It’s only the third round of the Premier League season but the new campaign has already delivered some big storylines – and that’s only set to continue this weekend.
Liverpool travel to Manchester United in their biggest game of the season so far, which could have huge consequences for both sides’ campaigns.
But there’s no shortage of other blockbusters in the parks!
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LEEDS BOSS ‘DELIGHTED’ WHEN TUCHEL’S BAN WAS SUSPENDED
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch says he would be “disappointed” if Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was on the touchline for the game between the two sides, despite the latter being sent off in the Blues’ clash with Tottenham.
Tuchel and Spurs boss Antonio Conte were both given their marching orders after the game when a post-game handshake erupted in a fiery clash between the pair.
The German was fined A$60,000 and suspended for one game, while Conte was fined $25,000 but would not stand time outside the dugout.
However, Tuchel’s suspension has been suspended, meaning he can walk to the touchline at Elland Road on Sunday night (AEST).
A decision that would not have gone down well with Marsch, as the American said it “didn’t seem right” for Tuchel to avoid being punished for his red card.
“He won’t be there, right?” Marsch said.
“Are you saying he might be able to sit on the bench? That doesn’t seem right, does it?
“If you get a red card, you’re out of the game. I would be disappointed if they allowed him to sit on the bench.
“There is a simple rule in football. Whether it’s soccer or football, if you get a red card you can’t play the next game.”
UTD IN ALERT RED BEFORE THE CRUCIAL TEST
It’s been an absolutely chaotic start to the season for Manchester United. A smorgasbord of transfer windows; Cristiano Ronaldo transfer request; Protests against the owners and a possible sale: Erik ten Hag has entered Old Trafford and discovered that the theater of dreams is more like a field of landmines.
Bottom of the Premier League for the first time since the inaugural 1992/93 season. Four straight losses for the first time since 1979 and seven straight losses away for the first time since 10 at Trot in 1936.
This was to be the honeymoon phase for the new Dutch boss – Brighton and newly promoted Brentford were seen as relatively easy tests to open the season. Liverpool, it was predicted, would be their true reality check.
Instead, they’re at rock bottom. Losing to Liverpool would be a first-ever treble against their bitter rivals at Old Trafford – so it might not be a low point still.
Things aren’t looking too rosy for the Reds either. Star signing Darwin Nunez was unbeaten in his first two games and was sent off after suffering a brain explosion and was suspended for that clash, not to mention suffering numerous injuries.
Is it too early to say that this game could define both teams’ seasons?
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The win could inspire United to turn things around – just as they did 30 years ago under Sir Alex Ferguson to win their first Premier League title. A loss could send them despairing in the transfer window (although ten Hag could be grateful for anything that convinces the club to bring in much-needed reinforcements).
Assuming City continue their commanding form against Newcastle (1.30am AEST) on Monday morning, Liverpool could be as much as seven points behind the leaders before they even set foot at Old Trafford the day after. The pressure will be immense.
A historic win over their closest rivals could finally ignite their season. A defeat could prove disastrous.
It doesn’t get any bigger.
PORTUGAL DEBUTS AS THE NEXT BIG THING
Wolves could make a debut for “one of the best players in the world” when they take on Tottenham in the first game of the third round of the new season.
Matheus Nunes, 23, has become Wolverhampton’s record signing after joining from Sporting Lisbon for €45m plus up to €5m in fringe benefits and has been advised to play for Bruno Lage’s men immediately if they do Visit Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Saturday night (9:30pm AEST).
Nunes played for Sporting in the drought-breaking 2020-21 Portuguese league title – their first in 19 years – and continued his stunning rise last season in a superb Champions League run.
Manchester City ended their continental dream in the Round of 16 before City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Nunes, calling him “one of the best players in the world”.
Nunes was subsequently heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, West Ham or City – but Wolves used their strong Portuguese connections to sign the 23rd player from that nation to play for Wolves since 2016.
As Nunes said: “I think the club itself (convinced me to come) and I’ve also spoken to some of my team-mates because I play with them for the national team.
“The manager too, he really wanted me and I wanted to play in the Premier League. I think it’s the right next step for me and I’m very happy to be here.”
Meanwhile, Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White (22) is making the move to Nottingham Forest as the newly promoted continue their spending spree.
After losing to Leeds and drawing with Fulham, Wolves need to find a spark – but Spurs could prove a brutal test after beating Southampton and then drawing at Chelsea.
CARRIER START AT THE MOMENT SLIDING DOORS
Perhaps Southampton’s dismal start came as no surprise – but who saw Leicester start the new season so poorly?
Leicester delivered two goals to Brentford in a draw, then four to Arsenal. Southampton took four from Spurs and two more in a draw with Leeds. It’s the kind of horror defensive record at both sides that should make you sit up and take notice (and only Man Utd have also conceded six goals so far).
Could the Foxes even engage in a relegation battle with the Saints this season? Despite manager Brendan Rodgers’ desperate calls for reinforcements, the team have only signed one player so far: goalkeeper Alex Smithies.
What’s even more intriguing is that after this weekend, both teams are next up against Manchester United and Chelsea in their next two league games.
Leicester centre-back Wesley Fofana is a top transfer target for the Blues while Jamie Vardy has been linked with the Red Devils. After finishing eighth last season, Foxes fans would have little hope of keeping up this time if they lose both stars.
But the return of winger Harvey Barnes — a possible starter, Rodgers said — could allow the Foxes to switch away from their 3-5-1-1 formation and back to Rodgers’ preferred 4-3-3 form.
The Saints finished last season in 15th place and have won just once in their last 14 PL games (D3 L10). They have not won away from home in the last eight attempts since February. Romain Perraud, Tino Livramento and Theo Walcott are all long-term injured – all bad blows.
Things could get very ugly very quickly for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men.