AFP, fbarena.com
This weekend, Manchester United faces a daunting task as they travel to Anfield, the home of bitter rivals Liverpool, hoping to avoid another humbling defeat. The signs are not favorable for United, who left Anfield last season after a 7-0 drubbing. Currently facing a Liverpool team sitting at the top of the Premier League and brimming with confidence, Manchester United, led by Erik ten Hag, is already grappling with a challenging season.
Dumped out of Europe this week by Bayern Munich, Manchester United has lost 12 of their 24 games in all competitions this season. Struggling offensively, vulnerable defensively, and dealing with a growing injury list, United finds itself in a precarious position. Despite the inconsistency of the teams around them, they are currently sixth in the Premier League, only three points behind Tottenham and six behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
However, their recent record against Liverpool is concerning, with four losses in the last five meetings, conceding 21 goals in the process. In stark contrast, Liverpool is sharp in front of goal, full of self-belief, and has displayed a never-say-die attitude, earning them 18 points from losing positions this season.
Erik ten Hag has urged his side to focus on finishing in the top four to qualify for the Champions League next season. Still, if results don't go their way this weekend, they could find themselves nine points off fourth spot, slipping out of contention.
Chelsea Seeks a Way Out of Slump
While the spotlight has been on Manchester United, Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, is also grappling with challenges in their injury-hit squad. Currently 12th in the table after three defeats in their last four matches, Chelsea finds themselves closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table. Despite spending over £1 billion ($1.25 billion) in the past three transfer windows, Pochettino believes Chelsea needs to dip into the transfer window again in January.
With captain Reece James back on the treatment table alongside a list of other senior players, including Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea faces a critical moment. On paper, the upcoming match against bottom side Sheffield United seems like a golden opportunity for Chelsea to return to winning ways. However, Sheffield United, under newly returned Chris Wilder, secured their second win of the season last week against Brentford.
Chelsea's home form adds to the challenge, having won just two of their eight league matches at Stamford Bridge.
Dyche Proves to be the Man for Everton Crisis
Despite Everton being docked 10 points by the Premier League last month for breaching financial rules, they have managed to lift themselves four points above the relegation zone with three straight wins. Everton has won nine out of their past 13 games in all competitions, displaying impressive form. Manager Sean Dyche, pleased with his side's performance, acknowledges that there is still "a lot of work to be done" as they prepare to face Burnley, where Dyche managed for 10 years between 2012 and 2022.
The ongoing appeal against the points deduction hasn't dampened spirits at Goodison Park, with fans vocally opposing the severity of the penalty. Everton's recent success has provided supporters with plenty to cheer about.
Upcoming Fixtures (GMT)
Friday:
- Nottingham Forest vs. Tottenham (20:00)
Saturday:
- Bournemouth vs. Luton
- Chelsea vs. Sheffield United
- Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace
- Newcastle vs. Fulham
- Burnley vs. Everton (17:30)
Sunday:
- Arsenal vs. Brighton
- Brentford vs. Aston Villa
- West Ham vs. Wolves
- Liverpool vs. Manchester United (16:30)
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