October 19, 2024
As the Premier League gears up for another exciting weekend, fans are expecting thrilling matchups and key storylines across the board. From crucial relegation battles to title-contending clashes, every game promises high stakes. Below are things to look out for this weekend games.
Arsenal: Merino in, Saka out?
The international break was both helpful and difficult for Mikel Arteta. On one hand, Mikel Merino played for Spain in their Nations League wins over Denmark and Serbia. This likely clears him to play alongside Declan Rice at Bournemouth, forming Arteta’s preferred midfield.
However, Bukayo Saka’s injury during England’s defeat against Greece adds a challenge. While Arsenal have been relatively lucky with injuries over the past two seasons in their title pursuits, their busy schedule suggests that luck may be running out.
Ipswich vs Everton
Eight games into the season, and a crucial relegation battle is already here. Ipswich, sitting 17th, are still without a win. Everton, in 16th, secured their first victory against Crystal Palace on 28 September.
Following that, they drew with Newcastle, with Jordan Pickford saving a penalty from Anthony Gordon. Everton fans hope Pickford repeats that performance, rather than his shaky display for England against Greece.
Ipswich aim to recover from their poor performance at West Ham. They lost 4-1 due to defensive lapses, especially in the second half. The absence of Axel Tuanzebe, who injured his hand in a household accident, weakens Ipswich’s defence.
Similarly, Everton have missed Jarrad Branthwaite, whose return in the Palace game improved the team before he suffered a thigh injury. He is now back in training.
Tottenham and Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou’s refusal to change his tactics and Tottenham’s inability to shift their mindset could cause problems. Spurs aren’t in crisis yet, but tension is building.
Postecoglou told Australian media that sticking to his style, despite the collapse against Brighton, has made the international break frustrating.
Even though Tottenham won five games before their loss at Brighton, anything less than a win against West Ham could increase the strain between Postecoglou and the fans, whose reactions often swing between extremes.
McAtee’s Progress at City
James McAtee had a mixed international break. The 21-year-old Manchester City midfielder scored three goals for England Under-21s, including two against Ukraine. His first was a powerful free-kick.
After the match, McAtee dedicated his brace to George Baldock, a teammate from his loan spell at Sheffield United. “He looked after me when I was there,” McAtee said, explaining the shirt message: “GB 2 REST EASY BROTHER X.”
Although McAtee has been a regular in City’s squads this season, he may not start against Wolves on Sunday. However, after scoring in City’s 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava earlier this month, Pep Guardiola knows he can rely on McAtee if needed.
United’s Growing Concerns
All eyes will be on Old Trafford’s executive box, watching if Sir Alex Ferguson takes his seat, especially after Sir Jim Ratcliffe cut his ambassador stipend. Erik ten Hag, meanwhile, continues to face pressure, though Thomas Tuchel becoming England manager may have helped his job security.
United’s dull draw with Aston Villa eased some speculation but did little to solve the injury issues. Harry Maguire’s absence adds to selection headaches, as does Noussair Mazraoui’s heart surgery.
Manuel Ugarte also picked up a muscle injury while playing for Uruguay. The expensive signing was meant to stabilize United’s midfield but has only played 90 minutes once. There’s also uncertainty around Matthijs de Ligt, who was benched for the Villa game.
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