After the most recent international break – filled with a generous helping of drama – the Premier League returns this weekend with all 20 top flight clubs starting domestic activities.
From the top of the table to the bottom, there are plenty of interesting questions to be answered across the board on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Here are five important questions for weekend action.
Can Arsenal extend their lead at the top?
The Premier League table makes good reading for Gunners fans right now. Mikel Arteta’s men are four points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten since August.
They boast the best defense in the league, conceding just five goals, although they may be without Gabriel for several weeks after the Brazilian picked up a thigh injury.
Sunday sees the visit of North London rivals TOTTYHAM HOTSPUR to the Emirates. Spurs have been revived under Thomas Frank this season, currently sitting fifth in the table and will probably make it too far in the afternoon for the riders, who can move seven points clear at the end of the weekend if possible.
Is Liverpool out of the title race?
Liverpool were the last team to beat Arsenal, but if the Gunners’ form has been anything to look at since, the same cannot be said for the champions.
The Reds have endured a late respite, with back-to-back wins over Onston Villa in the league and Real Madrid in the Champions League to move within just 10 wins in all competitions.
Their in-form side have seen them drop to eighth in the table, eight points off the top spot. On Saturday, Arne Slot’s side welcome a Nottingham Forest side linloten in three games in all competitions under new boss Sean Dyche.
Defeat for Slot’s men will leave them in serious danger of falling into contention in the title race.
Can anyone help stop haaland?
If Liverpool’s difficulties are combined with the inconsistency of their star – written down – not to mention – the front line, Haaland, in the city of Manchester have a streak of world form.
The 25-year-old has added four more goals to his tally this season while away with Norway, taking his club tally to 32 in 20 games.
Tottenham and Aston Villa are far and away the only Premier League teams to keep Haaland at bay this season. Hoping to add their name to that list is Newcastle, who host the second-placed city at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Will Wolves get their first league title of the season?
New manager Rob Edwards will take charge of his first game on Saturday when Wolves host Crystal Palace in search of their first league win.
They remain at the bottom of the table with just two points. The midlarers are seven points adrift of Nottingham Forest but will be hoping to find a quick comeback that comes from time to time from a change that is sometimes drawn.
Can Sunderland stay in the top five?
Of the newly promoted sides, the dark cats have undoubtedly started the season brightly. The Regis Le Bris side surprised few after winning five and drawing four of their opening 11 appearances.
Sunderland currently find themselves fourth, seven points behind leaders Arsenal and only adrift of Manchester City.
The studs are not hurt and will be full of confidence after getting a last gasp boost against the riders at 2-2 in the last draw.
They travel to the Fulham side on Saturday hoping to improve on a record run of one win from six league games.
