The Premier League resumes on Saturday after the international break. The first match will see Arsenal face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Here are the talking points from this weekend’s action.
Will Wenger outdo under-fire Mourinho?
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Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho will renew their rivalry when the Gunners travel to Manchester United for the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday. Mourinho is unbeaten in 11 Premier League encounters against Wenger while Arsenal have not won at Old Trafford in the league since Emmanuel Adebayor scored the winner back in 2006. Arsenal have tasted victory on just three occasions in 24 Premier League visits to United. Wenger’s side, however, are unbeaten in the league since the opening day of the season and they will hope that injury doubt Wayne Rooney, who has scored 14 times against them, will be unavailable.
Will Liverpool maintain their winning streak?
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Sadio Mane will look forward to his reunion with his former club Southampton. Liverpool are currently flying high with their performances are deservingly on top of the table with 26 points from 11 matches. The Reds are on a nine-match unbeaten streak. Liverpool are assessing the fitness of Adam Lallana after he sustained an injury while playing for England. Brazilian Philippe Coutinho is also a doubt with a hamstring problem but Dejan Lovren has returned after recovering from a virus.
Will Boro halt Chelsea’s juggernaut?
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After scooping the Manager of the Month award, Antonio Conte will want to pick up where they left off before the international break when they face Middlesbrough on Saturday. Antonio Conte’s side have been in scintillating form, winning their last five league matches without conceding a goal. Middlesbrough, as they proved against Manchester City following their 1-1 draw, will be no pushover, and they host Conte’s side on a three-match unbeaten streak.
Tottenham to continue their unbeaten run?
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Spurs are the only team left in the Premier League with their unbeaten record intact. However, fifth-placed Tottenham have been unable to translate their 6 draws into wins. They will welcome West Ham United in their London derby. The Hammers are just one place above the relegation zone.
Will Leicester do away with its away blues’?
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Champions Leicester head to Watford on Saturday and will look to end their awful away record this season. They have already lost away to Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. Watford however, are an impressive eighth in the table, but their 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool will still haunt them.
