Arsenal host Hull as Man City visit Forest in Premier League weekend
League leaders Arsenal can extend their advantage at the top this weekend, while Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United all face demanding fixtures.
Arsenal have a chance to tighten their grip on the Premier League table before the international break, according to an IOL weekend preview. The league leaders welcome Hull City to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won eight of their opening nine matches, with their only domestic defeat coming at Brighton. IOL noted that any slip from second-placed Manchester City would give Arsenal an ideal chance to pull further clear.
City face a tough trip to Forest
City travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest. If City lose and Arsenal beat Hull, the gap between the two sides would grow to six points.
City manager Enzo Maresca spoke about the demands of the schedule and the strength of his squad. “We have 60 to 65 games so it’s impossible to always use the same players,” he said. He added that he is fortunate to have many good options to choose from.
Liverpool and United in Sunday action
On Sunday, Liverpool visit Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. They arrive after a 3-2 Champions League defeat to Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, a result IOL said exposed ongoing defensive problems.
Head coach Andoni Iraola told reporters his players must respond. “We need the win against Palace away,” he said, referring to the two defeats the team has suffered.
Later on Sunday, Manchester United host Aston Villa, coached by Unai Emery, at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick’s team come off a midweek Champions League win over AS Roma, when they recovered from two goals down to win 3-2. That result ended a long winless run. Villa, for their part, are coming off a European setback in Barcelona.
Other fixtures
- Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road, the weekend opener
- Sunderland v Chelsea at the Stadium of Light
- Fulham v Newcastle United at Craven Cottage
For South African fans following the title race, the weekend could show whether Arsenal’s lead widens before the break. Check your broadcaster’s listings for kick-off times, as these were not part of the preview.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
