After an exciting round of EFL Cup fixtures, we return to Premier League action later on Saturday with two lunchtime kick-offs—Chelsea playing Manchester City and Manchester United hosting Aston Villa.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are all on the same points at the Premier League’s summit, followed by surprise package Brighton & Hove Albion. Newly promoted Norwich City are yet to break their duck while Newcastle United, Burnley, Southampton and Leeds United are still waiting for their first win of the season.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 5 things to look forward to in Matchday 6:
5 things to look forward to on Premier League Matchday 6
Chelsea’s acid test against Manchester City
In the opening five games of the season, Chelsea look like the side to beat in the Premier League. The Blues have started the new campaign in excellent form with four wins and a draw so far, including a 1-1 stalemate away to Liverpool, where the Londoners played the entire second half with 10 men.
Thomas Tuchel’s side swatted aside Tottenham 3-0 last weekend away from home, in a game where they were second best in the first 45 minutes. Next up for Chelsea are defending champions Manchester City in Matchday 6, who are yet to hit their stride in the Premier League.
It is unlikely both Thomas Tuchel and Pep Guardiola will change too much of their systems and will play to their strengths on Saturday. Despite Manchester City being hit with injuries to some of their key players, they’ll pose a mighty challenge to Chelsea. It’ll be interesting to watch how Tuchel and co. cope with those at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham’s response in the north London derby
Tottenham went down 3-0 to a London rival for the second consecutive league game, putting manager Nuno Espirito Santo under pressure ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
After three straight 1-0 wins to open the 2021/22 campaign, Spurs have stuttered. In contrast, Arsenal have bounced back with successive 1-0 wins after losing their first three games. So, the upcoming north London derby is nicely poised, but after two harrowing defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, a big response awaits from Nuno’s Tottenham.
Norwich City’s chance to break their duck
Norwich City raced to a second Championship title under Daniel Farke last season but so far have again returned to the Premier League as ‘whipping boys’.
Before the 3-1 defeat to fellow newly-promoted side Watford, Farke’s side have had the toughest of starts to life back with the big boys, facing Liverpool, Manchester City, Leicester City and Arsenal.
The Canaries face a trip to Merseyside to play Everton on Saturday, which again is a difficult place to go after exiting the Carabao Cup on Tuesday against Liverpool. Yet, it presents an opportunity for Farke and co. to kickstart their campaign at the weekend.
Can Brighton stay in the top four?
Not many would have predicted Brighton & Hove Albion to be in the top four after five games, particularly after watching them battle against relegation last season.
The south coast side have enjoyed their best-ever start to a top-flight season with four wins from five games, and unlike last season, they are finishing off chances. They are in really great form, playing some of the best football in the country and keeping their passionate supporters happy.
The Seagulls face a trip to Crystal Palace on Monday in Matchday 6 in what promises to be a thrilling M23 derby, and while form goes out of the window in derbies, Graham Potter’s side look more equipped and organised than their counterparts to win the bragging rights and consolidate their place in the top four.
Can Manchester United make it three home wins on a spin?
Manchester United have a chance to make it three home wins on the trot when they welcome Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils did grind out a 2-1 victory over West Ham last weekend in what was a controversial game thanks largely to a stoppage-time penalty save from David de Gea. Jesse Lingard came back to haunt the Hammers with a sizzling strike in the 89th minute that eventually turned out to be the winner.
Back to home at the weekend in Matchday 6, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be aiming to put the Villans to the sword—just like they did to Leeds United and Newcastle United. If Manchester United are to go all the way in the league this term, they’ll have to make Old Trafford a fortress, once again.