Liverpool Set for Chelsea Test
Premier League leaders Liverpool face their first serious title test against Chelsea this weekend as the league resumes after the international break. Liverpool tops the table with six wins from seven games, but their schedule is about to get tougher, chasing their first Premier League title since 2020.
New manager Arne Slot has started his Anfield reign with wins over Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham, Wolves, and Crystal Palace, with only a surprise defeat to Nottingham Forest marring the record. However, the upcoming match against fourth-placed Chelsea and a visit to unbeaten Arsenal next weekend will test Liverpool’s credentials.
Chelsea, undefeated in their last seven games, trail Liverpool by just four points. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, they have transformed from underachievers to top-four contenders. Their clash at Anfield will provide insights into both teams’ potential this season.
Pressure Mounts on Ten Hag
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager hangs by a thread. The team sits in 14th place, struggling with only two wins in seven league matches and no victories in their last five games across competitions. Despite a potential threat from Thomas Tuchel, who recently took the England manager job, Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain if results don’t improve.
United faces a dangerous Brentford side known for scoring quickly, and should they survive that match, they will contend with Fenerbahce in the Europa League before a trip to lowly West Ham, where another defeat could seal Ten Hag’s fate.
Strugglers Eye First Win
Ipswich and Southampton are still searching for their first wins since their promotion from the Championship. Both teams could break their winless streak this weekend, with Ipswich hosting Everton and Southampton facing Leicester. Crystal Palace, also in the relegation zone, will look for their first victory against Nottingham Forest, while Wolves, at the bottom of the table, hope to upset champions Manchester City.
Fixtures
Saturday (1400 GMT unless stated)
Tottenham v West Ham (1130)
Fulham v Aston Villa
Ipswich v Everton
Manchester United v Brentford
Newcastle v Brighton
Southampton v Leicester
Bournemouth v Arsenal (1630)
Sunday
Wolves v Manchester City (1300)
Liverpool v Chelsea (1530)
Monday
Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace (1900)
