The weekend is here again, and so is the Premier League. Some clubs are desperate for points, others need to build on recent momentum. Here’s what we’re watching, and how we see it going.
Sunday’s Main Event: Liverpool vs Arsenal
There’s only one fixture on Sunday, but it’s a blockbuster: the champions against the side they dethroned. Arsenal head to Anfield, a ground that has given them nightmares in recent seasons.
The Gunners lost there last season, settled by a Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, yet still went on to lift the title after Liverpool’s unexpected collapse. So who steps up this time?
There’s a nice subplot on the touchline too. Andoni Iraola and Mikel Arteta go way back as friends, but for 90 minutes on Sunday, the friendship goes on pause.
Saturday: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Stamford Bridge hosts the pick of Saturday’s games. All eyes will be on Michael Carrick, who has been handed more games in charge at Old Trafford. Plenty of people thought the Bournemouth defeat would be his last stand, but the former Middlesbrough boss is proving very hard to shift.
Chelsea have their own wounds to lick. They lost at home to Tottenham last weekend, a game overshadowed by Cole Palmer’s moment of madness. It was a rare result, too: the Blues have spent years beating Spurs without breaking a sweat. How do they bounce back from that?
Xabi Alonso isn’t feeling the heat just yet, despite Wednesday’s League Cup exit on penalties to Liverpool. A win here would get the fans back onside. The bigger question is how much repair work a win could do for Carrick.
Manchester City vs Brighton
Another one for the neutrals. Brighton have been a thorn in everyone’s side this season, but they need to learn to close games out if they’re to keep up the pace.
City suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend and are now level on points with Arsenal at the top. Lose to the Seagulls, and Fabian Hürzeler’s side are right in the conversation. Enzo Maresca needs his team to be clinical in front of goal.
The two met in the cup in midweek, where it took penalties to separate them. That’s two defeats on the spin for Brighton, so expect a reaction at the Etihad. This one could be a cracker.
Bournemouth vs Leeds United
Two teams who love to get on the front foot, both coming in off solid results against Manchester United and looking to kick on. If you like good football, don’t miss this one.
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest
This one has goals written all over it. The Bees have enjoyed some strong results recently, while Forest badly need wins to pull clear of the drop zone. Keith Andrews knows this league inside out, and so does Oliver Glasner.
Coventry City vs Sunderland
Coventry are under the microscope again. Back-to-back wins have been followed by back-to-back defeats, the latest against a Fulham side many expected them to beat.
Sunderland aren’t in a great place either. Last weekend’s goalless draw with Leeds may have papered over a few cracks. Is the European football starting to take its toll?
Hull City vs Ipswich Town
Hull continue to defy the odds. They’re still in the top ten and level on points with the Tractor Boys, who visit the MKM Stadium on Saturday. Expect a scrap. In a season where every point counts, this result could go a long way to deciding who’s looking up and who’s looking over their shoulder come May.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Spurs have climbed from the bottom of the table to 14th, and that win at Chelsea has given them real belief. Another three points at home to Pierre Sage’s side could see them gatecrash the top ten. Palace sit just above the drop zone. Can another away win lift the Eagles?
Our Predictions
Chelsea vs Manchester United Both sides need a win to avoid further chaos. A tough one to call. Verdict: Both teams to score and over 7.5 corners
Bournemouth vs Leeds United The Cherries ran riot against United last weekend. Advantage Bournemouth? Verdict: Bournemouth win or draw
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest The Bees need to start winning again. Will Forest let them? Verdict: Brentford win or draw
Coventry City vs Sunderland Two sides who have struggled lately. Can Frank Lampard turn the tide? Verdict: Full-time draw
Hull City vs Ipswich Town Can Ipswich take anything from the MKM Stadium? Verdict: Hull City win
Manchester City vs Brighton Arguably the game of the day. Expect goals and bookings. Verdict: Over 2.5 goals and over 2.5 bookings
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Spurs beat Chelsea last weekend. They should handle this one too. Verdict: Tottenham win
Aston Villa vs Fulham Can Fulham make it three league wins on the bounce? Verdict: Aston Villa win
Liverpool vs Arsenal With both sides in this kind of form, it’s almost impossible to split them. Verdict: Full-time draw
Newcastle vs Everton A proper old-school Premier League fixture. It should be lively. Verdict: Over 2.5 cards
