Are these EPL managers smoking their last cigarettes?

Weekend EPL preview: Newcastle face a weakened Man City, Brentford eye West Ham win, Everton must beat Palace, and Ten Hag's United face crucial test.

Sean Dyche and Erik Ten Hag are under intense pressure, add Julien Lopetegui to the list, can anyone of them afford to lose this weekend? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Welcome to the weekend. It’s a big one for various teams for different reasons; while some are pushing to stay close to early pace setters, others are worried about their topflight status. Let’s look at some key fixtures in the English Premier League this weekend.

Can Newcastle hurt wounded City?

Whether they like to admit it or not, the doggedness of the Gunners rattled the Manchester City players last weekend, and losing Rodri to a long-term injury adds to their misery. Newcastle is waiting for them at St. James’s Park; is there a banana peel on the floor?

The Magpies are capable of trouble, but they haven't been impressive this season. Injuries haven’t helped Newcastle, but playing at home could propel them to fire on all cylinders when City comes to town without Rodri. Keep an eye on this fixture.

Brentford can hand Lopetegui the sack.

When West Ham hired Julien Lopetegui to replace David Moyes, there were ominous signs, from his signings to his antecedents. The money that the Hammers had not made available to Moyes suddenly became available to Lopetegui. If the results don't change soon, Lopetegui's tenure will be terminated.

West Ham will visit the G-Tech Stadium, where they will be hosted by the impressive Brentford. It is a game the hosts would mark for three points; the only way Lopetegui gets some respite is if he wins this one; a draw won’t suffice.

Everton must beat Crystal Palace.

Sean Dyche is yet another manager who must win this weekend. The former Burnley manager has witnessed his team concede points from winning positions three times in a row, including two instances when they were leading by two goals, which is quite disheartening.

Crystal Palace held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park last weekend; it wasn’t a vintage performance, but they would take the result; however, the Eagles haven’t won this season; this is one game they’d hope to earn three points from.

Ten Hag can’t lose at home to Tottenham.

It’s time for Erik Ten Hag to prove he and his Manchester United side are not a wasted force; they can’t afford to lose at home again. With Tottenham coming to town, United must prove they deserve to be in the top four conversation.

United dropped points in the Europa League, playing out a 1-1 draw at home against FC Twente, a sharp contrast to Spurs, who won 3-0 at home against Qarabag despite going down to ten men early in the game. In this game, United must come up strong.