With a game in hand over Manchester City, the main contenders for the title, Arsenal London are still leading the Premier League. After three games in which they have only managed one point (0-1 to Everton, 1-1 to Brentford and 1-3 to Manchester City), the Gunners have responded with two wins (4-2 to Astoin Villa and 1-0 to Leicester) to show everyone that they have the morale of champions and can bring the title to the Emirates after a 19-year break. Arsenal will play Bournemouth at home this weekend in a game in which Mikel Arteta’s side start as favourites. In the first match of the season, on 20 August, Arsenal won 3-0.
In the chase of leaders Arsenal, Manchester City are visited by revelation Newcastle, who have long since left the Premier League top four and slipped to fifth. Newcastle are coming off a run of four games without a win (three draws and a defeat), plus last weekend’s 2-0 League Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
In the first leg at St James’ Park it was 3-3, the first draw after five consecutive wins for Manchester City. Newcastle’s last win against City was on 29 January 2019, 2-1.
Currently in 4th place, Tottenham will face Wolverhampton, a team in the fight to avoid relegation, this round away from home.
Destroyed by Real Madrid in Europe, Liverpool continue their fight for a place that would ensure another UEFA Champions League appearance. Jürgen Klopp’s side meet Manchester United, a team in great form who fights not only for a Champions League place, but for the Premier League title. In the first leg at Old Trafford it was 2-1 to Manchester United, their first win after eight games without a win against Liverpool.
After the away win over Chelsea, Southampton lost to one of their main challengers in the relegation battle, 1-0 to Leeds, and remain bottom of the Premier League table. In this round Southampton will meet Leicester, a team whose play fluctuates from round to round, at home.
Chelsea remain with one win in 2023, and manager Grahjam Potter’s days are numbered. Chelsea v Leeds is shaping up to be another match where punters can catch big odds.
