There is no doubt about what the standout fixture in the Premier League is this weekend as Liverpool and Manchester City lock horns at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Champions leapt to first place after extending their unbeaten defence to their crown with victory over Brighton and Hove Albion while Jurgen Klopp’s side side just below them on goal difference after Daniel Sturridge scored a sublime equaliser to salvage a point against Chelsea.
Matchday eight kicks off on Friday evening as in form West Ham United travel to the Amex Stadium to face Chris Hughton’s Seagulls.
Resurgent
After a slow start to life at the London Stadium, Manuel Pellegrini has led his team on a four-match unbeaten run, culminating in last weekend’s impressive win over Manchester United.
That result saw the Hammers move up to fourteenth place in the division, while another victory this weekend will see them move level on points with Jose Mourinho’s side – if only for a short while with the Red Devils hosting Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Brighton could certainly do with the points themselves as they are among a clutch of sides hovering above the relegation zone though they will leapfrog their opponents if they can record their second win of the season, with their first coming against Mourinho’s men.
Lost
The 13-times EPL champions are without a win in their last four games in all competitions though that is a better record than the Toon Army, who are one of three sides yet to taste victory in the league this season.
The other two names on that unwanted list are Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town and they both face tough tests this weekend with the Bluebirds facing a trip to Tottenham Hotspur while the Terriers travel to a resurgent Burnley.
Harry Kane was on the scoresheet midweek as Spurs lost to Barcelona at Wembley while in the league he has five in seven appearances, form that sees him listed as favourite to win yet another Golden Boot at a price of 5/2.
Fulham and Southampton sit just three points above the dreaded dotted line and they will both be hoping to get back on track this weekend.
Form
Fulham welcome Arsenal to Craven Cottage in Sunday’s early kick-off with the Gunners having continued their recent running streak with victory against Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday.
Later on Thursday evening Chelsea edged past Vidi in their European tie and in doing so continued their unbeaten start to life under Maurizio Sarri.
Saturday afternoon’s game at Vicarage Road sees a clash between the season’s two surprise packages so far as sixth place Watford take on a Bournemouth side who side just below them on goal difference.
Elsewhere on Saturday there is a meeting between two sides who both have their eyes on the European places as Leicester City face Everton while Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking for another positive result as they travel to Crystal Palace.
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