Premier League: Talking points ahead of the weekend | OneFootball

Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures we’ve picked out some key talking points.

Can Moyes end Anfield hoodoo?

Everton do not boast a good record at Anfield. The Toffees have won just twice at Liverpool in all competitions since the turn of the century, while David Moyes’s personal record reads even worse.

The Scot has never won at Liverpool during his 720-game Premier League career, with spells at Everton (2), Manchester United, Sunderland, and West Ham (2) failing to result in an Anfield win.

Everton head across town on Saturday lunchtime in the first Merseyside Derby of the campaign, aware of the task at hand but full of optimism.

The Toffees are sixth in the table and unbeaten in four across all competitions, while there is confidence that their new signings can provide a threat on enemy soil. Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye have both started the season superbly and will be key in targeting Liverpool’s weaknesses at full-back. Liverpool have won all six games this season but have required late winners in each of them. Everton will be keen to end that run as Moyes bids to end his Anfield hoodoo.

Potter patience running out

West Ham fans are planning to protest against the club’s ownership this weekend, with anger at the direction of the side. Just two years on from their Conference League triumph, there is deep unrest at the London Stadium.

The Hammers are in the relegation places, have lost three Premier League games by large margins, and have failed to show any sign of progress. While the bulk of the anger is directed at the board, Graham Potter’s position is precarious. He has a win percentage of just 27.2% in the Premier League and next faces a Crystal Palace side unbeaten at the London Stadium since 2018.

Amorim can ill-afford another home humbling

Another manager under pressure, Ruben Amorim, appears in trouble. Manchester United have had their worst start to a Premier League season since 1992/93, while Amorim’s win percentage is the worst of any post-World War 2 manager in the club’s history.

After his side were exposed at Manchester City last weekend, the Red Devils host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. United have insisted publicly that this is a long-term project, but another poor performance – and result – could change that stance.

Cherries can capitalise on Newcastle hangover

Bournemouth have started the season superbly and sit in the Champions League places after four games. The Cherries are impressing under Andoni Iraola, despite the departures of several big names in the summer.

Newcastle are the visitors to the south coast this weekend, as Bournemouth take on a team with their own European ambitions. The Magpies head into the contest with a poor record in this fixture and suffering from a potential Champions League hangover. Eddie Howe’s side competed in an energy-sapping clash with Barcelona on Thursday night, and kick-off at Bournemouth less than 72 hours after that full-time whistle at St James’ Park.

Fulham fearful of Brentford weapon

Brentford’s promotion of set-piece coach Keith Andrews to their managerial position has helped solidify the Bees as experts from a dead ball. The West Londoners equalised late on via a long throw against Chelsea last weekend, before scoring from a similar situation in the Carabao Cup elimination of Aston Villa in midweek.

This week’s opponents, Fulham, are yet to concede from open play this season but have shipped four goals from set-pieces. It’s an area Brentford will target.

Gabriel vs Haaland is becoming iconic match up

Arsenal and Manchester City meet in a huge early-season match-up, as both teams look to keep pace with leaders Liverpool. It’s a fixture that has grown in animosity and importance in recent seasons, as both sides have tussled for the title.

Among the narratives has been the personal duel between Gabriel and Erling Haaland, an individual battle with plenty of needle.

The former is unafraid to ruffle feathers and will aim to do so again as he looks to shut down the Premier League’s leading scorer. Haaland, no shrinking violet, will be up for the battle.

Read – Five things we learned from the Champions League action

See more – Champions League Team of the Week: Rashford, Vlahovic, Kane

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