Premier League Weekend: 10 Key Things to Watch This Week 2026

The Premier League weekend is here, and with it comes a packed slate of storylines that will shape the season. From Nottingham Forest's early struggles to Aston Villa's new-look side hosting Manchester City, there's plenty to keep an eye on. Here are 10 key things to watch this weekend.

Glasner Needs to Fix Forest, Fast

After seven games, Nottingham Forest's record is eerily similar to last season: five points, five goals scored. A year ago, Forest's eighth game was a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea that marked the end for Ange Postecoglou, the second of four managers to occupy the dugout last term. There is no suggestion that Oliver Glasner is under similar scrutiny yet, but the Austrian needs to find solutions for the league's lowest scorers.

Morgan Gibbs-White is available after missing the narrow defeat by Arsenal, while Liam Delap may benefit from a return to familiar surroundings – 12 of his 14 career Premier League goals were scored for Ipswich, six of them at Portman Road. "What we need to improve is getting [Delap] into more positions where he can score," Glasner said before Friday evening's game. "He's one of our best finishers."

Ipswich's Shared Scoring Load

Gary O'Neil also lacks a standout scorer, but he is squeezing goals out of his side. Eight different Ipswich players have scored in seven games; only Brighton and Brentford can better that total this season. That spread of goals makes Ipswich unpredictable and harder to defend against.

New-Look Villa Host Maresca's Defiant City

It was five months ago but it feels a lot longer. When these two sides met in May to finish the season, the contest doubled as Pep Guardiola's leaving party after 10 years in the job and twice as many trophies, an era now laden with uncertainty. Villa have reshuffled their squad, while City, under new management, have shown defiance in the face of change.

Key Takeaways for the Weekend

• Nottingham Forest's slow start puts pressure on Oliver Glasner to find goals.
• Ipswich's spread of scorers makes them a tricky opponent.
• Aston Villa vs Manchester City is a clash of transition and tradition.
• Keep an eye on Liam Delap's return to Ipswich – he thrives at Portman Road.
• Eight different Ipswich players have scored – a testament to Gary O'Neil's system.

Weekend Fixtures and Stats

What to Watch: Tactical Trends

This weekend, tactics will be under the microscope. Glasner must find a way to get Delap into scoring positions, while O'Neil's rotating cast of scorers at Ipswich shows the value of a collective attacking approach. Villa's new signings will be tested against City's resilient setup.

FAQ

As the weekend unfolds, keep an eye on these narratives. For a broader look at the season, check out our Premier League 2025-26: 10 Things to Look Out For This Season. And if you're planning your viewing, our Premier League Weekend: 10 Key Things to Watch has you covered.

For insights into the matches ahead, don't miss our Premier League Weekend Preview: Key Matches and Predictions. And for a lighter take on the league's future, Manchester City's Doomsday Future: A Look at Non-League Football offers a intriguing perspective.

If you're missing the action during international breaks, our guide on Premier League Withdrawal: Surviving the International Break might help. And for the latest on Manchester City's off-field battles, see Manchester City Guilty: Premier League Verdict Explained.