Match Day
#1 Who will continue recovery from poor start
Leicester City and Arsenal are 2 teams who are starting to find their feet in English premier league In uncharacteristically quiet fashion, Arsenal have been going about their business this season, slowly putting together a credible run of form. Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t lost since the 5-0 defeat against Manchester City at the end of August. Now at the end of October, the Gunners have gone on a run of eight games without a loss, which includes six wins. Leicester City, in some contrast, have only just started finding their feet this season, rallying to defeat Manchester United, Spartak Moscow, Brentford, and, most recently, Brighton in the Carabao Cup. The Foxes’ return to form comes after four games without a win in the Premier League.
#2 Fight for being relevant
10-man Manchester United suffered a harrowing 5-0 defeat to bitter rivals, Liverpool, at Old Trafford on Sunday, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calling it “the darkest day” after the game. To many fans’ surprise, Solskjaer is still at the club’s helm and has reportedly been given three games to turn things around. It must be reassuring for the Norwegian tactician that the current Man United board is still placing faith in him to do well, but he must turn the club’s fortunes around quickly starting from the game at Tottenham on Saturday.
Tottenham are having their own problems under Nuno Espirito Santo with attack not clicking at the moment and team not able to gather points despite performance and possession in their favor. With a hurting Manchester United squad, they will be up for a massive challenge at home. It’ll be interesting to watch how Solskjaer and his Red Devils respond in north London after a forgettable day at Old Trafford.
#3 A relegation six-pointer at Carrow Road and Turf Moor
Norwich City, relegated in 2019/20 from the top flight by a big margin, are on course for a similarly humiliating end this time. They were smashed 7-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, meaning they remain rock bottom with two points and two goals. Daniel Farke’s side welcome Leeds United at the weekend and there won’t be a better time to play the Yorkshire giants. Leeds are in a mess that leaves them 17th on the table, just three points above the relegation zone. So, the game at Carrow Road is a potential six-pointer for both teams fighting against relegation this season.
#4 Mohamed Salah scoring spree vs manager tipped for big things too soon?
Mohamed Salah has taken his game to a different level this season, toying with Premier League defenders to score in a record-extending 10 Liverpool appearances in a row. The 29-year-old forward was at his clinical best against Manchester United last weekend, as he became the first Liverpool player to score in three consecutive visits to Old Trafford. Brighton have been impressive themselves this season, flying high in the league in fifth place after winning four of their opening nine games and only losing two. Graham Potter is one of England’s brightest young talents in terms of managers but has gone five games in all competitions without a win.
#5 Can Newcastle get a point at Chelsea?
Newcastle United have given the interim managerial keys to Graeme Jones after the sacking of Steve Bruce last week and the 51-year-old presided over the club’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Up next is the trip to Stamford Bridge to face the in-form Chelsea side that has won three league games in a row including last weekend’s 7-0 mauling of rock-bottom Norwich City. Considering the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, Saturday’s game will be a sort of free hit for Newcastle United. The Magpies have a few players with individual quality to cause problems to the Chelsea defence but can they rise as a unit to upset the European champions on their home turf?
#6 Manchester City and return of the man who sparked them with club’s first trophy – Patrick Viera
Manchester City have not lost in the Premier League since the opening weekend and Crystal Palace have only two points on the road and one win overall, so the favourites are clear. Patrick Vieira, the visiting manager, is a City Football Group alumnus, having coached Manchester City’s elite development squad and New York City: but for the 90 minutes there will be zero sentiment allowed by his opposite number, Pep Guardiola.
