The marathon race for the 2015-16 Premier League title nears the second of three pre-New Year water breaks, but the teams have serious business to tend to before resting.
The eighth round of Premier League action gives all 20 teams a chance either to change course or remain on the right path before the two-week FIFA international break. As was the case in September, some sides will break camp with smiles on their faces after a win this weekend. Others will dwell on a negative result and face a fortnight of uninterrupted scrutiny on the back of a loss.
Marquee game: Arsenal vs. Manchester United
It might not carry the luster it had a decade ago, but meetings between these two Premier League heavyweights always carry some significance. They face off again Sunday at The Emirates Stadium.
This season’s first meeting between the Gunners and Red Devils offers both a chance to cement their positions at or near the top of the standings. Manchester United enters the weekend on top of the league with 16 points after seven games. Arsenal sits fourth with 13 points from seven games.
Despite their proximity to each other in the standings, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal are enjoying contrasting relationships with the public. Wenger is under fire for his team’s failure to earn a point in either of its first two Champions League games. He needs a win if for no other reason than to ease the pressure he and his players are under. Van Gaal helped improve Manchester United’s Champions League fortunes this week, and a win over Arsenal will give his team another injection of confidence as the weather cools and the title race warms.
Everton vs. Liverpool
The first Merseyside derby of 2015-16 is upon us, as Everton will host Liverpool on Sunday at Goodison Park. One point separates fifth-place Everton from ninth-place Liverpool, and Sunday’s result will better reflect the balance of power in the city than the league standings do. That scenario will sit well with Everton fans. Liverpool fans probably will squirm at the thought of bragging rights residing in the Blue sectors of the city.
Liverpool is banking on the continued good form of Daniel Sturridge, who scored two goals last weekend in the win over Aston Villa. Sturridge’s presence improves Liverpool and makes it a far more threatening team going forward.
Not only must manager Brendan Rodgers do all he can to maintain Sturridge’s good health, he also must sort out Liverpool’s defense, which has been leaking goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks.
Six of the last seven Merseyside derbies, including both of last season’s games, ended in draws. Perhaps Everton or Liverpool will begin to separate itself from its local rival this weekend.
Premier League Round 8Â schedule (home teams listed first; all kickoff times ET)
Saturday, Oct. 3
Crystal Palace vs. West Brom, 7:45 a.m.
Aston Villa vs. Stoke City, 10 a.m.
Bournemouth vs. Watford, 10 a.m.
Manchester City vs. Newcastle, 10 a.m.
Norwich City vs. Leicester City, 10 a.m.
Sunderland vs. West Ham, 10 a.m.
Chelsea vs. Southampton, 12:30 a.m.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Everton vs. Liverpool, 8:30 a.m.
Arseanl vs. Manchester United, 11 a.m.
Swansea City vs. Tottenaham, 11 a.m.
Thubmnail photo via Twitter/@talkSPORT
