LONDON: Manchester City face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday as the Premier League weekend resumes with 10 matches after the international break.
City lead the standings with 15 points from five matches, while Liverpool sit sixth with nine. Enzo Maresca’s side enter the contest after a ruling against the club for breaching Premier League financial regulations.
Despite the off-field uncertainty, City have won all five league matches this season. Liverpool now face the task of stopping the leaders at Anfield.
Meanwhile, defending champions Arsenal host Leeds United on Saturday. Midfielder Declan Rice returns to club duties after withdrawing from England’s squad to manage his workload.
Arsenal sit second with 12 points, three behind City. Manager Mikel Arteta will hope the international break has helped Rice recover from his persistent fitness problems.
Elsewhere, Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford. Michael Carrick’s team have collected five points, while Spurs sit bottom with just two.
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Both clubs face pressure to improve their early-season results. Chelsea host Bournemouth, who remain winless after five matches.
Alex Scott’s injury leaves Bournemouth manager Marco Rose considering midfield alternatives, including Ryan Christie and Alex Toth.
Aston Villa face Brentford, with Alejandro Garnacho hoping to earn more playing time after scoring in two friendly matches during the break.
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On Sunday, Oliver Glasner returns to Crystal Palace with Nottingham Forest. His move between the clubs has attracted criticism from some Palace supporters.
Sunderland also face Brighton on Saturday after losing Dan Ballard and Brian Brobbey to hamstring injuries.
The round concludes on Monday when Coventry City host Newcastle United. Coventry will seek to build on their first league victory of the season.
Manchester City’s visit to Liverpool kicks off a 10-match Premier League round that also features Manchester United vs Tottenham and Arsenal vs Leeds.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City | 5 | 8 | 15 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| 3 | Brighton | 5 | 11 | 10 |
| 4 | Brentford | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| 5 | Leeds | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| 6 | Liverpool | 5 | 3 | 9 |
| 7 | Everton | 5 | 3 | 9 |
| 8 | Hull | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| 9 | Newcastle | 5 | 0 | 8 |
| 10 | Chelsea | 5 | -2 | 7 |
| 11 | Ipswich | 5 | -4 | 6 |
| 12 | Man Utd | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 13 | Nottm Forest | 5 | -1 | 5 |
| 14 | Sunderland | 5 | -4 | 4 |
| 15 | Crystal Palace | 5 | -5 | 4 |
| 16 | Aston Villa | 5 | -5 | 4 |
| 17 | AFC Bournemouth | 5 | -2 | 3 |
| 18 | Coventry | 5 | -9 | 3 |
| 19 | Fulham | 5 | -3 | 2 |
| 20 | Tottenham Hotspur | 5 | -6 | 2 |
