Premier League action returns with Brentford hosting Aston Villa, Bournemouth welcoming Wolves, and Burnley clashing with Sunderland. All three matches promise intriguing battles as teams look to secure their first wins or build on early successes in the 2025/26 season.
Brentford vs. Aston Villa
Brentford will face Aston Villa at the Gtech Community Stadium, both desperate for a positive result. Brentford is aiming to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Aston Villa seeks to improve after a goalless draw against Newcastle United.
Brentford's team news includes the return of Mikkel Damsgaard, Ethan Pinnock and Yunus Emre Konak, who are all in contention for selection after recovering from various issues. Paris Maghoma is also available after recovering from a hamstring injury. New signing Dango Ouattara could make his debut. However, Vitaly Janelt remains sidelined following heel surgery. The Brentford XI includes Kelleher (GK), Kayode, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter, Yarmoliuk, Henderson, Damsgaard, Ouattara, Schade, and Thiago.
Aston Villa's Unai Emery has named his starting lineup, with Emiliano Martinez returning in goal after suspension. Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings will start together in the absence of the banned Ezri Konsa. Youri Tielemans is expected to play in the number 10 role, with Morgan Rogers and John McGinn wide. The Villa XI includes Martinez (GK), Cash, Mings, Pau, Digne, Onana, Kamara, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, and Watkins.
Historically, Brentford and Aston Villa have a close record. Out of 15 previous meetings, both teams have won four times, with seven draws. In those matches, Brentford has scored 21 goals, while Aston Villa has scored 23.
Bournemouth vs. Wolves
Bournemouth welcomes Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Vitality Stadium. Both teams are looking for their first points of the season after suffering defeats in their opening matches. Bournemouth put up a fight but lost 4-2 to Liverpool. Wolves were soundly defeated 4-0 by Manchester City.
Bournemouth will be without Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook in midfield, meaning Alex Scott and Tyler Adams will likely continue their partnership. Kluivert is also sidelined with a calf injury. Bournemouth's predicted lineup is Petrović, Smith, Senesi, Diakité, Truffert; Adams, Scott, Semenyo, Brooks, Tavernier; and Evanilson.
Jørgen Strand Larsen, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season for Celta Vigo, will be one to watch for Wolves.
The head-to-head record between Bournemouth and Wolves is very even. In 13 encounters, both teams have won five times, with three draws. Both teams have scored 14 goals in those matches.
Burnley vs. Sunderland
Burnley hosts Sunderland at Turf Moor. Both teams were promoted from the Championship last season. Burnley hopes to recover from a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, while Sunderland aims to build on their 3-0 victory over West Ham.
For Burnley, Axel Tuanzebe and Bashir Humphreys have returned to training, and Armando Broja could make his debut. Jordan Beyer, Connor Roberts, and Zeki Amdouni remain sidelined. Oliver Sonne and Josh Laurent drop out of the side to be replaced by Jacob Bruun Larsen and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Sunderland has doubts over the fitness of Nordi Mukiele. Leo Hjelde, Romaine Mundle, Luke O'Nien, Dennis Cirkin, and Aji Alese are all out. Jenson Seelt and Arthur Masuaku are both available.
Burnley and Sunderland have a long history, having played each other 121 times across all competitions. Sunderland has won 48 matches, Burnley has won 39, and there have been 34 draws.
