Going for the jugular
six games while their defence look a more coherent unit than United’s in the continued absence of Eric Bailly. While the expected return of Phil Jones should ensure no repeat of last week’s disasters in the 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town, Mourinho’s sharp criticism suggested all is not right in United’s camp and the absence of Paul Pogba has deprived them of their early-season swagger. There was also something missing from Manchester City in midweek, although despite not scoring for 120 minutes against Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup they triumphed in the penalty shootout. Sergio Aguero still seeks the one goal that will make him the club’s all-time record scorer and will back himself against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow, assuming tinkerman Pep Guardiola lets him on the pitch.
City have already won at the Hawthorns this season, 2-1 in the League Cup, and return to find Albion without a victory in eight matches and now up against three of the League’s top four in their next four matches.
Manager Tony Pulis believes the strength of the promoted teams will put a premium on Premier League survival this season and could find the club’s nine-year stay in the top tier under threat.
Liverpool’s manager Juergen Klopp is another feeling the pressure, although for different reasons.
Bruised by last week’s shambolic performance at Wembley, Klopp needs an immediate response against a Huddersfield team fresh from beating United and managed by the best man at his wedding, David Wagner. The pair remain good friends but sentiment will not be on show tomorrow when Klopp cannot afford another setback. He may decide to put his faith in Joe Gomez in central defence in place of Dejan Lovren, who he substituted after half an hour against Spurs. Elsewhere, David Unsworth leads Everton as caretaker manager at Leicester City who, if they do not make a permanent appointment by Sunday, will again run out under Michael Appleton, who has won both of his games in temporary charge. Arsenal should have enough firepower to see off Swansea City while Watford look to continue their impressive season at home to another of this season’s strugglers, Stoke City. Chelsea head for Bournemouth while derby tensions should be high when Crystal Palace entertain West Ham and, on Sunday, Brighton & Hove Albion face Southampton. Burnley host Newcastle on Monday. – Reuters