EPL Big Five: crunch Manchester derby, Jose under pressure, can Liverpool maintain the rage?
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IT's shaping up as another intriguing weekend of Premier
League action as Chelsea and the Manchester clubs navigate derbies,
while Liverpool and north London's big guns look to continue their
promising starts to the campaign.
Four matches without a win, two losses in a week ... It’s not just the results that’s sending a few curious glances towards Stamford Bridge, but the confusing performances at Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho’s side lack a main man; Samuel Eto’o has been ponderous in his first two starts, and he was clearly brought in because of a lack of faith in the others.
There’s the curious case of Juan Mata, Chelsea’s most creative player of the past few seasons, who simply doesn’t seem to fit the new manager’s plans.
But what are the plans? Can Mourinho find a balance between his preferred pragmatism with so many creative midfielders at his disposal? If Rafa Benitez was in charge, what would the fans be chanting?
The first chance to turn the tables comes against Fulham, where their fans' patience with Martin Jol is being tested as well. Nothing like a derby to sort out a few problems.
LIVERPOOL DREAMLAND
Can Liverpool sustain this reverse chain of command, sitting on top of the table with Manchester City, United and Chelsea occupying spots 4, 5 and 6?
The key for Liverpool will be games like this weekend. They face Southampton, followed by Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Newcastle – all games they should fancy themselves in.
Last year they shot themselves in the foot against West Brom, Southampton, Stoke and Aston Villa, but if they can back up their Manchester United-type victories against these teams, then the race for the top-four takes on a whole new complexion.
We always love a derby, but there’s something extra riding on this clash, as both Manchester outfits try to re-assert themselves on the Premier League.
It’s a massive stage for Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes, who has a very good record against Manchester City, as they try to establish their authority.
United have been uninspiring in recent outings, but Wayne Rooney’s rejuvenation is starting to encourage the thought that he can flourish as Moyes’s No.10.
It will be interesting to see if Moyes entrusts his man Marouane Fellaini to shore up the United midfield against a City outfit that have been flat and lacking cohesion, until this week’s confidence boosting 3-0 against Viktoria Plzen.
It’s an extraordinary stage for a team searching for form, and for two managers looking to assert themselves.
The fuse has been well and truly lit for what should be an intriguing clash between Premier League cellar dwellers Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.
Neither side has tasted victory in the league this season, and Stephane Sessengnon’s unceremonious departure from the Black Cats to West Brom has added another dimension to this match.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio didn’t mince his words when talking about his former striker.
Four games into the season and things are looking rosy in north London.
Arsenal, buoyed by the arrival of Mesut Ozil, have been in fine form, and come off an impressive midweek victory over Marseille in the Champions League.
Tottenham also tasted success in Europe this week, summer signing Christian Eriksen starring in their Europa League win over Norway minnows Tromso.
With Liverpool proving serious contenders for Champions League qualification, it looks like six teams will be battling for four places. Something’s gotta give.
Arsenal host Stoke City this weekend, while Spurs journey to Wales to face Cardiff. Can north London’s two big teams maintain the rage?
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