Gameweek eight of the Premier League kicked off slightly early this weekend, as Brighton defeated West Ham 1-0 at the Amex on Friday night. The other nine top-flight games will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Here is a look at the games taking place this weekend:
Manchester United v Newcastle (Saturday, Kick-off 5:30 PM)
This could be a crucial clash for beleaguered Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho. Reports on Friday suggested that the Portuguese boss could face the sack whatever happens on Saturday evening. The claims have now been dismissed by the club.
United’s form this season has been poor and they currently sit tenth in the Premier League table. In fact, the Red Devils have failed to win in their last four games in all competitions. They have also failed to win in four competitive games at Old Trafford. They have not failed to win in five games on home soil in 28 years.
Newcastle have endured a woeful start to their Premier League campaign, picking up just two points from their first seven games in the English top-flight. In fact, Rafa Benitez’s team has won lost five of their last seven league games.
The Magpies do not tend to enjoy visits to Old Trafford either, as the visitors have won just once at United in their 23 Premier League visits. In fact, Newcastle have won just six of their 46 games against the Red Devils in the Premier League era.
Liverpool v Manchester City (Sunday, Kick-off 4:30 PM)
On Sunday, arguably the two best teams in the Premier League go head-to-head at Anfield, as Liverpool host champions Manchester City.
The two teams have started their Premier League campaign with six wins and a draw. However, the Citizens are above the Merseysiders due to a superior goal difference.
Liverpool’s early season form may have been good, but the Reds have now lost two of their last three games in all competitions. Last time out, Jurgen Klopp’s team suffered a 1-0 loss at Napoli, without registering a shot on target.
Despite that recent poor run, there are many positives for the Reds heading into this clash. One of those positives, like that the Merseysiders are unbeaten in 24 games on home soil in the English top-flight.
Another plus point is that Liverpool recorded three wins over the Citizens in four games in the Premier League and Champions League last season. The Reds are slight favourites to record a victory in this clash of the Premier League giants.
Manchester City recorded a 2-1 win at Hoffenheim in the Champions League in their last outing. Just like Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s side has been in good form this season.
The Citizens have won their last four Premier League games, scoring at least twice in each match. Guardiola’s side has also kept clean sheets in their last three league outings.
City are also unbeaten in ten top-flight games on their travels in the Premier League, having recorded eight wins. The Citizens last away defeat in the Premier League was against Liverpool back in January. The defeat was the visitors only defeat on their travels in the Premier League last season.
This weekend’s other games
Saturday (3 PM kick-off unless stated)
Burnley v Huddersfield
Crystal Palace v Wolves
Leicester v Everton
Tottenham v Cardiff
Watford v Bournemouth
Sunday
Fulham v Arsenal (Kick-off 12 PM)
Southampton v Chelsea (Kick-off 2:15 PM)
Where will the big results be in the Premier League this weekend?
