Premier League leaders Liverpool will face a significant test of their title aspirations when they take on Chelsea this weekend, marking the return of the league after the international break.
Liverpool has had a strong start, winning six out of their first seven matches, but the upcoming fixtures will be more difficult as they aim to clinch their first Premier League title since 2020.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool has secured victories against Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham, Wolves, and Crystal Palace, with their only setback being an unexpected home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth place under manager Enzo Maresca, are just four points behind Liverpool. Maresca has been credited with bringing stability to Stamford Bridge, transforming the struggling team into top-four contenders, despite ongoing issues between co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.
The upcoming match at Anfield will serve as a crucial test for both managers, Slot and Maresca, providing insight into each club’s realistic goals for the season.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag is under growing pressure following the team’s worst start to a league season since 1989/90. With just two wins from seven matches, United sits in 14th place and has not won any of their last five games.
Ten Hag narrowly escaped replacement rumors last season when United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe approached former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel. Although Tuchel has since taken over the England national team, Ten Hag’s position remains uncertain. A disappointing result against Brentford this weekend could jeopardize his job, especially with a Europa League match against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and an upcoming game against West Ham on the horizon.
At the bottom of the table, newly promoted Ipswich and Southampton are still searching for their first league wins since returning to the Premier League. Ipswich will face fellow strugglers Everton, while Southampton hosts 15th-placed Leicester at St Mary’s.
Crystal Palace and Wolves, both in the relegation zone, will aim to break their winless streaks, with Palace going up against Nottingham Forest and Wolves taking on reigning champions Manchester City at Molineux.
