1. Will Mourinho’s men challenge for the league this season?
UNITED’S TALLY OF 19 points from their opening 12 league games, is their second worst start to a campaign in the Premier League era – only the 2004-05 season has been worse, with a total of 18 points.
But having said that, United are by no means too far back to be in the mix for the title come the end of the season, with the Old Trafford club just nine points behind league leaders Chelsea.
Although Mourinho would gladly accept a place in the Champions League right now, his side look to be slowly clicking into gear having recovered well from their demoralising 4-0 defeat to Chelsea last month – even if results haven’t always reflected their dominant performances.
A win at home to a West Ham team, that is the shadow of the side that qualified for Europe last season, could get United get that much-needed winning feeling back in the Premier League. And perhaps gain some momentum.
2. Can unbeaten Spurs contain Conte’s rampant Chelsea?
This match between the two bitter London rivals looks to be the most intriguing over the weekend. History though, doesn’t favour Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs haven’t won at the Bridge since 1990, while Chelsea’s devestating form means that is unlikely to change in Saturday’s evening kick-off.
Since September’s loss to Arsenal, Chelsea have bounced back to win their next six Premier League games without conceding a goal.
Conte’s tactical switch to three at the back since that defeat at the Emirates, has given Chelsea a new lease of life, with Diego Costa, Eden Hazard as well as Victor Moses all flourishing at the moment.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side on the other hand, have lacked the vigor or vitality that made them a joy to watch last season. There has been ruthless streak in Spurs domestically though and are yet to taste defeat in the league this term. Their battling draw with Arsenal after falling behind bears testimony to that.
However, a vast improvement on recent displays is needed to mantiain that record come Saturday night.
3. Leicester’s focus must now switch to the Premier League
Nobody can blame Claudio Ranieri for prioritisng the Champions League over their domestic form, but heading towards the end of November just two points above the relegation zone should be a cause for concern.
With top spot in Group G secure, their fans can look forward to an exciting new year in Europe, at least.
Domestically though, Leicester have less than half the amount of points (12) they had at this stage of last season (25), and face a stubborn Middlesbrough side who have already picked up potentially decisive draws at Arsenal and Manchester City, so far this season.
Another defeat at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, and Ranieri’s men will be looking down, rather than up, with tricky fixtures at Sunderland and at home to Manchester City to follow.
4. Will Moyes frustrate Liverpool at Anfield?
Nobody was expecting a free-flowing game of football between Liverpool and Sunderland this weekend. If anybody did, their hopes would have quickly evaporated during David Moyes’ pre-game press conference.
“Anybody who plays against Liverpool has to park the double-decker bus, but we also have two centre forwards scoring goals,” the former Everton boss said.”We’ve been competitive away from home and close to winning games. We will go there and make it difficult for Liverpool.”
Moyes will no doubt take inspiration from Burnely’s victory over the Reds back in August, when the Clarets flooded the defence, coupling it with clinical finishing in attack to hand Liverpool their only defeat of the season.
After consecutive victories have lifted the Black Cats off the bottom of the table, a point at Anfield will certainly start to erase any doubts Sunderland fans had about their new manager.
5. Can Long have a say on Ronald’s return to St Mary’s?
After enjoying his most prolific spell in the Premier League last season, with 10 goals under former Saints boss Ronald Koeman, Ireland striker Shane Long has endured a miserable start to the season in front of goal.
The Tipperary man though, has failed to find the back of the net for Southampton this season in 13 attempts.
Long can rightfully point to the fact that he was subsitute for five of those games, that he has been played in a wider role at times and that he has suffered a couple of niggling injuries.
But at 29, Long should be banging the goals in on a more regular basis at this point of his career. Sunday’s match againtst Everton on Koeman’s return to the south coast would be a pretty good way to start.
Originally published 25 November at 17.59
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!