Premier League

Leaders Chelsea are expected to overcome the loss of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner in their top-versus-bottom battle against Norwich at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have posted back-to-back Premier League victories over Southampton and Brentford while Norwich remain winless and on just two points from their eight games.

Leicester are yet to follow up a midweek match with a weekend victory this season so look uneasy favourites when they make a tricky trip to Brentford on Sunday. Wednesday’s Europa League visit to Russia was their fourth midweek game with the others followed by a 2-1 defeat at Brighton and 2-2 draws with Burnley and Crystal Palace.

West Ham are shading favouritism as they welcome Tottenham to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon. With both teams taking part in European competition in midweek, who recovers best could decide this tie.

Wolves are enjoying a fine run of form under new manager Bruno Lage and will be determined to keep it going against Leeds at Elland Road. The Portuguese lost his first three league matches – which arguably belied impressive performances – but has turned it round to win four of the last five and their last three matches.

Claudio Ranieri’s return to English football proved to be a real baptism of fire as Watford were torn to shreds by a rampant Liverpool at Vicarage Road and they will hope to fare better against the blue half of Merseyside. Watford’s decision to dismiss Xisco Munoz and bring in the experienced Italian faces an immediate examination with Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester City all to play in the next six matches.

Newcastle’s long-term future looks healthy following the recent takeover but they have plenty of problems in the short term. The Magpies remain without a win this season and have the worst defensive record in the Premier League so it could be a long wait until the transfer window opens in January.

There was plenty of late drama in the previous matches involving Arsenal and Aston Villa and neutrals will hope for similar excitement on Friday night. The Gunners rescued a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace with a last-gasp equaliser while Villa threw away a two-goal lead in a 3-2 defeat against Wolves.

Southampton got the monkey off their back with a first league win of the season last weekend and will want to double their tally against still-winless Burnley. Summer arrival Armando Broja justified Ralph Hasenhuttl’s decision to leave Adam Armstrong on the bench with his first Premier League goal to secure a 1-0 victory over Leeds.

Manchester City are purring at present and are hot on the heels of Premier League leaders Chelsea ahead of this clash with Brighton at the Amex. The Citizens are worthy favourites for this trip to the south coast and will be full of confidence after thrashing Club Brugge 5-1 on Tuesday night.