We are now at gameweek nine of the Premier League campaign, and the league now starting to take shape. With teams battling for points at both ends of the table, here are the big fixtures happening this weekend:
Chelsea v Manchester United (Saturday, kick-off 12:30 PM)
There no question where the Premier League’s game of the week is, as title-chasing Chelsea host beleaguered Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Blues have made a stellar start to life under Maurizio Sarri, winning six and drawing two of their eight top-flight games this season. The good start to the campaign sees the Blues sitting second place in the table, only behind league leaders Manchester City by virtue of an inferior goal difference of three.
By contrast to their hosts, United have started their top-flight campaign in a disappointing manner. The Red Devils are currently eighth in the table, having picked up just 13 points from their opening eight league matches.
The visitors have found wins hard to come by of late and have recorded just one victory in five competitive outings. However, that solitary win came in a 3-2 win over Newcastle in their last league outing.
The visitors have a poor recent record at Stamford Bridge, failing to win at Chelsea since 2012, while also suffering defeats on their last three visits.
Manchester City v Burnley (Saturday, Kick-off 3 PM)
In one of Saturday’s 3 PM kick-offs, reigning champions and league leaders Manchester City host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.
The home side has started their league campaign with six wins and two draws, picking up 20 points in the process. Pep Guardiola’s side are now unbeaten in their last 14 games in the English top-flight, having recorded 11 victories.
A goalless draw last time out at Liverpool ended a four-game winning run in the top-flight for the Citizens. They have been highly effective of late at both ends of the field in the top-flight, keeping clean sheets in their last outings, while also scoring at least two goals in four of their last five games.
Burnley have recovered from a nightmare start to the season to mount a three-game unbeaten run in the top-flight, picking up seven points in the process. Last time out the Clarets drew 1-1 at home against Huddersfield.
Sean Dyche’s team have a poor away record of late in the Premier League, winning just one of their last six games on their travels in the top-flight. A 2-1 win at Cardiff in their last away game ended a five-game run without an away league win.
West Ham v Tottenham (Saturday, Kick-off 3 PM)
West Ham and Tottenham go head-to-head in a London derby at the London Stadium, as the visitors look to return to the Premier League’s top four.
The home side has experienced a wildly inconsistent top-flight campaign. After losing their first four league games, the Hammers went three-game unbeaten until a 1-0 defeat at Brighton last time out. The Irons have a poor recent home record in the Premier League, winning just two of their last eight outings at the London Stadium.
Tottenham heads into this game on the back of three straight league victories. Last time out Mauricio Pochettino’s side recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Cardiff City.
Spurs have a strong recent away record in the Premier League, winning four of their last five matches, while also scoring at least two goals in all four victories. The visitors are the favourites to record another victory in this clash.
This weekend’s other fixtures
Saturday (Kick-off 3 PM unless stated)
Bournemouth v Southampton
Cardiff v Fulham
Newcastle v Brighton
Wolves v Watford
Huddersfield v Liverpool (Kick-off 5:30 PM)
Sunday
Everton v Crystal Palace (Kick-off 4 PM)
Monday
Arsenal v Leicester (Kick-off 8 PM)
Who will pick-up the result of the weekend in the Premier League?
