Manchester City are chasing a seventh league win in a row, Leeds host Manchester United and Tottenham face another chance to move up their Premier League schedule this weekend.
The seventh match takes place from Saturday 17 October to Monday 19 October. Everton and Chelsea open the action, while Spurs and Coventry bring it to a close. In between, there’s Brighton-Crystal Palace and an awkward away assignment for Arsenal at Nottingham Forest.
City set the target, Arsenal caught it
City host Ipswich with six wins and 18 points. “Arsenal” is 3 points behind. It gives the leaders a chance to pile on the pressure before the Gunners take to the field on Sunday afternoon.
Ipswich have nine points from six games, so this is hardly an invitation to treat the away side as scenery. Still, the challenge is clear: stop the winning streak that no one else in the league has stopped yet. The task for Arsenal at Forest is to keep things tidy regardless of Saturday’s result.
Leeds and Manchester United: who is running the show?
Sunday’s meeting at Elland Road presents a compelling contrast. Leeds are seventh with nine points; United are 13th with six. A win at home would widen that gap, while a win away would tie the visitors on points.
The appeal is to make such a device about noise and nerves. Football is also important: who can keep possession under pressure, win second balls and avoid early tackles? These are contests to watch before the event takes place.
Brighton opportunity, pressure near the bottom
“Brighton”, ranked third, hosts “Crystal Palace”. On the other hand, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Fulham are still looking for their first league win. Bournemouth face Sunderland, Fulham host Hull and Spurs host Coventry on Monday.
These are not season-defining matches in October. However, they can change the next mood. Another promising spell for supporters hoping for a win will hardly feel like enough. Turning a decent start into a result is a challenge.
The rest of the weekend
Everton and Chelsea start Saturday level on ten points. Brentford then host Liverpool, while Newcastle face Aston Villa in the evening game.
It’s a table with plenty of competitive storylines: leaders maintaining their pace, rivals meeting on Sunday and non-winners trying to give their supporters something to build on. An early start can set the tone, but also pay attention to the Monday finish.
Premier League matches: October 17-19
All start times below are UK time (BST).
| History | Armature | The beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, October 17 | Everton at Chelsea | 12:30 p.m |
| Saturday, October 17 | Brentford – Liverpool | 15:00 |
| Saturday, October 17 | Fulham – Hull City | 15:00 |
| Saturday, October 17 | Manchester City – Ipswich Town | 15:00 |
| Saturday, October 17 | Newcastle United – Aston Villa | 17:30 |
| Sunday 18 October | “Bournemouth” – “Sunderland” | 14:00 |
| Sunday 18 October | “Brighton” – “Crystal Palace” | 14:00 |
| Sunday 18 October | “Leeds United” – “Manchester United” | 14:00 |
| Sunday 18 October | Nottingham Forest – Arsenal | 4:30 p.m |
| Monday 19 October | Tottenham Hotspur – Coventry City | 20:00 |
Calendar: Premier League. Tournament: Sky Sports schedule updated on 13 October, checked before publication on 16 October. Devices are subject to change.
Call: Which side can spring the biggest surprise this weekend? Have your say in the comments and check out more FanBanter football.