newcastle could make this home game count.

West Ham vs. Tottenham

London derbies bring energy, passion, and often unexpected outcomes. West Ham arrive with attacking flair—particularly from Lucas Paquetá, whose influence has been growing—and a willingness to attack from midfield. Tottenham have so many attacking options themselves but remain vulnerable on defensive transitions and set pieces. This match might not be won by outrageous talent but by consistency, edge, and which team makes fewer mistakes. It could easily be end-to-end, with goals at both ends.

Brentford vs. Chelsea

This fixture promises tactical drama. Chelsea possesses tools for clever attack: good movement, strong midfielders, creative attackers. But they haven’t always been clinical. Brentford, meanwhile, have earned respect for being tough to break down and dangerous when space opens up, especially on the flanks or via set pieces. Will Chelsea’s possession translate into goals? Can Brentford withstand the pressure and punish mistakes? The answer to those questions could decide whether this fixture is a tight thriller or a comfortable win for the visitors.

Players to Watch

The summer has shifted many narratives. Some players are under new pressures; others are stepping into the spotlight.

Erling Haaland remains one of those players you simply can’t ignore. He has already shown he can convert chances efficiently, and in tight games like a derby, that can be decisive. Jack Grealish is impacting matches via his creativity and assists. Against teams that sit deep or rely on their defence, his vision and delivery may unlock tight defences. For Chelsea, João Pedro’s movement and finishing will be essential, especially when opponents look to frustrate.

Lucas Paquetá brings unpredictability and technical quality. In the derby vs Tottenham, his ability to drift into pockets of space and link up attack could swing momentum. Then there are Newcastle’s new men: Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade. Replacing Isak is no small task. Expectations will be high, and they need early returns—not just in goals, but in movement, linking play, and relieving pressure on Newcastle’s midfield and defense.

Tactical Undercurrents and What Might Tip the Balance

Teams are no longer hiding their intentions. Some recurring themes are already defining the season.

First, the battle between pressing aggressively and controlling possession. Champions like City will look to dominate the ball; others will try to disrupt them early. How teams like West Ham or Arsenal manage to control space and force turnovers could be decisive.

Second, set pieces, both in attack and defense, are already playing a larger role than many expect. With defenses still vulnerable and many new players still settling, a free kick or corner could decide a tight game.

Third, efficiency in front of goal. The difference between converting a chance and broadly creating them has already separated teams. Strikers who are sharp will be under spotlight; underperforming forwards may face criticism.

Finally, the effect of squad rotation. The international break has just passed; some players will be carrying fatigue or minor knocks. Depth will matter. Clubs that managed their transfer business well, acquiring reinforcements, are likely to have better options off the bench.

How Matchday 4 Could Define the Season

Matchday 4 feels like a pivot point. After three games, teams have shown who they are likely to be—but there is still room for correction. For many, it’s about finding rhythm; for others, it’s about proving that the summer changes were the right ones. Could Isak’s departure haunt Newcastle, or will Wissa and Woltemade step up? Will Manchester United find resilience, or will City continue quietly asserting their dominance? Can mid-table teams use this match week to build confidence?