There’s another international break on the horizon so let’s make the most of matchday 12 in the Premier League. Thankfully, there are a number of eye catching clashes to look forward to.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Are Spurs the real deal?
Tottenham suffered their first defeat of the season earlier in the week in what was one of the games of the season.
Chelsea ran out 4-1 winners with Spurs finishing the game with nine men. It was a freak result and one that won’t define their campaign. However, their reaction against Wolves could well shape their season. Ange Postecoglou takes his team to Molineux on Saturday afternoon knowing a win lifts them back into top spot.
Gary O’Neil’s side had been in good form prior to the shock defeat to Sheffield United last week. Wolves had drawn against Aston Villa and Newcastle while also picking up all three points against champions Manchester City. They have the quality to cause an upset and Spurs are going to have to be wary of this.
Back-to-back losses ahead of the international break is not the sort of momentum you want.
Time for Manchester United to deliver
Manchester United face Luton Town on Saturday. The narrative against Liverpool was that Luton showed they weren’t pushovers but the Reds did rack up an Expected Goals haul of 2.85 while creating six big chances. This is an opportunity for United to really make a statement with both a result and a performance.
To say Erik Ten Hag’s side have been inconsistent this term would be an understatement. They brought a two-match losing run to an end last weekend with a late win over Fulham but then lost 4-3 to FC København in the Champions League in mid-week despite leading on two occasions.
Pressure is mounting on the Dutch tactician and anything other than a win here at Old Trafford could leave him in a precarious position. A win will alleviate some pressure but a resounding victory could turn the tide.
The Seagulls need lift off
It has gone under the radar but Brighton are without a win in the Premier League since September. Roberto De Zerbi’s side last picked up all three points in the English top-flight during the 3-1 win over Bournemouth. Since then, they have drawn three and lost two. They are just three points clear of 11th placed Crystal Palace.
The goals have dried up too. They’ve managed to score two goals in just one of these five outings – the 2-2 with Liverpool. Another couple of winless matches will see them in the bottom half of the table.
They face off against a Sheffield United side that claimed their first win of the season last weekend. The Blades brought a six match losing streak to an end and they will be looking to build on that victory this Sunday at the Amex.
Paul Heckingbottom’s team are joint-bottom but, surprisingly, come into this game with as many points as Brighton from their last five games.
Can fortress Anfield hold firm?
The Reds have won all five of their home matches this season and have conceded just two goals in the process at Anfield. However, Brentford come into this game as the form team having won their last three Premier League matches. By comparison, Liverpool have taken just eight points from their previous four outings following the controversial loss to Spurs.
Brentford’s away form this season has been deceptively positive. The Bees have taken seven points from a possible 15, and this has included trips to St James’ Park, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.
Since their promotion to the English top-flight, Brentford have taken four points from four matches against the Jürgen Klopp’s side. Thomas Frank’s men have also scored three goals on two occasions.
This has the potential to be a banana skin tie for Liverpool, especially after back-to-back underwhelming performances.
A Stamford Bridge shock?
Another week, another opportunity for Chelsea to impress under new manager Mauricio Pochettino in a big game.
The Blues caught the eye in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal a few weeks back but then followed that up with a 2-0 loss against Brentford. They ran out 4-1 winners over Spurs but the performance was far from dominant. Now they welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge.
City old boys Raheem Sterling and Cold Palmer have stepped up for Chelsea recently and a big showing here would be the icing on the cake.
The reigning champions have looked in ominous form since their 1-0 loss to Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side have won five on the bounce and scored 17 in the process, conceding just three goals.
Manchester City have won their last six matches against Chelsea. Their last defeat to the Blues was in the Champions League final.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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