EPL fixtures: Carrick fights for Man United job as Arsenal host Hull

Beleaguered manager Michael Carrick takes charge of Manchester United for what could be the last time against Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend as he battles to save his job despite a morale-boosting midweek victory over Roma.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Manchester City will be seeking to avoid a rare third straight league defeat when they face Nottingham Forest as they try to keep pace with leaders Arsenal.

United’s dramatic win in the Champions League gave Carrick breathing space but he remains under intense pressure ahead of the international break.

When United’s players trudged off at half-time against Roma on Tuesday, 2-0 down and seemingly out of ideas, Carrick’s fate appeared to be sealed.

Instead, his underperforming team somehow turned things around, with Matheus Cunha scoring two late goals in a 3-2 win at an Old Trafford.

It ended a run of nine games without a victory – United’s longest winless run since the 1988/89 season.

United defender Diogo Dalot said he hopes the Roma result can kickstart their season.

“Nights like this can change momentum, can change seasons, and I think this win is going to give us confidence for the next games,” Dalot said.

Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, was tipped as a potential candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat but reports suggest he is close to signing a new deal with the Birmingham club.

Meanwhile, Manchester City know that even if they keep pace with Arsenal, it might ultimately all be in vain.

The Etihad club are still waiting to discover their fate after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules – with a huge points deduction one potential punishment.

Arsenal appear to be the only other serious contender for the title, having the happy knack of winning even when below par.

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On paper, both clubs face a straightforward task this weekend, though City’s trip to Nottingham Forest could be trickier than it looks.

Opta’s “expected points” table, which orders the Premier League based on expected goals for and against, has Oliver Glasner’s team in third – a remarkable 16 places higher than they are in the real table.

Arsenal, who host struggling Hull City, have won 18 of their past 19 Premier League games against promoted sides.

Below are the Premier League fixtures scheduled for the weekend:

Friday
Everton v Coventry

Saturday
Leeds v Tottenham
Arsenal v Hull
Fulham v Newcastle
Nottingham Forest v Manchester City

Sunday
Brighton v Brentford
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Ipswich v Bournemouth
Sunderland v Chelsea
Manchester United v Aston Villa