EPL Preview: Can United finally win back-to-back games under Amorim?

Premier League returns with Man U at Brentford, City vs Burnley, Liverpool at Palace, Chelsea-Brighton clash, and Arsenal’s test at Newcastle.

Crystal Palace celebrate after beating Liverpool in the Community Shield earlier in the season, will they celebrate again on Saturday? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The Premier League returns this weekend with some pivotal fixtures set to take place. If last weekend was fun, the latest instalment promises ecstasy, with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City looking for stability and momentum.

Staying in Manchester, the Red Devils won for the second time this season against Chelsea at Old Trafford last weekend, and with no cup distractions, United should be the favourite when they travel to Brentford on Saturday for the lunchtime fixture.

The Bees are hanging in there; they don’t have a world of quality in their squad to boast of, but they have a group of hungry players who give it their all. Manchester United hasn’t won back-to-back games in the league under Ruben Amorim; a trip to Brentford presents that opportunity. Will they take it?

On the other side of Manchester, a home game against Burnley represents an opportunity for Pep Guardiola’s side to gain cheap points. There are no easy games in the Premier League as we know it; however, Burnley shouldn’t be the toughest of games for the former champions.

Away from Manchester, Liverpool can extend their lead at the top this weekend, but they must go through an organised Crystal Palace side. The Eagles have beaten Liverpool once this season; they will hope to do it again, but they must do what no one has done in the league this season.

Chelsea at home to Brighton is one fixture that could excite on all fronts. The Seagulls already took points off Manchester City this season, and this is another opportunity to claim the scalp of another big side, with Chelsea waiting in the wings.

The Blues laboured to a 2-1 win against lowly Lincoln in the League Cup in midweek, while Brighton blew their opponents away; Chelsea’s loss to Manchester United last weekend came with a cost, with Cole Palmer struggling with injury. Will he be able to make the Brighton fixture?

Arsenal and Newcastle will do battle at St James’s Park on Sunday. Newcastle beat Arsenal twice in the League Cup on their way to Wembley success last season; they will hope to draw inspiration from that as they also prepare for a trip to Belgium in the Champions League in midweek.

The Gunners have a date in midweek with Olympiakos as well, but Mikel Arteta’s priority would be the trip to Newcastle. Arsenal sits five points off the top after their 1-1 draw with Manchester City. Arsenal cannot afford to drop points anymore, making this fixture a cracker.