Arsenal prepare for Manchester United challenge as City aim to reignite form
Arsenal aim for their fifth consecutive Premier League victory at home over rivals Manchester United this weekend, seeking to maintain distance from a stumbling group of pursuers.
The Gunners have drawn 0-0 in their last two league fixtures against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, yet challengers Manchester City and Aston Villa have not capitalised on those results.
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank faces mounting scrutiny despite a positive midweek triumph over Borussia Dortmund, as his team readies for a match against struggling Burnley.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points before the matches begin:
Arsenal cautious of Manchester Uniteds Carrick influence
Superficially, Arsenal should feel confident about hosting Manchester United, yet they remain alert to the typical uplift from a new interim manager like Michael Carrick.
United showed marked improvement in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City last week, Carricks debut in his return to temporary leadership, displaying vibrant offensive play.
However, the fifth-placed Red Devils have lacked steadiness this season, with the exception of a three-match winning streak in October, they have not secured back-to-back league successes.
Uniteds forward output has been notable since the dismissal of coach Ruben Amorim earlier this month, but Arsenal have faced zero shots on goal in their recent two league outings.
The historic competition between the clubs shaped the Premier Leagues initial era, though Arsenal have not lifted the trophy since 2004, and Uniteds period of supremacy feels distant now.
The Gunners enter as strong contenders for their long overdue 14th English crown, but United would relish disrupting that pursuit.
Everything unravelling for City
Citys poor beginning to 2026 reached a nadir with a humiliating 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday, marking one of the most stunning Champions League upsets ever.
Pep Guardiolas squad has not notched a Premier League win this year, severely undermining their championship bid.
The sense is that every possible mishap is occurring in numerous small ways. That holds true, and we must attempt to reverse it, Guardiola noted following the disheartening evening in Norway.
Injuries to crucial defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have played a pivotal role in Citys downfall, after a solid finish to 2025.
Guardiola anticipates that newcomer Marc Guehi will bolster the backline, with the ex-Crystal Palace skipper poised for his first appearance versus relegation-threatened Wolves on Saturday.
We must recover, the City manager stated. Our outcomes since 2025 have been poor. We need to shift the pattern swiftly.
Wolves might be drifting towards the drop, but prospects appear improved for Rob Edwardss outfit after five unbeaten games across all tournaments.
Franks last opportunity?
A 2-0 Champions League success over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday temporarily alleviated the heat on Tottenham manager Thomas Frank.
Nevertheless, he recognises the urgency in improving his teams Premier League results to secure his position, with the clock ticking.
We must carry this victory and this display forward to build momentum, the Dane remarked. Heading to Burnley, we have to deliver and claim the points.
Frank seemed on the brink of departure following a supporter backlash after last weekends 2-1 home loss to faltering West Ham.
Spurs have dropped to 14th place in the standings since the early promise under the previous Brentford coach, and a stumble against another bottom-feeder this weekend might seal his fate.
Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)
Saturday
West Ham v Sunderland (1230), Burnley v Tottenham, Fulham v Brighton, Manchester City v Wolves, Bournemouth v Liverpool (1730)
Sunday
Brentford v Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Newcastle v Aston Villa (all 1400), Arsenal v Manchester United (1630)
Monday
Everton v Leeds (2000)