Manchester’s crisis-hit clubs face off in the Premier League when City host United on Sunday. In the Premier League, Manchester crisis-ridden teams will square off when City hosts United on Sunday and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe desperately needs a victory over Leicester at St. James’ Park. A day before Chelsea, in second place, plays Brentford, leaders Liverpool will try to extend their lead at the top of the league when they play Fulham at Anfield. Ahead of the action this weekend, AFP Sport examines the main talking issues.
Derby day for struggling Manchester clubs
The English champions’ one-game losing streak in ten games across all competitions is unmatched under Pep Guardiola.
After the team’s most recent setback, a 2-0 loss to Juventus, put them in risk of losing out on the Champions League knockout rounds, Guardiola said he was doubting himself.
Among a number of striking figures, City has given up more goals than any other side from Europe’s top five leagues in all competitions since the beginning of November (21 in nine games).
The Manchester Blues are still eight points ahead of a United club that has dropped to 13th place in the standings, though, despite their terrible run.
Although he has recently defeated Guardiola’s team, new United manager Ruben Amorim has only won one of his four Premier League games since taking over at Old Trafford. In his last home game with the Portuguese champions, he led Sporting Lisbon to a 4-1 Champions League triumph.
City may not be shaking in their boots, though, since United has a dismal recent record at the Etihad, giving up 13 goals in three straight Premier League games while suffering crushing losses.
Slot demands no dip from Liverpool
After Liverpool defeated Girona 1-0 to maintain their undefeated Champions League record, manager Arne Slot made demands of his team.
Last weekend’s Merseyside derby at Everton was canceled due to strong winds, and the Reds’ most recent Premier League match ended in a 3-3 loss to Newcastle.
Slot wants his team to play with the same ferocity as when they defeated Real Madrid and Manchester City at home.
“I’m far from pleased about the performance,” the Dutchman stated, lamenting his team’s lack of concentration in the midweek match against Girona.
Last weekend, Liverpool’s lack of action allowed in-form Chelsea to pull four points behind the leaders.
When the teams play at Stamford Bridge, the Blues, who have the strongest offensive in the division, hope to prolong Brentford’s dismal away record.
Two more points separate Arsenal and Everton, their hosts.
Howe under scrutiny
Newcastle is wallowing in 12th place in the Premier League standings after going four games without a victory.
The Magpies’ absence from European competition this season has raised unrealistic expectations that they will be able to contend for a top-four finish again, as they did in 2022–2023.
The main source of Eddie Howe’s men’s difficulties has been inconsistency.
Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have all lost on Tyneside, but Howe is under a lot of pressure after losing at home to Brighton and West Ham and only winning twice away from home.
Due to the departure of important allies and changes in the club’s leadership, the Englishman is apparently vulnerable. While previous co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi sold their minority investment in the club in July, Sporting director Dan Ashworth resigned early this year and has since left Old Trafford.
Alan Shearer, a former captain of Newcastle, told The Athletic that Howe “cannot escape scrutiny.” “Ultimately, he is responsible for results and performances and neither look great.”
Fixtures
Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)
Arsenal v Everton, Liverpool v Fulham, Newcastle v Leicester, Wolves v Ipswich, Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa (1730)
Sunday
Brighton v Crystal Palace (1400), Manchester City v Manchester United (1630), Chelsea v Brentford, Southampton v Tottenham (both 1900)
Monday
Bournemouth v West Ham (2000)
