Haven’t you heard? The center of power in the realm that is the Premier League currently lies in Manchester, England, and there only can be one king of the city.
All 20 Premier League teams will be in action this weekend in the 10th round of the 2015-16 season. With apologies to 18 clubs outside of Manchester, especially Sunderland and Newcastle, one game is bigger than the rest.
Marquee game
Manchester City and Manchester United currently occupy the first and third slots, respectively, in the league standings. The rivals will face off Sunday at Old Trafford in their 170th meeting. They’ll look to claim local bragging rights and consolidate a high position in the national competition that has blossomed into one fans from all corners of the world follow.
Manchester City has wrested power from the red to sky blue sections of the city by winning four of the last five meetings, but Manchester United won 4-2 last April in the most recent Manchester derby.
Both Manchester clubs competed in the UEFA Champions League this week, but Manchester City’s schedule is the more forgiving. Manchester City hosted and beat Sevilla on Wednesday, while Manchester United drew against CSKA Moscow in Russia on the same day. The lack of travel gives Manchester City a physical edge this time around.
Manchester City will miss injured marksman Sergio Aguero and playmaker David Silva. Vincent Kompany, the club captain and defensive rock, also might watch from the bench, having reportedly irked manager Manuel Pellegrini by playing for Belgium with an injury earlier this month.
Left back Luke Shaw is Manchester United’s only notable injury absence.
Liverpool vs. Southampton
The Reds meet the Saints on Sunday at Anfield in Jurgen Klopp’s first home Premier League game as Liverpool manager. Liverpool drew against Tottenham and Rubin Kazan in its first two outings under Klopp. The German soon will discover whether the third time makes lucky in England’s top flight.
Liverpool won both games against Southampton last season, but 2014-15 seems like eons ago following Klopp’s arrival as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement. The teams are tied on points with 13 from nine games, but eighth-placed Southampton sits two places above Liverpool due to its superior goal differential.
Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne are likely to feature against their former team Sunday.
Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino returned from injury Thursday, making appearences as second-half substitutes in the draw with Rubin Kazan. They’ll be in contention to start against Southampton.
Daniel Sturridge’s fitness remains in question. The Liverpool striker has missed the last two games after taking a knock in practice last week.
Premier League Round 10 schedule (home teams listed first; all kickoff times ET):
Saturday, Oct. 24
Aston Villa vs. Swansea City, 10 a.m.
Leicester City vs Crystal Palace, 10 a.m.
Norwich City vs. West Brom, 10 a.m.
Stoke City vs. Watford, 10 a.m.
West Ham vs. Chelsea, 10 a.m.
Arsenal vs. Everton, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25
Sunderland vs. Newcastle, 8 a.m.
Bournemouth vs. Tottenham, 10:05 a.m.
Manchester United vs. Manchester City, 10:05 a.m.
Liverpool vs. Southampton, 12:15 p.m.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@BetVictor
