The Premier League is back and so is Jose Mourinho. Matchweek 13 serves up some interesting matches and talking points including Man City v Chelsea, Sheffield United v Man United and Mourinho’s first game as Spurs boss. Here are some of the things to look out for. Bet on the Premier League here.
Mourinho Spurs debut
The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind for Tottenham Hotspur. Less than 12 hours after dismissing Mauricio Pochettino, their manager for the last five years, the North London club announced three-time Premier League winner Jose Mourinho as their manager. Spurs have made a poor start to the season and sit 14th in the table with 14 points from 12 matches and the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has been tasked with steadying the ship. They visit London rivals West Ham in Saturday’s early kick-off and will be looking to register their first win since they beat Southampton in September. Can he get off to a winning start?
Man City to bounce back?
Reigning champions Manchester City are looking to get back to winning ways following their 3-1 defeat at Anfield two weeks ago. That loss at Liverpool saw City move down to fourth in the table and nine points behind the Reds, who sit top of the table. The quality they have at their disposal indicates the title race is far from over. This weekend, they will be tested by an in-form Chelsea side. Last season, they handed the Blues a heavy and embarrassing 6-0 defeat at Etihad and will be looking to replicate that performance. Frank Lampard’s side have lost just twice this season. The two losses were against United and Liverpool which shows Chelsea have a lot to prove against top-six sides. Can City get back to winning ways?
Tough test for Man United at Bramall Lane
Man United have hit top form in the last few weeks in all competitions. They have won two of their last three league matches but visit a tough Sheffield United side. The Blades have the second-best defence in the league and sit fifth in the table with 17 points. The newcomers are without a doubt punching above their weight. They have beaten Arsenal and Everton this season already and United should be wary of Chris Wilder’s side. The Red Devils have won just one away match in the league since February with their only win in that span coming against bottom club Norwich City. Can they get a result at Bramall Lane?
Arsenal to get back to winning ways
Despite being sixth in the table, eight points off the top four, Arsenal are enduring a dreadful run of form. They have won just four times this season, losing three times and drawing five times from 12 matches. Moreover, they’re winless in their last four league matches. They welcome out of form Southampton this weekend and they’ll need to win this one. The good news is they have won their last 32 Premier League home matches against sides starting the day in the relegation zone. Their last such defeat came against West Ham United in April 2007. Can the Gunners beat the Saints?
Norwich poor form
The Canaries replaced Watford at the foot of the table after a disappointing defeat at Carrow Road two weeks ago. They have now picked up just one point from seven games since their stunning 3-2 home win over champions Manchester City in mid-September. That is relegation form and they have a chance to get out of this crisis they’re in when they face Everton at Goodison Park. Their away form is not that good. They have taken just one point from their six away games in the league this season and it doesn’t look like they’ll get something from Everton, which puts them in deep trouble.