Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Haaland and Salah in the Spotlight

The spotlight intensifies as the weekend approaches, with the burning question: Is Erling Haaland fit? His optimism suggests so. Anticipation rises over which of these gladiatorial football titans will take a bolder approach. Will there be touchline theatrics from the managerial maestros, Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp? The clash between Premier League leaders and the second-placed side is poised to be the main event, as Manchester City hosts Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime. It stands as the sole attraction this weekend, an irresistibly tantalizing prospect that promises riveting action. The Haaland versus Salah duel sets the stage for a battle between two supreme attacking forces. The key to victory may lie in defensive prowess, making this the defining factor in only the 13th match of each contender’s quest for the title. Jamie Jackson sets the stage for a weekend filled with subplots, sideshows, and headline narratives.

Manchester city vs Liverpool, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)

Chong Holds Key to Home Success for Hatters

In their first 12 league games, Luton managed to score only twice in two instances, contributing to four of their six points. With a total of 10 goals scored and 22 conceded, the team acknowledges the need to identify winnable games to bolster their chances of avoiding relegation. The significance of home form cannot be overstated, especially considering Luton’s lack of a Premier League victory at Kenilworth Road. Matches against opponents like Crystal Palace hold particular importance in this context.

Rob Edwards’ squad has experienced the challenges of the top flight but must shed a bit of fear to advance. Tahith Chong emerges as a potential game-changer in the final third, having come off the bench to score in the encouraging 1-1 draw with Liverpool after starting the previous three matches on the sidelines. Granting the Dutchman a starting position could inject a new dimension into Luton’s play when facing Palace and potentially contribute to securing a much-needed home win.

Luton vs. Crystal Palace, Saturday at 3 pm.

Jackson’s Yellow Cards Pose Concerns for Chelsea

Chelsea’s recent success, scoring four goals in their last two matches against top-four teams, suggests a positive development in their attacking play under Mauricio Pochettino. After a goal drought in September, the team seems to have found an effective formula in the final third. Pochettino has settled on a front three comprising Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, and Nicolas Jackson, and their growing understanding of each other’s playing styles is contributing to a more fluid attacking style.

However, the progress of this partnership is threatened by Jackson’s tendency to receive unnecessary bookings. In his 11 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Jackson has been cautioned seven times, leading to a one-match ban. With three more yellow cards, he would face a two-match suspension. Pochettino, lacking an obvious replacement, cannot afford such an absence, making it crucial for the young striker to mature quickly and avoid further disciplinary issues.

Newcastle vs. Chelsea, Saturday at 3 pm. 

Forest’s Goal Woes Without Awoniyi

Nottingham Forest’s success is heavily dependent on the presence of Taiwo Awoniyi on the field. The striker has been prolific, scoring 10 goals in his last 14 league appearances. In the absence of the Nigerian, Steve Cooper’s side has struggled, going winless in the last eight league games. The news that Awoniyi requires surgery for a groin injury, potentially sidelining him for up to four months, adds significant concern.

Awoniyi’s non-inclusion often prompts a change in Forest’s style, with Chris Wood being the probable replacement, albeit with a completely different playing approach. Without Awoniyi, Forest undergo a transformation as they heavily rely on his speed and physicality to swiftly advance up the field on counter-attacks. His impact extends beyond scoring, as he has contributed two assists this season. Despite Divock Origi making minimal impact since his loan move from Milan, this could be an opportune moment for his first start, offering some continuity in style.

Nottingham Forest vs. Brighton, Saturday at 3 pm. 

Blades Seek Continued Momentum Against Bournemouth

Sheffield United faced a challenging start, securing only one point in their initial 10 matches. However, a recent victory and draw in their last two games have injected a renewed sense of confidence. With a crucial encounter against potential relegation rivals Bournemouth scheduled at Bramall Lane on Saturday, the Blades have a golden opportunity to extend their positive streak. The international break, though seen as ill-timed in the clichéd sense, provided Paul Heckingbottom with a chance to reflect.

While most of his players were not on international duty, offering ample time for preparation, they now face Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, a team demonstrating signs of adapting to the dynamic style demanded by their head coach. A victory for the Blades could potentially lift them out of the relegation zone for the first time since the third round of fixtures, presenting a significant morale boost for both the squad and the fans.

Sheffield United vs. Bournemouth, Saturday at 3 pm. 

Arteta Faces Decision on Key Pair’s Return

For managers, international breaks often bring anxiety about potential injuries, but for Mikel Arteta, the past 10 days have proven beneficial. Gabriel Jesus, absent for a month due to a hamstring injury, played a full 90 minutes for Brazil in their 1-0 loss to Argentina. However, the return from South America, following such an intense fixture, may pose a risk for the striker. On the other hand, Martin Ødegaard, who skipped Norway’s matches to focus on regaining fitness, is available for the Brentford clash after overcoming a hip problem. Despite his recovery, the Arsenal captain needs to undergo concussion protocol following a training incident where he was hit in the face with a ball.

The decision rests with Arteta on whether to start the returning duo and bring them up to speed ahead of a busy period.

Brentford vs. Arsenal, Saturday at 5:30 pm.

Lo Celso’s Opportunity to Shine at Spurs

Tottenham faced a setback with two late goals in their recent match against Wolves, marking the end of their 12-game unbeaten streak this season. Ange Postecoglou, in his debut Premier League managerial season, now grapples with the challenge of navigating through his first phase of turbulence. Despite commanding 59% possession at Molineux, Spurs could only manage two shots on target and conceded their lead. With James Maddison sidelined until January, Postecoglou is tasked with finding an alternative creative strategy for the team.

Giovani Lo Celso made his third substitute appearance of the season against Wolves, entering the game from the bench. Despite a somewhat subdued career since his £27 million move from Real Betis, spending 18 months on loan, the Argentine possesses the skill set to make a meaningful impact in the Premier League. Maddison’s absence provides Lo Celso with a chance to showcase his value.

Tottenham vs. Aston Villa, Sunday at 2 pm. 

Fuming Goodison Aims to Make a Statement

Goodison Park is set to witness an uncommon level of fury on Sunday, with Everton fans gearing up for numerous protests following the club’s unprecedented 10-point deduction, the most significant sporting sanction in Premier League history, due to a £19.5m overspend. The entire crowd plans to display red cards during the club’s anthem and in the 10th minute of the game against Manchester United, creating an atmosphere that will likely be challenging for Sky Sports to tone down any potential obscenities.

Despite sharing the fans’ sense of indignation, Sean Dyche and his in-form team must redirect this collective frustration, referred to by Everton’s director of football Kevin Thelwell as “additional fuel,” into a focused strategy to overcome Erik ten Hag’s visiting side. While easier said than done, this challenge defines Everton’s season as they aim to defy the Premier League and retain their membership.

Everton vs. Manchester United, Sunday at 4:30 pm. 

Fulham’s Urgent Need for Offensive Prowess

Fulham’s recent home match concluded with them conceding victory to Manchester United. Despite creating several opportunities in the second half, Marco Silva’s team was on the verge of securing a point before a disastrous attempt to clear the ball led to Bruno Fernandes’s decisive goal. While Manchester United celebrated, Fulham lamented their vulnerabilities at both ends of the pitch.

This season has posed challenges for Fulham, marked by costly defensive errors and a lack of sharpness since the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic. Raúl Jiménez and Carlos Vinícius have only scored one goal each in the league, while Rodrigo Muniz is yet to fully realize his potential. The burden has not been lightened by the attacking midfielders, as Willian, Andreas Pereira, Tom Cairney, Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson, and Bobby Decordova-Reid have collectively managed only four goals. This offensive output falls short of the mark.

Currently, Fulham sits seven points above the relegation zone and must urgently discover effective solutions. Time is of the essence as they prepare to face Wolves on Monday at 8 pm.