5 key talking points ahead of Premier League’s return this weekend

5 key talking points ahead of Premier League’s return this weekend

New Delhi: The Premier League is all set to return this weekend after the international break, and the good news is that the next international break won’t be until March. This marks the resumption of action-packed matches, along with the busy festive period next month.

While Manchester United aims for a fresh start after years of decline, Manchester City will look to bounce back from the mild shock of a four-match losing streak.

The Citizens will undoubtedly be boosted by the news that manager Pep Guardiola has signed a contract extension. They currently sit second in the standings, just behind leaders Liverpool. The Reds, under Arne Slot’s sensational management, have secured 15 wins in 17 matches so far this season.

Arsenal is fourth in the standings, and Mikel Arteta will aim to keep his side in the title race while managing ongoing injury concerns. Before the weekend action kicks off, let’s look at the five key talking points ahead of the matches.

Guardiola stays at City but can they stop Liverpool?  

Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester City’s decision to extend Pep Guardiola’s tenure by another year has brought a sense of reassurance amidst an unusual slump in City’s form. The defending champions, who have dominated the Premier League for the past four seasons are facing the challenge of halting Liverpool’s extraordinary momentum. The Reds under the tactical brilliance of new manager Arne Slot are setting a relentless pace at the top of the table both domestically and in Europe.

Liverpool’s consistency has seen them drop points in only two matches this season, building a commanding five-point lead over City. Historically, teams with such an advantage at this stage have often gone on to secure the title. However, City’s ability to bounce back deficits in previous campaigns offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, this time the task seems much more difficult as Guardiola’s side is grappled with injury concerns and have lost four consecutive matches streak across all competitions marking an unprecedented scenario in the Spaniard’s illustrious career.

Saturday’s clash with Tottenham presents an opportunity for Man City to regain their form before their highly-anticipated showdown with Liverpool arrives in December. The match against Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic Spurs outfit could serve as a critical test of City’s resilience. 

For now Liverpool’s relentless charge seems unyielding and their upcoming fixtures provide an opportunity to solidify their position further. With City scrambling to rediscover their rhythm, the stage is set for a season-defining battle at Anfield next month.

Ruben Amorim’s first test as Man United manager?  

Manchester United new manager Ruben Amorim. (Photo crdits: @FabrizioRomano ‘X’)

Manchester United is set to begin a new chapter under Ruben Amorim who takes charge of the club for the first time in a Premier League clash against Ipswich Town. The Portuguese manager who is known for his innovative 3-4-3 system faces the immediate challenge of rejuvenating a team struggling in 13th place with just four wins from 11 matches.

The deal was done on 1 November but his former club Sporting CP wanted him to wait until the international break before he move. After Erik ten Hag got sacked Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed as the interim manager but he also departed as the Portuguese manager didn’t want him as a part of his backroom staff. 

Amorim’s arrival has sparked fresh hope among United fans who are eager to see the club reclaim its former glory. However, his task is formidable. With only two days to work with a full squad due to the international break implementing his tactical vision will not be an easy task. Furthermore, the shadow of United’s recent instability looms large as Amorim becomes the sixth full-time manager since Alex Ferguson’s departure.

The trip to Ipswich offers a prime opportunity for him to make an impact. United just haves four-point gap to the top four and if they manages to secure all three points they will come closer to the top five. So, a win at Portman Road is crucial and could set the tone for Amorim’s reign but anything less will intensify the scrutiny already surrounding the team.

Facing a tightly-packed league table and immense expectations, Amorim’s journey at Old Trafford begins with the weight of history and the hopes of a restless fanbase on his shoulders.

Will Arsenal boost title race chance?

Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with team mates Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal have the golden opportunity to reduce the gap between themselves and Liverpool when Premier League action resumes this weekend. Currently sitting in fourth the Gunners are nine points behind the league leaders but can close the gap significantly with a win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. 

This match against Forest is a crucial one for Mikel Arteta’s side, especially after a difficult stretch of two points from the last 12 available. Nottingham Forest have proven their ability to the the leaders, most notably their shock win over Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season. Arsenal will need to be at their best asThe Tricky Tree’s solid defensive organization and ability to stifle key players like Martin Odegaard could pose significant challenges.

A victory would also set Arsenal up for a run of favorable fixtures in the coming weeks including matches against West Ham, Fulham, and Everton. If Arteta’s men manages to capitalize on this opportunity they will not only close the gap to the top but also put themselves in a strong position heading into the busy festive period where the race for the title could heat up even further.

Make or break for Julen Lopetegui 

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui applauds the fans at the final whistle during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and West Ham United FC at Selhurst Park on August 24, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Julen Lopetegui’s future as West Ham manager hangs by a thread as the club faces a crucial period that could determine his fate. After a disappointing start to the season with only three wins from 11 matches the pressure is mounting on the Spanish manager. West Ham are currently five points clear of the relegation zone but with their underwhelming performances belief in Lopetegui’s ability to turn things around is beginning to fade.

The next two fixtures against Newcastle and Arsenal are seen as pivotal in Lopetegui’s tenure. Defeat in either game, particularly a heavy loss at St James’ Park could end the spell for the 58-year-old manager. Although David Sullivan, West Ham’s largest shareholder has historically been reluctant to make mid-season managerial changes, the growing dissatisfaction with Lopetegui’s tactics and lack of progress could force the club’s hand.

West Ham’s recruitment issues have further complicated the situation with star signings struggling to settle and tactical concerns arising. Additionally, disciplinary problems within the squad have raised questions about Lopetegui’s control over the team. The club is already exploring potential replacements including Edin Terzic, Kasper Hjulmand, and Roger Schmidt, among others, signaling that West Ham is actively considering their options.

Lopetegui is an experienced coach with stints at Sevilla, Porto, and Wolves though insists he can turn the situation around but time is running out of his hand. West Ham’s next two matches will likely define his future at the London Stadium. 

Injuries and upcoming fixture congestion

Injuries have been a significant issue this season, with a total of 209 injuries across teams. Recently, nine players have pulled out of the England squad from the Nations League something that raised eyebrows. Well the potential comeback of the players-Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, Levi Colwill and Jarrad Branthwaite will be revealed by their managers in their next conferences ahead of weekend fixtures. 

The table toppers Liverpool have tackled the scenario pretty well but are yet to reveal whether their goalkeeper Alisson Becker will return this week or not after staying out for six weeks due to injury. If he does return then that could mark the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s spell in the squad. 

Tottenham’s midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will definitely be out as he has been handed seven-match domestic ban by Football association over his racial slurr about his teammate Son Heung-min. He can still play Europa League matches but will not be available in Premier League until Boxing Day.  

As the Premier League enters a congested period in December, managers will have to carefully manage their squads to prevent further injuries. Four clubs—Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United are facing an especially demanding schedule with nine games each over the month while teams like Nottingham Forest and Brighton only have six fixtures in December, the overall fixture congestion compounded by the ongoing European competitions and the Carabao Cup quarter-finals will place additional strain on player fitness.

With the absence of a winter break, teams will be playing continuously until the World Cup qualifiers and Nations League fixtures which will begin in March, making this a crucial period for squad rotation and injury management. 

 Check out the key storylines that could define the season as the Premier League returns this weekend with exciting matchups.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today