The Premier League is back this weekend after the final international break of 2023. We are treated to some mouthwatering fixtures this weekend, with crucial games at the top and the bottom of the table.
Here are five things to look out for this weekend
City host Liverpool in massive match up – Manchester City v Liverpool
Manchester City sit top of the pile, one point ahead of Saturday’s opponents Liverpool. Pep Guardiola’s side are on a run of six games unbeaten in all competitions, since their loss to Arsenal in October. Both sides have just the singular league defeat this season, whilst Liverpool fell to defeat in Europe against Toulouse.
The game promises to be a cracker, and may give us an indication as to whether Liverpool can be strong title contenders this season. City could stretch their lead over Jurgen Klopp’s side to four points with a win. Liverpool have a favourable run of fixtures coming up, if they come on top of Manchester City, that could spell danger for the others at the summit. If Haaland is fit, he and the second Premier League top goal scorer Mo Salah will go head to head at the Etihad.
Prediction: 2-1
Toon tumbling whilst Chelsea are scoring at will – Newcastle v Chelsea
This is probably a good time to play Newcastle. They have been hit with a string of bad luck when it comes to injuries. Ironically their opponents Chelsea have had similar issues this season but seem to be coming out the other side of it. Not only that, but they have scored eight league goals in their last two games against Spurs and Manchester City.
Despite a horrific run of fixtures on paper, Mauricio Pochettino’s men are making a good fist of it and are slowly progressing after a tough start. Can they go up to St. James’ Park and continue this form? Newcastle’s loss to Bournemouth was a stark reminder of how things can unravel when you are without your best players. They will be hoping the Geordie faithful will get behind whatever starting eleven appears on the team sheet, but they could be in for a difficult afternoon.
Prediction: 1-2
Bees are out to sting Arsenal – Brentford v Arsenal
After Arsenal’s disastrous opening day defeat to Brentford in 2021, Mikel Arteta’s men have since rocked up to the GTech twice and won on both occasions. The latest of them being in the Carabao Cup in late September. Arsenal are one point off Manchester City who may drop points in the early kick-off to Liverpool. This could be an excellent chance to pounce and overtake their title rivals.
Brentford are sitting comfortably in mid-table, away from any danger of being embroiled in a relegation battle. Thomas Frank will want to get back to winning ways, especially at home after their loss to Liverpool last time out. Brentford could make life tough for Arsenal on Saturday evening.
Prediction: 0-2
Spurs need to react against Emery’s Villa – Tottenham v Aston Villa
Spurs have lost two games in a row, to Chelsea and Wolves. This is now going to be a test of Ange Postecoglou’s character, alongside his team. Villa are just one point behind Spurs and despite a defeat to Nottingham Forest, Unai Emery’s side have been on frightening form. Villa have also scored five more goals than Tottenham this season, and will be another stern test for Spurs.
Spurs have some key players out, but have to start showing traits of a side who can compete at the top of the table after a wobble of form. Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Aston Villa have more than merited their fifth place position in the league, and will be looking for a repeat result from the last time Emery’s side travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Prediction: 1-1
10 points down but could be sticky for United – Everton v Manchester United
Everton were hit with a damming ten points deduction by the Premier League this week, which sent shockwaves through the league. Fortunately for Sean Dyche, his side are only two points off 17th place. A win, depending on other results should leapfrog themselves out of the bottom three.
Manchester United are still keeping up their trend of winning Premier League games by a single goal. Erik ten Hag has seven wins to his name this season, all of which are by a single goal. This means United usually do not have a good grip of their matches, something Everton could try and take advantage of. The atmosphere at Goodison Park is going to be fuelled by anger, dismay and apathy, something that could either spur on the home side, or turn toxic quickly if United get an early goal.
Prediction: 1-1
