21-22 Premier League Preview Week 6
The Premier League has settled into an early rhythm with early title contenders, European hopefuls, and relegation potentials emerging in recent weeks.
Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man United have shown no let-up, and all three clubs share the lead at the top of the table. Surprise package Brighton makes up the top four, and Man City dropped more points last weekend to remain out of the top four. Newcastle, Burnley, Southampton, Leeds and Norwich all remain winless and have struggled early on, especially in last week’s games.
There are chances this weekend for several teams to gain vital points. Chelsea face Man City at Stamford Bridge, and both teams will want maximum points to lay down a marker in the title race. Unbeaten United host a patchy Aston Villa side at Old Trafford as the Red Devils aim to keep chase at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool face a tough trip to over-achievers Brentford, and there is a big North London derby between Arsenal and Spurs on Sunday.
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Chelsea vs Man City
Chelsea continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League with a 3-0 win against Tottenham last weekend. Thomas Tuchel’s side were on top for most of the game, and three second-half goals saw them claim a fourth victory in five top-flight matches. The Blues have won their last three home matches in the Premier League, scoring eight and conceding one.
Man City dropped points in a 0-0 draw against Southampton on Saturday. The current champions struggled to find the net with one shot on target. The result ended City’s three-match winning streak where they picked up maximum points against Norwich, Arsenal, and Leicester. Pep Guardiola’s side have a patchy away record in the Premier League, losing two of their last three.
Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic should be in contention for Chelsea. Man City will be without Zack Steffen (knock), and John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Ilkay Gundogan could return to the squad after recent injuries.
Chelsea have won their last three matches against City. The Citizens have been inconsistent, and the Blues may edge Guardiola’s side on Saturday.
Man United vs Aston Villa
Man United bounced back from a shock 2-1 defeat to Young Boys in the Champions League last week and narrowly beat West Ham 2-1 in the Premier League. The win extended United’s unbeaten record in the Premier League to seven matches, and they are yet to lose a league game this season. Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side remain joint top after four wins from five, only dropping points in a 0-0 draw against Southampton.
Aston Villa recorded their second win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 win against Everton last time out. The Villans held Everton in the first half and netted three in the second half with Leon Bailey scoring and assisting. The win ended Villa’s two match winless streak following a 0-0 draw against Brentford and a 3-0 loss to Chelsea. Dean Smith’s side have been patchy away, losing three of their last five on the road.
Marcus Rashford (shoulder), Amad Diallo (thigh) and Phil Jones (knee) are ruled out for United. Aston Villa’s Keinan Davis and Trezeguet are out with knee injuries. Matt Targett, Matt Cash, John McGinn, and Leon Bailey should return after recent knocks.
United are in good form and will want to keep chase at the top of the Premier League. Villa have been patchy, and a home win at Old Trafford is likely.
Brentford vs Liverpool
Brentford’s impressive start to life in the Premier League continued with a 2-0 away win against Wolves on Saturday. The Bees scored two first-half goals and held on for all three points despite Shadon Baptiste’s sending off in the second period. Thomas Frank’s side are unbeaten in six of their seven matches this season, and they have won five of their last eight in all competitions.
Liverpool remain joint top of the Premier League after a 3-0 home victory against Crystal Palace last weekend. The Reds carved out plenty of opportunities with Sadio Mane, Mo Salah, and Naby Keita all scoring. Liverpool are undefeated in 19 of their last 20 matches in all competitions and have won six of their seven matches this season. Jurgen Klopp’s side have also won 3-0 in four of their last five away matches.
Brentford will be without Joshua Dasilva (groin) and Mads Sorenson (knee), but Shandon Baptiste returns after his two-match suspension. Liverpool midfielders Thiago Alcantara (calf) and Harvey Elliott (ankle) are unavailable. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino could be back in contention.
Brentford will provide a tough test for Liverpool, but the Reds should create enough opportunities to win again in the Premier League.
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Arsenal have continued to recover following three consecutive matches to start their Premier League campaign. Mikel Arteta’s side have recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins against Norwich at home and Burnley away. Despite their slow start to the new season, Arsenal are in decent long-term form in the top-flight. They have won seven of their last 10 and three of their last four home matches.
Spurs’ fast start in the Premier League has tailed off after the international break. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side won their first three league matches of the 2021/22 campaign, but they have lost their last two matches 3-0 against Crystal Palace and Chelsea respectively. Spurs’ away form has been inconsistent recently, and they are winless in eight of their last 12 on the road.
Granit Xhaka returns for Arsenal after his three-match suspension and Kieran Tierney should return after his cramp against Burnley. Spurs’ Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon are doubtful, but Lucas Moura will be in contention.
Arsenal are finding form while Spurs are struggling to find their rhythm. However, neither side will want to lose after patchy starts to the season and a low scoring draw could play out in the North London derby.
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