Premier League news: Mejbri banned for spitting; Rodri’s return delayed

Aston Villa has experienced a remarkable turnaround in their season, achieving eight victories in nine Premier League matches, including a thrilling 4-3 comeback against Brighton. This resurgence is attributed to the tactical acumen of manager Unai Emery, who has instilled a winning mentality in the squad, positioning them as one of the league's top contenders.

Arsenal's Mikel Merino may retain his position as striker as the team prepares for upcoming matches, while Manchester City's Rodri remains unavailable due to injury. This situation follows a recent Premier League clash where West Ham managed a late equalizer against Manchester United, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.

Reports indicate that Cesc Fabregas is poised to take over as the head coach for either Barcelona or Manchester City, succeeding Hansi Flick or Pep Guardiola, respectively. This transition is anticipated to occur after his tenure with Como, suggesting a significant career shift for the former player.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews addressed the media ahead of the Premier League match against Tottenham, emphasizing the necessity of squad rotation after making five changes in their recent loss to Arsenal. He expressed confidence in making adjustments throughout the long season, indicating a strategic approach to player management.

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, has included Kobbie Mainoo in the matchday squad, countering claims of distrust in the club's academy despite Mainoo's limited playtime this season, with only one start in ten appearances. This inclusion occurred during a recent 1-1 draw against West Ham, where Mainoo remained an unused substitute.

Arne Slot, Liverpool's head coach, acknowledged that the team is not effectively utilizing Alexander Isak's strengths, which has hindered his performance since joining for £125 million. Despite scoring his first Premier League goal against West Ham, Isak struggled to make an impact in subsequent matches, including a disappointing outing against Sunderland.

Liverpool's defensive struggles continue as they prepare to face Leeds this weekend, following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their sixth loss in seven Premier League matches. Manager Arne Slot faces increasing scrutiny as he seeks to halt the team's alarming decline.

Manchester United's inability to maintain a lead resulted in a disappointing 1-1 draw against West Ham at Old Trafford, preventing them from breaking into the Premier League's top five. West Ham's resurgence under manager Nuno Espirito Santo continues as they move closer to safety in the league standings.