In the Premier League, Manchester’s crisis-ridden teams will square off when City hosts United on Sunday and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe desperately needs a victory over Leicester at St. James’ Park. A day before Chelsea, in second place, plays Brentford, leaders Liverpool will try to extend their lead at the top of the table when they play Fulham at Anfield. Ahead of the action this weekend, AFP Sport examines the main talking issues.
Derby day for Manchester clubs that are having trouble
The English champions’ one-game losing streak in ten games across all competitions is unmatched under Pep Guardiola. After the team’s most recent loss, a 2-0 loss to Juventus, put them at risk of missing out on the Champions, Guardiola said that he was doubting himself.
Among a number of striking figures, City has given up more goals than any other side from Europe’s big five leagues in all competitions since the beginning of November (21 in nine games). The Manchester Blues are still eight points ahead of a United club that has dropped to 13th place in the standings, though, despite their terrible run.
Although he has recently defeated Guardiola’s team, new United manager Ruben Amorim has only won one of his four Premier League games since taking over at Old Trafford. In his final home game with the Portuguese champions, he led Sporting Lisbon to a 4-1 Champions League triumph.
City may not be shaking in their boots, though, since United has a dismal recent record at the Etihad, giving up 13 goals in three straight Premier League games while suffering crushing losses.
Slot doesn’t want Liverpool to take a slump.
After Liverpool defeated Girona 1-0 to maintain their undefeated Champions League record, manager Arne Slot made demands of his team. Last weekend’s Merseyside derby at Everton was canceled due to strong winds, and the Reds’ most recent Premier League match ended in a 3-3 loss to Newcastle. Slot wants his team to play with the same ferocity as when they defeated Real Madrid and Manchester City at home.