Arsenal

Arsenal seek to prove they are title challengers against Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend, while troubled Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford.

On the day of Arsenal’s match against Liverpool last month, the club issued a social media post urging the team to “make a statement”.

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They failed to do so, allowing Liverpool to strike a psychological blow early in the title race with a 1-0 win, sparking criticism of Gunners manager Mikel Arteta for his conservative game plan.

But the Gunners have another chance to show this could be their year on Sunday, when they host Manchester City.

Arsenal have been Premier League runners-up for three seasons in a row, finishing behind City on two of those occasions.

For eight years, the Gunners failed to beat City home or away in the league, but they are now eyeing a third straight win against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Emirates.

City haven’t beaten Arsenal since April 2023, and a victory in north London would be a significant boost to Guardiola, who is in the midst of a major rebuild after last season’s disappointing third-place finish.

Meanwhile, United host Chelsea after last week’s dismal 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, and could find themselves in the relegation zone if results go against them.

Former United captain and record goalscorer Wayne Rooney believes his old team have “got worse” since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag last November.

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The Portuguese manager appears to retain the backing of United’s hierarchy, who are desperate to avoid yet another reset, but their patience is not limitless.

United can take heart from the fact they have not lost to Chelsea in the Premier League at Old Trafford since 2013, AFP reported.

But Enzo Maresca’s men have made a steady start to the season and have been tipped as outsiders to challenge for the title.

Arsenal, Chelsea

After Chelsea, United face Brentford and Sunderland, with Liverpool looming following the international break.

See the Premier League fixtures scheduled for the weekend below:

Saturday

Liverpool v Everton

Brighton v Tottenham

Burnley v Nottingham Forest

West Ham v Crystal Palace

Wolves v Leeds

Manchester United v Chelsea

Fulham v Brentford

Sunday

Bournemouth v Newcastle

Sunderland v Aston Villa

Arsenal v Manchester City

The Star

Segun Ojo
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