The Premier League is back after the international break, and the weekend brings a crowded slate of storylines at both ends of the table. Chelsea, Tottenham, Fulham, Manchester City and Arsenal all enter the round with questions to answer.
Chelsea look for Hazard to sharpen up ¶
Eden Hazard has not been at full speed in recent weeks after a back injury, and he has also said he has felt fatigued. Maurizio Sarri will want a stronger display from the Belgian as Chelsea prepare for Tottenham at Wembley.
Ranieri returns to the Premier League ¶
Fulham have turned to Claudio Ranieri after dismissing Slavisa Jokanovic. The change followed a poor first half at Huddersfield and a mixed spell that included signs of improvement at Anfield.
Ranieri is back in the Premier League after 18 months away, and his first job is to steady a side that has struggled for consistency.
Old Trafford faces another test ¶
Manchester United host Crystal Palace in a fixture that should have looked routine, but their home record has been uneven. They have won only three of their last eight matches at Old Trafford in all competitions, a run that also included a Carabao Cup exit to Frank Lampard’s Derby on penalties.
City still set the pace ¶
Manchester City continue to look the strongest side in the division, even though the gap at the top is only two points. Pep Guardiola’s team remain the benchmark as the rest try to keep up.
Guardiola had earlier brushed aside talk about Liverpool’s title hopes, but the coming weeks could shape the race heading into May. Liverpool are still chasing a first league title since 1990.
Arsenal face familiar questions ¶
Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham said the club have not won the Premier League for a long time and have also gone without a Champions League title. He said the only way to answer those questions is by bringing one of those trophies to the club.
The fixtures ¶
- Saturday 24 November: Brighton vs Leicester (3pm), Everton vs Cardiff (3pm), Fulham vs Southampton (3pm), Man United vs Crystal Palace (3pm), Watford vs Liverpool (3pm), West Ham vs Man City (3pm), Tottenham vs Chelsea (5.30pm)
- Sunday 25 November: Bournemouth vs Arsenal (1.30pm), Wolves vs Huddersfield (4pm)
- Monday 26 November: Burnley vs Newcastle (8pm)
