The Premier League returns this weekend after the October international break. Only Arsenal and Tottenham remain unbeaten, and both sit joint top on 20 points. This weekend has some blockbuster fixtures and promises to be an exciting round of games.
Here are five things to look out for in gameweek nine…
Everton better than the results suggest and could hurt Liverpool
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon. Liverpool have not won their last two Premier League games, conceding late on both occasions as they drew with Brighton and lost to Spurs in extremely controversial circumstances. Liverpool’s attacking threats are still one of the most potent in the Premier League and playing at Anfield, they will have their 12th man behind them.
Everton have been a curious team this season. Seven points racked up so far but in defeat, apart from their narrow loss to Arsenal, they arguably have been the better side in many of their games. Home defeats to Fulham, Wolves and Luton left the fans feeling that that they should have taken points from those games. In all three games they missed multiple chances and came away empty handed but their 3-0 home win against Bournemouth felt like a weight lifted off the Everton shoulders. A first win of the season and throughly deserved.
Sean Dyche’s men will go into Saturday’s derby with a spring in their step. The fans are back onside and the players will not have anything to fear. An upset may well be on the cards.
City under pressure to prove title credentials
Three defeats in their last four games in all competitions is not something that is normally associated with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Arsenal, Wolves and Newcastle have all beaten the champions in the last three weeks and have casted doubt on City’s ability to retain hopes of a fourth league title in a row.
Brighton visit the Etihad on Saturday, just two points behind their hosts. They too have been on a poor run, just one win in five games in all competitions. Roberto De Zerbi’s men have shown fighting spirit in their last two games, coming from 2-0 down to draw with Marseille and leaving it late to level at the AMEX against Liverpool.
Brighton’s slick and high tempo football against this Manchester City side could make for an enthralling watch. The two sides met in May and played out a 1-1 draw at the AMEX and Manchester City will be keen to get back to winning ways ahead of the Manchester derby the following weekend, but Brighton will not be rolling over for Pep’s men. Both sides are capable of scoring goals, but the goals have dried up for City.. With Arsenal and Spurs playing after City, it is a chance to get back to their usual selves, although Brighton are tricky customers.
Saka absence could cost Arsenal
Arsenal travel to Chelsea in the early evening kick-off coming off the back of a huge win against Manchester City. Mikel Arteta has Gabriel Martinelli back in his squad but will most likely be without Bukayo Saka again, a big blow for the Gunners if so, with Chelsea having turned a corner under Mauricio Pochettino with three wins in a row in all competitions. It seems Pochettino has figured out his preferred eleven, despite all the disruptive injury issues.
Arsenal need to back up their win against City with another strong display against tough opposition. These are the types of games where title contenders need to show their credentials. Arsenal won at the Bridge last season by a single goal, and a repeat result would be another statement of intent from Arteta’s side.
Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling have been in red hot form of late for the Blues and Chelsea will be searching for only a second home win of the season. It has all the ingredients to be a fascinating game.
McTominay to get his opportunity from the start?
Scott McTominay bailed Manchester United out of jail last time out against Brentford with a stoppage time brace to secure three points. Erik ten Hag’s side travel to bottom of the table Sheffield United, one of two teams without a Premier League win so far this season, and McTominay’s form for both United and Scotland of late might have done enough to earn him a rare start. It is vital Manchester United claim back-to-back wins as they head into the Manchester derby the following weekend, not to mention a crucial Champions League game against FC Copenhagen next Tuesday.
Sheffield United have just one point on the board and come into this game off the back of four straight defeats. Their last home game was the 8-0 drubbing against Newcastle. They pushed Manchester City all the way earlier in the season, losing 2-1 to a late Rodri strike. A similar performance could see their fortunes change against ten Hag’s side. Rashford’s goal against Italy will inject some confidence into the United winger, but United will be without Casemiro due to injury.
No Bissouma might hinder Spurs
Yves Bissouma is unavailable for selection when Spurs host Fulham on Monday night. The Mali midfielder was shown a second yellow card for a dive in Tottenham’s narrow win against Luton. Bissouma has been integral for Spurs so far, so his absence could be something Fulham could pounce on.
Fulham sit in 12th place, with eleven points. They were 3-1 victors over Sheffield United in their last game and may fancy their chances against unbeaten Spurs. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Oliver Skipp will have to slot into midfield alongside Pape Sarr.
Spurs still have the attacking talents of James Maddison, Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son which Fulham will have to worry about. If Fulham can win the midfield battle with Joao Palhinha at the heart of Marco Silva’s team then Fulham could frustrate Spurs, and maybe find some joy themselves.
