Arsenal prepare for Tottenham showdown missing Gabriel as Manchester City close in
Arsenal are set to miss their key defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the upcoming home game against London foes Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, while Manchester City aim to maintain the chase on the Premier League frontrunners.
Pep Guardiola's side could reduce the gap at the summit to a single point, temporarily at least, with a victory over Newcastle on Saturday.
The current title holders Liverpool urgently require points following five losses in their previous six league outings, and Rob Edwards will lead Wolves in his debut as manager.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points before this weekend's fixtures:
Arteta faces defensive dilemma
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confronts a significant challenge in rearranging his backline for the Tottenham encounter, given the probable unavailability of the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian centre-back has been central to the highly solid Arsenal defence, which has allowed only five goals across 11 Premier League appearances.
However, indications point to a potential multi-week absence after he picked up a thigh problem in Brazil's 2-0 friendly triumph against Senegal at the Emirates last weekend.
Gabriel, known for his strong partnership with William Saliba in central defence and his aerial prowess from dead balls, might be succeeded by Piero Hincapie or Cristhian Mosquera.
The Gunners hold a four-point advantage over Manchester City, following their 2-2 stalemate with Sunderland earlier this month, which halted a run of eight victories across all competitions without conceding.
Arsenal continue as frontrunners for their first Premier League crown since the 2003/04 campaign, boasting an impressive home record versus their capital counterparts, with just one league defeat to Tottenham at the Emirates since 1993.
Nevertheless, Spurs arrive with the league's top away form this term, securing four victories and one draw in five road matches.
Liverpool seek rapid turnaround
Liverpool's aspirations for retaining the title seem dashed after five defeats in six matches positioned them eight points adrift of Arsenal at the top.
Analytics firm Opta estimates the champions' title prospects at slightly above seven percent, after their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City prior to the international pause.
On Saturday, Liverpool meet Nottingham Forest, the sole side to overcome them at Anfield last season, as Arne Slot's squad strives to move past their current struggles.
The club's defensive frailties have been widely noted, with their backline shipping at least two goals in six of the last seven league fixtures.
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher cautioned that the team risks missing Champions League spots if they do not bolster their defence come the January transfer period.
This week's updates indicate ongoing interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi after a late transfer deal fell through, yet Liverpool demand swift enhancements now.
Howe anticipates strong reaction from Newcastle
Newcastle sit in 14th in the Premier League with only three triumphs this season, ahead of hosting Manchester City at St James' Park on Saturday.
"Pinpointing a single issue has proven tough, but we recognise the need to elevate overall displays," said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe to the BBC.
"We want greater steadiness, more scoring, and a substantial reaction right now."
Howe would prefer avoiding City this weekend. Guardiola's team has remained unbeaten against the Tynesiders in league play, home or away, since 2019.
Parts of the local support express frustration, but Howe should retain backing from the board following last season's League Cup success and Champions League entry.
Fixtures
Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)
Burnley v Chelsea (1230), Bournemouth v West Ham, Brighton v Brentford, Fulham v Sunderland, Liverpool v Nottingham Forest, Wolves v Crystal Palace, Newcastle v Manchester City (1730)
Sunday
Leeds v Aston Villa (1400), Arsenal v Tottenham (1630)
Monday
Manchester United v Everton (2000)