From The Horse's Mouth - Mark Van Deventer

Soccer fanatics are debating whether any significant patterns have emerged in the EPL after only four rounds of matches. It is perhaps a tad too soon to jump to dogmatic conclusions, but some indicators are already flashing.

Both Tottenham and Aston Villa are yet to win and look wobbly. Villa may get underway soon, whilst Spur’s De Zerbi is tweaking his lineup in search of optimal combinations, but his systems are complicated and will take time to integrate. This could go either way…

Leeds has impressed, building on their strong finish last term and creating a formidable fortress at Elland Road. They are a major set piece threat and generally play direct football where each dedicated player knows the specific job they have been set.

For those reasons they are big favorites to see off flakey, Crystal Palace (lost three of four games). The visitors might also be worn out after a stern Europa League test on Thursday night against Lech Poznan.

Brighton are looking sharp – they achieved a fine Cup result midweek versus Manchester United. The excellent signings made suggest they could contend for a top six position.

Whether they can stand up to the formidable Arsenal, is another matter entirely. The defending champs are busy compiling another stellar record for 2026/27 and remain extremely difficult to topple with results and performances underpinned by top-class metrics in all key categories.

The Brentford and Chelsea game should be fascinating. The well-drilled home side poses a threat at the Community Stadium against a side that has been fragile defensively. Chelsea seems sure to score goals (they are dangerous going forward) but need to watch out for Brentford’s sucker-punching them on the counter.

Hull has made a brilliant start for a newly promoted team that many wrote off even before they’d kicked a ball. Canny Croatian Sergei Jakirovic was deservedly recognized as Manager of the Month. Whilst tactically savvy, he believes in keeping things simple, a clear approach which has served his highly motivated team well. Remarkably, Hull sit fourth on the log.

Opponents, Newcastle, have stayed true to former manager Eddie Howe’s style. New boss, Matthias Jaissle likes to defend deep in a low block, combined with high intensity pressing. This should be a compelling spectacle at St James’ Park.

Manchester City, whilst sporting good defensive numbers, are not quite in full flow just yet. They tangle with Sunderland who have not fallen off as anticipated after last season’s over-performance. Instead, they’ve held their own but a hard fought 1-0 Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday night does stretch them physically, in what is already a daunting fixture.

Tough to beat, Everton could edge it when challenging Ipswich Town. David Moyes’ side is solid defensively and can punish Gary O Neill’s outfit who are employing an all-out attacking style of open football but are vulnerable to swift counter strikes.

Andoni Iraola returns to his former stamping ground of Bournemouth, this time as Liverpool’s new guv’nor. The Reds are struggling to click – they seem slightly out of balance in midfield and their forwards presently lack conviction.

Bournemouth should give it a spirited go. Their recent record has been spoilt by conceding late goals so they cannot afford to switch off again in the concluding stages.

Manchester United have been unconvincing thus far but will try to capitalize on Fulham’s frailty at the back. That said, Fulham were a bit better in that respect versus Liverpool (a no score draw) and typically play dominant possession-based soccer which sees plenty of chances being created. This will be a great watch!

Nottingham Forest were touted as possible dark horses under the wily and inspirational, Oliver Glassner and they are showing early signs of harassing the top sides. They appeal as bankers versus over-matched Coventry who already seem like wooden-spoon candidates with a negative goal difference of -10.

The Goal Guru awaits MatchWeek 5 with great interest. 

Good luck and enjoy the soccer!!