After an exciting round of EFL Cup fixtures, we return to Premier League action on Saturday with Leicester City hosting Arsenal at the King Power Stadium.
Chelsea lead the table and will be keen to retain their position. Below the Blues, Liverpool, Manchester City and West Ham will all look to build on their last weekend’s wins. Meanwhile, Norwich City, Newcastle United and Burnley continue their search for the first win of the Premier League season.
Without much delay, let’s take a look at the 5 things to look forward to in Matchday 10:
#1 Man United’s response after the Liverpool demolition
10-man Manchester United suffered a harrowing 5-0 defeat to bitter rivals, Liverpool, at Old Trafford on Sunday, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer calling it “the darkest day” after the game.
To many fans’ surprise, Solskjaer is still at the club’s helm and has reportedly been given three games to turn things around. It must be reassuring for the Norwegian tactician that the current Man United board is still placing faith in him to do well, but he must turn the club’s fortunes around quickly starting from the game at Tottenham on Saturday.
Even though Tottenham are having their own problems under Nuno Espirito Santo, they will be up for the challenge at home. It’ll be interesting to watch how Solskjaer and his Red Devils respond in north London after a forgettable day at Old Trafford.
#2 Can Newcastle stun Chelsea?
Newcastle United have given the interim managerial keys to Graeme Jones after the sacking of Steve Bruce last week and the 51-year-old presided over the club’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Up next is the trip to Stamford Bridge to face the in-form Chelsea side that has won three league games in a row including last weekend’s 7-0 mauling of rock-bottom Norwich City. Considering the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs, Saturday’s game will be a sort of free hit for Newcastle United.
The Magpies have a few players with individual quality to cause problems to the Chelsea defence but can they rise as a unit to upset the European champions on their home turf?
#3 A relegation six-pointer at Carrow Road
Norwich City, relegated in 2019/20 from the top flight by a big margin, are on course for a similarly humiliating end this time. They were smashed 7-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, meaning they remain rock bottom with two points and two goals.
Daniel Farke’s side welcome Leeds United at the weekend and there won’t be a better time to play the Yorkshire giants. Leeds are in a mess that leaves them 17th on the table, just three points above the relegation zone.
So, the game at Carrow Road is a potential six-pointer for both teams fighting against relegation this season.
#4 Mohamed Salah to continue his scoring spree?
Mohamed Salah has taken his game to a different level this season, toying with Premier League defenders to score in a record-extending 10 Liverpool appearances in a row. The 29-year-old forward was at his clinical best against Manchester United last weekend, as he became the first Liverpool player to score in three consecutive visits to Old Trafford.
With 10 goals and five assists in nine league games, the Egyptian is by far and away the most important player at Anfield right now. Given the form he is in, you won’t bet against Salah scoring against Brighton in Matchday 10 on Saturday.
#5 Match of the Week
While all eyes will be on under pressure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he takes his Manchester United side to Tottenham on Saturday, Arsenal’s trip to Leicester City could be arguably the most exciting clash of Matchday 10.
Both Leicester City and Arsenal head into this contest off the back of wins over Brentford and Aston Villa respectively. The two clubs are in good form of late and will want to continue surging up the table.
There are makings of a high-intensity clash at the King Power Stadium, which could set the tone for the weekend.
