Weekend preview
Several intriguing subplots head into the Premier League weekend, from tactical choices and selection calls to lingering concerns about finishing and defensive errors. Among the items flagged are Max Dowman possibly earning a chance, Tottenham’s need to strike the right balance at Stamford Bridge, and Axel Disasi facing a chance to make amends.
Forest’s familiar problems in front of goal
Nottingham Forest’s early-season numbers echo last year’s struggles: after seven matches they have accumulated five points and scored five goals. A year ago their eighth fixture, a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea, presaged the end of Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club and came during a season that saw Forest cycle through four managers. While there is no suggestion that current boss Oliver Glasner is under the same level of scrutiny, he has conceded that the team must find solutions to being the division’s lowest scorers.
Glasner confirmed Morgan Gibbs-White is available after missing the narrow loss to Arsenal, and suggested Liam Delap could benefit from returning to familiar surroundings. Delap’s Premier League record is heavily weighted towards his time with Ipswich — 12 of his 14 top-flight goals were scored there, 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’s game. “He’s one of our best finishers.”
Ipswich’s distributed attacking threat
Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil does not have a single standout scorer to call on, but his side have found goals from a variety of sources. Eight different Ipswich players have recorded goals in seven league matches; only Brighton and Brentford have a greater spread of scorers so far this season. That diversity has helped O’Neil squeeze results from his squad despite the absence of a prolific individual striker.
Other items to monitor
Beyond those club-level narratives there are a number of individual and tactical stories to follow. Max Dowman may be in line for playing time, Tottenham will look to find the right balance as they travel to Stamford Bridge, and Axel Disasi will have the opportunity to address recent errors that have drawn attention. Each of these subplots could influence results and momentum as the season progresses.
With so many small margins shaping matches early in the campaign, this weekend’s fixtures offer the latest chance for managers and players to settle questions about form, personnel and confidence.