• Mo Salah hit the fastest hattrick ever in the competition, smashing three goals in six minutes to confirm that indeed he is finally finding his footing.
• For the Magpies, they welcome back Allan Saint-Maximin and his pace will surely be needed at Old Trafford.
Image: FILE
Matchday 10 of the English Premier League is here and, as usual, we expect fireworks. The talk of town this week, however, has been Arsenal’s lucky win over Liverpool.
The Gunners 3-2 win did not come easy for the league leaders but, again, it showed that the Reds really need to play tighter if they are to win games. At Goodison Park, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 700th club career goal as Manchester United beat Everton 2-1 to fifth on the log.
We have a couple of games lined up this weekend and I know the focus of many will be at Anfield, where Liverpool will welcome title favourites Manchester City.
Liverpool v Manchester City
Sunday 6:30pm, Anfield Stadium
Prediction 3-2
The Reds reminded us that class is permanent when they thrashed Rangers 7-1 in a Champions League Group A match played at the Ibrox. The Reds started shakily, conceding early — as usual — but a quick reaction from their main man Roberto Firmino eased the pressure.
Mo Salah hit the fastest hattrick ever in the competition, smashing three goals in six minutes to confirm that indeed he is finally finding his footing.
For Manchester City, they need Erling Haaland to score goals for them. The big Norwegian was rested against FC Copenhagen and they failed to find the back of the net. Haaland has scored at Anfield before during his days at RB Salzburg but I don’t see him finding the back of the net this weekend.
Liverpool have Ibrahim Kounate back and Virgil Van Dijk seems to be picking up well. Joe Gomez showed flashes of brilliance against Rangers and should continue doing the same against Phil Foden.
Leeds United vs Arsenal
Elland Road, Sunday 4pm
Prediction 1-1
Arsenal are in a good run, though they got lucky against Liverpool last weekend. At Elland Road, things may not go as the Gunners want. This season, Leeds have improved and will definitely give Mikel Arteta a run for his money. For Arsenal, it will be about getting off the blocks fast and hope that Liverpool do them a favour two hours later, well, they might get their wish but maximum points against Leeds will be a tall order.
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Old Trafford, Sunday 4pm
Prediction 2-1
United are blowing hot and cold. A 2-1 win over Everton was good for their confidence and they hope to replicate the same against Eddie Howe’s charges, who are sixth on the log. Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay will miss this fixture and that means that Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been used sparingly by Eric Ten Haag — alongside Casemiro — may all start.
For the Magpies, they welcome back Allan Saint-Maximin and his pace will surely be needed at Old Trafford. This will be a very interesting match, expect goals from both sides.