Liverpool and Manchester City Set for High-Stakes Clash as Both Aim to Catch Arsenal

Manchester City will host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium this weekend in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown that could have major implications for the title race. For nearly a decade, these two sides have defined English football’s elite rivalry, but this time both enter the fixture chasing Arsenal, who remain six points clear at the top.

A win for either City or Liverpool would not only reduce Arsenal’s lead but also deliver a crucial psychological edge in the season’s early stages. Meanwhile, Arsenal travel to face former captain Granit Xhaka and his impressive Sunderland side, as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur prepare to reignite their rivalry following last season’s Europa League final.

How prepared are Liverpool for the Erling Haaland challenge?

Liverpool head into the match with renewed confidence under Arne Slot. The Reds have returned to winning ways with back-to-back victories and clean sheets against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League. Slot has relied on a familiar defensive line of Conor Bradley, Ibrahim Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson, a move that seems to have restored stability at the back.

However, their defence faces its toughest test yet: Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has been unstoppable, netting 27 goals in just 17 appearances for club and country this season. Haaland has scored twice in each of his last four home league games, and two more on Sunday would see him reach 100 Premier League goals faster than any player in history.

For Liverpool, containing Haaland will be key to maintaining their title push. Slot’s men will need both tactical discipline and composure to withstand City’s attacking rhythm, especially at the Etihad, where Pep Guardiola’s side rarely falter.

Can Manchester United avenge their Europa League loss to Tottenham?

Saturday’s clash between Manchester United and Tottenham carries its own narrative. The two sides last met in May’s Europa League final, where Spurs triumphed 1-0 to claim their first major trophy in 17 years. Despite that victory, Tottenham dismissed Ange Postecoglou and replaced him with Thomas Frank, while United kept faith in Ruben Amorim.

Both clubs have endured inconsistent starts to the new campaign but sit level on 17 points after ten matches. Tottenham’s struggles at home continue, with only one win in five league games, and frustration grew after their recent 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. However, a dominant 4-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen has renewed optimism, with Frank calling it a “step forward in terms of how we want to play.”

United, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after Nottingham Forest ended their three-game winning streak last weekend. Amorim’s side will be eager to turn the tables after four consecutive defeats to Spurs last season.

Xhaka faces Arsenal reunion as Sunderland host league leaders

Arsenal’s trip to Sunderland adds an emotional subplot as Granit Xhaka prepares to face his former club. The 33-year-old Swiss midfielder has been exceptional since joining Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen, already scoring once and providing three assists.

Xhaka described the upcoming encounter as deeply personal, telling Sky Sports, “We know the quality that Arsenal has. It will be an emotional game for myself.” Jamie Carragher recently hailed him as the “signing of the season,” underscoring his leadership and influence on Sunderland’s strong start.

Arsenal, meanwhile, remain in dominant form, having won eight consecutive games in all competitions without conceding a goal, a feat that equals the English top-flight record. Mikel Arteta’s men will aim to extend that streak and maintain their commanding lead in both the Premier League and Champions League group stage.

Weekend Fixtures
Saturday: Tottenham v Manchester United (12:30), Everton v Fulham, West Ham v Burnley, Sunderland v Arsenal (17:30), Chelsea v Wolves (20:00)
Sunday: Aston Villa v Bournemouth, Brentford v Newcastle, Crystal Palace v Brighton, Nottingham Forest v Leeds, Manchester City v Liverpool (16:30)

By Yockshard Enyendi