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Premier League leaders Liverpool will face a significant test of their title hopes against Chelsea this weekend as the English top flight resumes after the international break. Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag finds himself under mounting pressure as Brentford visit Old Trafford, in what could be a crucial match for his future.
Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table with six wins from their first seven matches, but the next phase of their campaign promises to be more challenging as they pursue their first league title since 2020.
New manager Arne Slot has had an impressive start at Anfield, securing victories over Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham, Wolves, and Crystal Palace. The only slip-up so far was a surprising home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
While the early fixtures provided a relatively smooth introduction for the former Feyenoord manager, Slot’s honeymoon period may be coming to an end. Liverpool host fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday before heading to unbeaten Arsenal next weekend.
Chelsea, unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, sit just four points behind Liverpool. Manager Enzo Maresca has been praised for his efforts in revitalising the squad at Stamford Bridge, turning them into serious top-four contenders despite internal battles for control between co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
For Slot and Maresca, the showdown at Anfield will offer insight into their teams’ prospects for the season.
Ten Hag Under Pressure at Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag faces a critical period as his position comes under increasing scrutiny following United’s worst start to a top-flight campaign since the 1989-90 season.
With United languishing in 14th place and only two wins from their first seven league games, Ten Hag’s team are winless in their last five matches across all competitions. Speculation about his future has intensified, particularly after United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe approached Thomas Tuchel at the end of last season about potentially taking over. Though Tuchel’s recent acceptance of the England manager role offers Ten Hag some respite, his position remains precarious.
Brentford, known for their fast starts this season, could pose a serious threat to a struggling United side. Even if Ten Hag survives the match against Brentford, a Europa League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on Thursday may bring further challenges.
Should he remain in charge after these matches, Ten Hag will then face a crucial away game against West Ham, with a loss potentially proving decisive for his tenure.
Struggling Teams Seek First Wins
Newly promoted Ipswich and Southampton, who have yet to secure a win since moving up from the Championship, are both in search of their first victories this weekend.
Ipswich, currently fourth from the bottom, host fellow strugglers Everton, while second-bottom Southampton welcome Leicester City, sitting 15th, to St Mary’s Stadium.
Crystal Palace, also in the relegation zone, travel to Nottingham Forest, aiming for their first win, while Wolves, at the bottom with just one point, face a daunting challenge against Manchester City at Molineux.
