Premier League Weekend Preview: Liverpool’s Crisis Deepens As Arsenal, City, And Spurs Face Key Tests

‎As another thrilling Premier League weekend approaches, all eyes turn to three high-stakes fixtures that could shape the early direction of the title race.

‎Liverpool’s crisis deepens as they face an in-form Aston Villa, Arsenal look to extend their lead at the top, and Tottenham aim to rediscover their home spark against Chelsea.

‎Sportxparte breaks down the biggest storylines ahead of the weekend action.

‎Slot Feels the Heat

‎Liverpool manager, Arne Slot finds himself under mounting pressure as the Premier League champions seek to halt their shocking collapse when they welcome Aston Villa to Anfield on Saturday.

‎The Reds’ midweek 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, their sixth loss in seven games, has only intensified scrutiny on the Dutch manager.

‎Slot’s decision to rotate heavily, making ten changes to his starting XI, backfired spectacularly as Palace cruised to victory against a youthful Liverpool lineup.

‎Slot defended his selection, insisting he had little choice with key fixtures against Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City looming.

‎”I don’t think it is possible if you lose six out of seven that there is even more pressure,” said Slot.

‎”If you are on a run of results like this, if you play for Liverpool, if you manage Liverpool, you know the pressure is there.”

‎Liverpool’s downfall has been stark. Just five games into the season, they led Villa by 12 points. Four matches later, the two sides are separated only by goal difference.

‎Villa, meanwhile, has transformed its fortunes with four consecutive league wins, including impressive victories over Tottenham and Manchester City, reigniting hopes of a Champions League push.

‎Defensive frailty has been Liverpool’s biggest Achilles heel. The Reds haven’t kept a clean sheet in ten games, with Slot struggling to find stability in a squad overhauled during the summer.

‎Despite a record £450 million spent, key absences like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz have left glaring gaps.

‎Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher didn’t mince words, warning, “To see the champions lose four games in a row in the Premier League with that summer expenditure, I think we’re in crisis time for Liverpool right now.”

‎Cherries’ Unbeaten Run Faces a Test

‎In Sunday’s fixture, Bournemouth put their remarkable unbeaten streak on the line against Manchester City at the Etihad.

‎The Cherries haven’t lost since the opening night defeat to Liverpool, sparking dreams of European football for the first time in their history. Their resilient run has been built on consistency, tactical discipline, and the sharp management of Andoni Iraola.

‎City, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after a 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last weekend ended their nine-game unbeaten run.

‎Pep Guardiola’s side currently sits six points behind Arsenal, and the champions’ over-reliance on Erling Haaland has become a growing concern.

‎No other City player has scored more than once in the Premier League this season a statistic Guardiola is desperate to change.

‎Fortunately, the return of Omar Marmoush and Rayan Cherki, both of whom scored in City’s 3-1 League Cup win over Swansea, could provide much-needed attacking depth.

‎Frank Targets Fortress Form

‎At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Thomas Frank’s Spurs look to reclaim their home dominance when they host Chelsea in a high-voltage London derby.

‎Frank’s side have impressed on the road, collecting 13 of their 17 points away from home with statement wins at Manchester City, West Ham, Leeds, and Everton.

‎However, home form has been a different story. Spurs have suffered back-to-back defeats in north London to Bournemouth and Villa and dropped points in a frustrating 1-1 draw with bottom-placed Wolves.

‎“We would like our home to be a fortress,” said Frank.

‎“It cannot only be the team or the fans it needs to be both. We need to bring energy to each other and perform with positivity.”

‎A win over Chelsea would be only Spurs’ second league victory against their rivals since 2018, but it could also silence any emerging doubts about Frank’s tactical setup.

‎Arsenal Hold the Advantage

‎While Liverpool and City battle inconsistency, Arsenal remain steady at the summit.

‎The Gunners hold a four-point lead over Bournemouth and face Burnley away after City’s clash at the Etihad.