SINGAPORE – What are the main games and scenarios to look for in the next round of the English Premier League (EPL)? Yahoo News Singapore lists the top three:
Ten years ago, this tie would have sent pulses even among neutral fans, as it would be a trademark match between two of the EPL’s most star-studded teams, each attempting to outsmart the other in the quest. for another league title
While there are still plenty of famous footballers when Manchester United host Chelsea on Sunday (October 25, Singapore time), the reality is that the two teams are far from fighting for the EPL title, given the recent shine of the two Manchester City and Liverpool
Both have serious shortcomings Chelsea potentially have one of the best offensive strengths in the league, once Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic get used to playing with each other
Yet their defense has been their Achilles heel since manager Frank Lampard took the reins last season As evidenced by last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Southampton – in which they led 2-0 and 3-2 before conceding a tie in stoppage time – the Blues’ porous defense will cost them valuable points in their quest for the EPL title
A 0-0 away draw with Spain’s Sevilla team in their midweek Champions League opener would have given Lampard encouragement for his defenders to keep a White paper And as the games get thick and fast, they’ll need to be the toughest to push back the fast Man United frontline of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood (or new signing Edinson Cavani) this weekend. end
Yet forwards are the least of all problems facing Red Devils manager Ole Gunner Solskjaer, who endured the sight of his side being beaten 1-6 at home against Tottenham just before the final international break.
Defense is a major headache, as captain Harry Maguire struggles to regain his form as Solskjaer tries to pair him up with bad teammates such as Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly in central defense
Meanwhile, the Man United midfielder is loaded, but oddly short of creativity and drive Paul Pogba is an infuriating shadow of his unleashed former best, as is defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic Only Bruno Fernandes shows signs of good shape
Yet a richly deserved 2-1 away win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek – coupled with an equally encouraging 4-1 win over Newcastle last weekend – showed the Reds Devils could still bank on the brilliance of a few to get by
Can Man United or Chelsea’s defense stand firm this weekend? That would be the key to success in this high-level clash, but no one – not even Lampard or Solskjaer – knows what to expect when their players enter the Old Trafford pitch.
Champions Liverpool have passed their first test of life without Virgil van Dijk – their defensive colossus who is out for an extended period with a serious knee injury – with a 1-0 Champions League win over Ajax Amsterdam Wednesday
Although the blank sheet was well received, manager Jurgen Klopp said: « We’re not stupid enough to think we didn’t need a little luck for this »
A dramatic clearance from the goal line of makeshift center-back Fabinho, as well as Ajax midfielder Davy Klaasen hitting the post, showed there was still a long way to go for the Reds before their defense becomes as imperious as before
Nonetheless, at the very least, the gloom and ruin that engulfed Liverpool after van Dijk’s injury diagnosis was lifted Their fans could at least approach their next EPL game against Sheffield United with some confidence in their defense. will not be as calamitous as feared
Moreover, Sheffield United are struggling to score, with just two goals in their opening five games of the season Even last season, when they pulled off a very respectable ninth place after being promoted from the Championship, they were the worst performing team in the top 10 with just 39 goals in 38 games.
Which gives Liverpool a bit of a break to familiarize themselves with their defense, with Fabinho likely to play in central defense instead of his usual defensive midfielder position
What could give the Blades hope is the short turnaround Liverpool face after their midweek Champions League efforts in Amsterdam Could the Reds’ overloaded defenders be in great shape next Sunday? Blades could try to exploit all tired legs among the Reds
Klopp probably had this in mind when he took off his three forwards – Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino – after 60 minutes against Ajax Was it to give the deadly trio more recovery time for start over the weekend? Klopp hopes the trio will benefit
Ahead of the start of the season, experts predict Leeds United are too well coached by Marcelo Bielsa to be relegated to the league The same experts also believed Aston Villa were among the favorites for the fall, given their huge difficulties the previous season
Five weekends of matches, and it’s safe to say that Villa – the only England side still with a 100% record with four consecutive wins – will likely not repeat their struggles last season, as she barely avoided relegation
And while Leeds don’t exactly struggle for 10th place in the league, they have just taken a heavy blow when key defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips is ruled out for six weeks with a shoulder injury
Such a makeshift contrast makes their Saturday morning clash very intriguing Villa is carried by a stunning transfer window in which they have made improvements in almost every area: goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, striker Ollie Watkins, and midfielders Bertrand Traoré and especially Ross Barkley
Barkley scored a superb last-breath winner against Leicester last weekend, and his successful partnership with international colleague Jack Grealish already has fans hoping Villa can fight for Europa League qualification. is the optimism running through the club now
Leeds fans are also optimistic that their club will at least consolidate their EPL status for another season With Bielsa at the helm, they are also enjoying the high intensity football featured every week
Phillips’ injury will test the team’s defensive resolve, and it remains to be seen whether Bielsa will curb his offensive instincts The Argentine is already urging his team to show possession counts by scoring more goals This game could see a few
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World News – UK – PREVIEW EPL: Man United and Chelsea aim to regain momentum after indifferent departures
