Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea chase title
United’s emphatic 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle before the break was their first in four attempts, but disguised another inconsistent performance. They open the EPL weekend against sneaky title-challengers Chelsea, who are even on points with City and Liverpool. Their fellow undefeated teams will have wins marked down, as Liverpool head to Huddersfield and City host Burnley – so Chelsea need three points to keep up with the title pace. Eden Hazard (who already has seven EPL goals) could quickly end United’s spark of optimism, although Mourinho has famously deployed Ander Herrera to bully him out of matches in the past.
Are Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Wolves for real?
The trio of Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Wolves are off to an unexpectedly bright start. Arsenal haven’t lost since their first two fixtures (against City and Chelsea), Bournemouth sit in sixth with more goals scored than Liverpool and Spurs, and Wolves are undefeated in all competitions since August 18.
Their positive start should continue this weekend as all three sides play at home this weekend as favourites. Arsenal host Leicester on Monday, who have had a mixed start to the season. Wolves have conceded just six goals so far and will welcome Watford to the Molineux. While Bournemouth face Saints who have scored just six goals in eight matches.
This weekend may not seem to be a litmus test of their credentials, but winning fixtures like these are what separates challengers for European places from the also-rans.
Sevilla head to Camp Nou as La Liga leaders
Sevilla have been the beneficiaries of Barca and Real Madrid’s early stumbles and find themselves sitting one point above Barcelona in first, despite two losses. Portuguese striker Andre Silva has been their primary catalyst, scoring seven goals in eight matches, including two in their 3-0 win over Real. Should they manage a historic victory at Camp Nou (where they haven’t won in 15 La Liga matches), they’ll have to be taken seriously as title contenders.
Real Madrid are on their worst scoring run in 33 years, going goalless in four consecutive matches. They take on Levante at home in a must-win match for manager Julen Lopetegui. Gareth Bale returned to full training on Thursday and should be available.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid are even with Barcelona on points and could go top with a win away to Villareal on Saturday and a Barca-Sevilla draw.
Pressure mounts at Bayern
Bayern look like a squad in need of an overhaul as their aging stars have scored just one goal in their last three Bundesliga matches. They’re four points off the top in sixth and travel to face Wolfsburg on Saturday, who have had a mixed start.
Meanwhile, league leaders Dortmund travel to face bottom of the table Stuttgart.
Thierry Henry debuts as Monaco manager
Monaco haven’t won since August 11, giving Thierry Henry an opportunity to make an instant impact Saturday away to Strasbourg.