Author: Soorya G
An exciting week of soccer action is set to take place in the Premier League next weekend, with a series of mouth-watering clashes. The unbeaten run of Spanish tactician Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has yet to be challenged, as the reigning champions are on a run of six consecutive wins. With a two-point lead, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to win their seventh title in eight seasons. Meanwhile, teams like Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United will be looking to change that, trying to repeat the kind of form that the blue side of Manchester has established as normal in recent seasons.
Manchester City-Wolves
Manchester City will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday, when Gary O’Neil will try to stabilize the team after a poor start. The game against the reigning champions couldn’t have come at a worse time for Wolves, as four consecutive negative results followed the cup win over Blackpool. However, City were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle last week after fielding a second-string team. Several Brazilians will be present at the game, including veteran goalkeeper Ederson and former Atlético Madrid striker Matheus Cunha. Pedro Neto is in good form, but expects to end up losing 2-0 to the visitors.
Manchester United-Crystal Palace
The two sides recently met in the third round of the Carabao Cup, where a second-choice United side emerged victorious. Hodgson decided to field a very rotated team and, as a result, didn’t mind the defeat. However, things should be different in the league, where the robust player will field a full-strength team. Although injuries to both sides are a concern, Manchester United will be hoping for a repeat of the week’s result. Brazilian playmaker Casemiro has been in fine form, and will be hoping to do a good job again against the Eagles. The fact that the midfielder is the team’s top scorer this season, in the presence of players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, should worry Erik Ten Hag, but the team will still go for the win. The forecast is for a 2-1 scoreline in United’s favor.
Liverpool-Tottenham Hotspur
This game has already produced some classics in recent seasons, when players like Mourinho and Conte were in charge of Spurs. Liverpool’s pressing style has taken a bit of a back seat and, with Tottenham applying a new strategy with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, it remains to be seen what shape that game will take this time around. Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson will have to do well against the resurgent Son Heung Min and the in-form James Maddison. Liverpool also seem to have recovered from their failure last season and are in second place. Spurs are also on the right track, in fourth place. In a game that is difficult to predict, a 2-2 draw could well be the final score.
Arsenal-Bournemouth
Although Arsenal have not lost a game so far this season, they are not in the same form as last season. With Arteta’s questionable choices for the team, Arsenal suffered two draws that the team considers missed opportunities. Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for the game against Bournemouth due to a knock, but Arsenal have more than enough players to replace the Englishman. Brazilian trio Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus will take to the field as Arsenal look to annihilate Bournemouth 4-0.
Chelsea-Fulham
Chelsea have several problems to solve in what has been a complete collapse of their system since acquiring new ownership. They’ve spent a billion pounds on new players and staff, but can’t find the right combination. A series of injuries hasn’t been good for the team either, as Mauricio Pochettino is on the verge of being sacked after three defeats in the first six games, with just one win. The team has only scored five goals in those games, which is cause for introspection. Fulham, meanwhile, are dealing with the loss of striker Aleskandar Mitrovic and the underperformance of Raul Jimenez. Even so, the team is better off than Chelsea, in 11th place. Brazilian veteran Willian will face his old team, as Marco Silva wants to win 1-0 against a vulnerable Chelsea side.