Spurs at United, Pulis vs. Pep and a relegation 6-pointer already | Premier League Preview

October 27, 2017
Henry Jackson

Liverpool host Huddersfield at Anfield on Saturday, while rivals Man United and Spurs go head to head in the early kickoff.

Liverpool had a weekend to forget last time around, with their 4-1 defeat against Tottenham at Wembley causing anger among the fanbase.

Away from that shocking performance, Huddersfield Town produced the shock of the season so far, beating Man United 2-1.

Elsewhere, leaders Man City continued their unstoppable run with a 3-0 victory over Burnley, Chelsea edged out Watford, and Arsenal thumped Everton 5-2 at Goodison Park, with Ronald Koeman subsequently sacked.

There are 10 more matches over the next three days – here’s the best of the action to keep an eye on.

Huge chance for Spurs to prove title credentials

The Premier League weekend starts with a bang at Old Trafford, as Man United host Spurs in an intriguing contest.

Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino’s respective sides are joint-second in the table, and Saturday lunchtime’s clash will show who are likely to be City’s nearest title challengers in 2017/18.

Spurs are a genuinely top-class side these days, and their display against Liverpool was one brimming with maturity and ruthlessness.

A win in Manchester would be a major statement of intent from them, and on current form, you definitely wouldn’t bet against it.

United’s surprise loss at Huddersfield has cranked up the pressure on Mourinho, with signs of cracks appearing, and this is a pivotal game for him and his players.

Predicting the final outcome is very tough, but Spurs have to see this as a wonderful chance to show they can win the league.

Crucial relegation tussle at Selhurst Park

It may only be October, but we already have a relegation six-pointer on our hands.

Crystal Palace welcome West Ham to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, and it is bordering on a must-not-lose game for the hosts.

The joy of beating Chelsea didn’t last too long, having been defeated 1-0 by Newcastle United last weekend and dumped out of the League Cup by Bristol City in midweek, and they must find a positive run of form before it is too late.

Roy Hodgson couldn’t ask for a much nicer fixture this weekend, with West Ham experiencing a really poor time of things under Slaven Bilic.

Their 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton was a shocker, and defeat to Palace will surely cost Bilic his job.

The Eagles may be propping up the table, but they could have too much for their opponents if they produce a performance similar to the one against Chelsea recently.

Can Pulis do a job on Guardiola?

On current form, it is hard to see anybody stopping City.

The football they are playing is magnificent, with goals being scored at a relentless rate, and they are also so much stronger at the back these days.

Saturday’s trip to West Brom is an awkward one for the odds-on title favourites, however, and their rivals will be cheering on Tony Pulis for once in their lives.

Admittedly, the Baggies are under-performing so far this season, winning just twice in the league, but they often raise their game against the top sides.

We all know exactly how Pulis will approach the game, sticking everyone behind the ball and essentially playing for a 0-0 draw, and the hope is that it frustrates Pep Guardiola’s star-studded side.

The visitors should have too much at the end of the day, though, and if they were to win in style, it would be another blow to those below them.

Three points for Liverpool, Arsenal & Chelsea?

With United and Spurs having done battle earlier in the day, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea will know at least one of their rivals has dropped points at Old Trafford.

All three top-four hopefuls have winnable matches, and failure to earn maximum points would be considered a big opportunity missed.

The Reds host Huddersfield at Anfield, as Jurgen Klopp and his great friend David Wagner go head to head. This is a must-win game – both Klopp and his players owe the supporters a response after the Spurs debacle.

Arsenal host Swansea at the same time, and the Gunners keep quietly ticking along, without playing particularly well.

It is bizarre how they accumulate points almost without others realising, and their rampant victory at Everton will have given them plenty of confidence.

Chelsea finish off the Saturday action with a trip to Bournemouth, which is the hardest of the three games. The Cherries won at Stoke last weekend, and the Vitality Stadium is never the easiest ground to visit. The Blues’ quality should shine through, however.