The Dutch international picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Netherlands during the international break, which is a massive blow for the Black Cats as he bagged a hat-trick against Man City in his last domestic match. Dan Ballard was another casualty during the Nations League fixtures, so Regis Le Bris’ men look depleted. 

Meanwhile, Brighton beat Arsenal 3-0 at home just before the break, bagging their 16th goal of the season despite being just five matches in. They have been the most efficient side in the Premier League in the final third so far. The Seagulls also progressed past Man United in the EFL Cup, after winning 3-2 at Old Trafford, so they are a side full of confidence at the moment.

Despite their impressive start, cards have still been a consistent market to target for Brighton. They have landed this selection in six of their eight matches across all competitions, averaging 2.25 cards per game. The only misses came against Coventry and Tromso, but Brighton won those matches by an aggregate score of 9-0.

This should be a much more competitive fixture, particularly with Sunderland playing at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats have drawn at least two cards from their opponents in five of their seven matches across all competitions. They are unlikely to sit back and absorb pressure from Brighton this weekend - Sunderland will look to get on the ball and establish themselves on the ball, so Brighton should have enough defensive work to get through.

Charalampos Kostoulas has been another standout performer for Brighton this season, and he is averaging an impressive 4.42 shots per 90 across all competitions. The Greek international found the back of the net in each of his final three appearances before the break, landing this selection against both Arsenal and Man United.

Kostoulas has three goals and one assist to his name this season, and the 19-year-old has certainly not lacked confidence. After having a limited role under Fabian Hurzeler last season, Kostoulas has shown his quality so far, and he will hope to pick up where he left off just before the international break.

Nordi Mukiele averaged 0.88 shots per 90 across all competitions for Sunderland last season, with that figure rising significantly to 1.42 at the Stadium of Light. That trend has continued into the new campaign, as Mukiele has accumulated nine shots across five matches, with eight of those attempts coming on home turf.

When playing at right back, the Frenchman likes to push forward and join the attacks, while he is also a massive threat from corners and free-kicks due to his aerial ability. Brighton have been excellent this season, but they have at times shown a vulnerability at the back, having conceded twice against Man United, and four times against Chelsea. Both of those were away fixtures.

Pascal Gross has been a key reason behind Brighton’s excellent start to the season, and his performances earned him September’s Premier League Player of the Month award. The German international scored the opening goal against Arsenal, before then providing an assist for Chema Andres during the 3-0 victory over Arsenal.

Gross has also been a notable contributor to Brighton’s disciplinary record - he has picked up two yellow cards from the opening five league matches. He is averaging 1.60 fouls per 90 and has committed at least one infringement in every league match, including multiple fouls in three of those. Gross has shown a bit more of a willingness to jump into tackles this season, operating in the midfield double pivot.

Brighton have started the season in excellent form, but they still have one of the worst disciplinary records in the Premier League. In fact, they have picked up 12 yellow cards in five matches - only Hull, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have been carded more often than the Seagulls. Fabian Hurzeler wants his men to press strongly in midfield, making this a great matchup to target Enzo Le Fee. 

The Frenchman is averaging 2.38 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions this season, with that figure rising to 2.67 at the Stadium of Light. He has drawn 14 fouls across six competitive appearances, including five during Sunderland’s Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar. The Frenchman sees plenty of possession in Sunderland’s midfield and regularly carries the ball into congested areas. Brighton’s aggressive approach should give him opportunities to attract contact whenever he turns away from pressure.

John McGinn is averaging 2.99 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions this season, and he has been fouled multiple times in seven of his eight starts. Unai Emery has had McGinn starting on the right wing this season, and he usually stays wide to try and stretch the play. 

That should put McGinn directly up against Keane Lewis-Potter, as he has been operating at left-back for Brentford. The 24-year-old prefers playing further forward, so isn’t used to having as much of a defensive responsibility. He has committed nine fouls across his five Premier League starts, averaging 1.91 fouls per 90. This matchup against McGinn out wide looks optimal to target this market again.

Wesley Fofana will have to deal with Evanilson this weekend, and that is a matchup to keep an eye on. The Brazilian international likes to press aggressively from the front, and his foul numbers have increased significantly since Marco Rose took over as Bournemouth manager.

Evanilson averaged 0.88 fouls per 90 across all competitions last season, but that figure has risen to 1.81 this campaign. He has recorded multiple infringements in four of his six starts, including two fouls against both Man City and Liverpool, respectively. 

Meanwhile, Fofana has drawn exactly two fouls in each of his last three league starts, which shows how he can be adept at drawing contact, and alleviating some pressure on his side by getting free-kicks.

Omar Marmoush has started all five league games for Tottenham since arriving from Man City, operating either from the left or through the middle. If he returns to the wing at Old Trafford, he should find himself directly against Diogo Dalot.

Marmoush has drawn at least one foul in each of his last five Premier League starts, and he is averaging 1.88 fouls drawn per 90 for his new club.

The Egyptian is usually quite positive when he gets the ball, looking to turn and beat his man, which can make him a difficult player to contain. Dalot’s foul record has been inconsistent, but his numbers tend to increase when playing against a more direct winger. He committed three fouls against Man City before the international break, and two when facing Tottenham at Old Trafford last season.

It has been a mixed start for Ipswich, who have recorded two wins and three losses in their opening five Premier League matches. The Tractor Boys have looked a bit weak defensively at times, but they have been able to pose a danger in the final third, and Julio Enciso is a key reason for that. 

The Paraguay international has landed this selection in all five starts overall, including two fouls drawn against both Sunderland and Man United - Ipswich had an average of just 39% possession in those matches. Playing at Portman Road against a struggling Fulham side, Ipswich should be able to exert much more control on proceedings, which makes this price appeal.

Yasin Ayari is averaging 2.72 shots per 90 across all competitions this season, and that figure could rise further while Jack Hinshelwood remains out through injury. His absence has pushed Ayari into a more advanced midfield position, giving him more freedom to make runs into the box and look to get on the end of crosses.

The Swedish international landed this selection against Arsenal just before the break, recording two attempts during Brighton’s impressive 3-0 victory against the title-holders. He also scored for Sweden against Romania during the Nations League, so he should come into this full of confidence. Sunderland have won only one of their opening five league matches, making this a favourable matchup to target Ayari.

Reece James averaged 1.05 shots per 90 across all competitions for Chelsea last season, with that figure rising to 1.22 at Stamford Bridge. His attacking involvement has increased significantly under Xabi Alonso, who has pushed Reece James into midfield. The Englishman missed out against Brentford with a hamstring injury, but he should be fit to start this weekend. 

James is averaging 2.46 shots per 90 this season, and he has recorded multiple efforts at goal in all four starts. That includes three shots against Arsenal at the Emirates, despite that being a tough matchup for Chelsea. This clash against Bournemouth looks much better to target Reece James, as the Cherries are yet to win in the Premier League this season.

It has been a difficult start to life in the Premier League for Alvaro Arbeloa, as Fulham have only picked up two points from their opening five matches. They have scored five goals during that sequence, and Josh King has accounted for two of them.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a key player for Fulham in an advanced midfield position, and he has landed this selection in four of his five starts across all competitions. King has also recorded multiple shots in every Premier League start this term, which shows how involved he is in the final third. No player has recorded more shots on target than Josh King this campaign for Fulham.

The international break arrived at a good time for Man United, as they have failed to win any of their last three matches. Michael Carrick’s side will be desperate to bounce back strongly at Old Trafford, and this looks like the perfect matchup against a Tottenham team still searching for their first league victory. 

Bryan Mbeumo has been one of Man United’s most consistent players, as he has scored twice so far this campaign. The Cameroon international has also landed this selection in all five league starts, including three shots against Man City, and five efforts against Fulham. Mbeumo also scored against Spurs during Man United’s 2-0 victory at Old Trafford last season, so he should be looking forward to this matchup.

With three goals scored from six appearances in all competitions, no Brentford player has been more efficient in front of goal than Kevin Schade. The German international is averaging 2.38 shots per 90, and he has landed this selection in four of his five starts. Brentford have been excellent in the final third this season, and they are unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions. 

Meanwhile, Villa have only won one of their opening five matches, one of which was against Spurs who currently sit rock bottom of the league standings. They have looked vulnerable defensively, and Schade will hope to capitalise on that at Villa Park.