Our talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring Rob Edwards’ first game as Wolves manager and Arsenal issues ahead of the North London derby.
Rob Edwards makes Wolves bow
Winless Wolves host Crystal Palace this weekend, under new management. Rob Edwards has returned to his former side as head coach, departing a promotion push at Middlesbrough for a relegation battle at Molineux.
Wolves remain without a win after 11 games and are already eight points from safety. With next month’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament also set to take multiple members of the squad, Edwards needs points on the board and quickly. Palace is a tough test, but the home crowd could spur his struggling side on.
This weekend will be Rob Edwards’ first game managing Wolves in the Premier League.
His first home win as Luton manager in the competition came against Crystal Palace in 2023-24, in the first match after the November international break. 👀 #WWFC | #Wolves pic.twitter.com/Tj4SUtp23D
— Talking Wolves (@TalkingWolves) November 20, 2025
Isak must step up for Liverpool
Defeat at Manchester City before the international break saw Liverpool slump to eighth in the table, with the champions’ title defence in real danger. At the Etihad, Arne Slot opted against using the returning Alexander Isak, recently back from a groin issue.
The Swedish striker has endured a difficult start at Liverpool, with the absence of a pre-season campaign and niggling groin problem restricting his impact. He has scored just once in eight appearances, a disappointing return for a player who cost a British record £125m in the summer.
Hugo Ekitike has impressed in his stead, but Isak was signed to be the main man at Anfield. He netted 20+ goals in each of the last two seasons and really needs to get his Liverpool career off the ground. A winnable run of fixtures could be the ideal chance.
Will Manchester City pass the St James’ acid test?
Manchester City have climbed into the title conversation with a 3-0 destruction of Liverpool, underlining their credentials.
It seems odd that a side that has won six of the last eight titles has been overlooked this season, but much of the focus has been on Arsenal’s impressive surge to top spot and Liverpool’s faltering title defence.
Pep Guardiola’s side face an acid test this weekend with a trip to face Newcastle at St James’ Park. City have won just one of their last four visits to the venue in all competitions, with the Magpies traditionally strong on home soil.
Our last ten goals at St James’ Park 🤩🙌 pic.twitter.com/D95WxMiOPE
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 20, 2025
Saturday’s showdown may just be the ideal barometer of City’s championship credentials. Both Liverpool and Arsenal overcame adversity to win at Newcastle earlier in the campaign.
Leeds look in trouble
Leeds host Aston Villa this weekend, aiming to address an alarming slide in form. Four defeats in five games have left Leeds looking over their shoulder, just a point above the relegation places.
Goals have been an issue, with only winless Wolves having netted fewer than their 10 this season. Striker signings Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have combined for just three goals, while centre-back Joe Rodon is the club’s joint-leading Premier League scorer (2).
Daniel Farke will be pleased to see his side outside the relegation places as things stand, while their current point-per-game average would have been enough for survival in each of the last three seasons, if maintained until May. However, the visit of in-form Villa starts a torrid run of games that sees Leeds face Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in consecutive games before December arrives.
How will Arsenal cope without Gabriel?
Mikel Arteta’s worst fears were confirmed in the international break with an injury to an indispensable name. Gabriel picked up an issue while on duty with Brazil that could sideline the centre-back into the new year.
The 27-year-old has been arguably the Premier League’s most influential player this season, crucial to Arsenal’s league-best defensive record and threat from set pieces.
🚨Gabriel is set to miss 1–2 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙨 after picking up an injury on international duty. 🤕🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/vBjSAvuzBc
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) November 18, 2025
He’ll be a huge miss, but fortunately, the Gunners strengthened their depth in the summer. This will be a real chance – and test – for either Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapie.
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