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LONDON, UK | Xinhua | One of the biggest games of any season in the Premier League arrives in the third weekend as Manchester United entertain Liverpool at Old Trafford in a clash that is vital to home coach Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat away to Brighton last weekend brought back memories of the defensive errors that hamstrung their last campaign, and another defeat to Liverpool would have fans further questioning the wisdom of retaining Ten Hag after last season’s frustrations.
There have been some positive signs at United in the opening games, but the coach will know that any defensive lapses against Liverpool will be punished.
Liverpool have kicked off with consecutive wins under new coach Arne Slot and a further victory would give a perfect start after a quiet summer in the transfer window.
Arsenal and Brighton have both impressed in the first two weekends of action, but one of their 100 percent records will have to give when the two teams meet at the Emirates’ Stadium.
Brighton have been quick and aggressive under new coach Fabian Hurzeler and will take the game to Arsenal, whose coach Mikel Arteta must be tempted to give a start to former Brighton forward Leandro Trossard, who deserves to be in the starting 11 more often after his habit of scoring after coming off the bench.
Manchester City face a difficult visit to play Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham, with Ilkay Gundogan in line for a first start since returning from Barcelona.
Erling Haaland remains City’s dangerman, as he proved with his hat-trick in last weekend’s quickfire demolition of Ipswich Town.
Consecutive 3-0 and 4-0 defeats have set the alarm bells well and truly ringing for Everton, especially as off the field instability has affected their ability to strengthen their squad.
Bournemouth’s aggressive high-press will give Everton plenty of problems and another defeat for Sean Dyche’s men would hint at another long winter at Goodison Park.
Brentford’s question mark over the future of striker Ivan Toney will have been answered one way or another by the time they kick off at home to Southampton, with the recently promoted side close to have Aaron Ramsdale in goal after reportedly agreed a deal with Arsenal.
After kicking off their return to the Premier League against Liverpool and Manchester City, Fulham should give Ipswich are more realistic indication of their survival chances when they visit Portman Road.
Aston Villa visit Leicester City looking for more clinical finishing than last weekend against Arsenal, while Nottingham Forest will fancy their chances against a Wolves side that looks weaker than last season and shipped six goals to Chelsea last weekend.
Chelsea are at home to Crystal Palace have disappointed so far this season and Palace’s starting 11 in Stamford Bridge will be determined by whether or not they hand on to England defender Marc Guehi beyond Friday’s transfer window.
Newcastle are keen on Guehi, but coach Eddie Howe will have to focus on Sunday’s game against Tottenham, Fabian Schar is still suspended for the game, while Tottenham are without new arrival Dominic Solanke (a former Newcastle target) due to an ankle injury. ■
