Matchday 6 of the 2024/25 Premier League season features several intriguing fixtures which could impact issues at both ends of the table.
It’s tight at the top after the first five matches, with just three points separating leaders Manchester City from sixth-placed Newcastle United.
The two sides meet in the early kick-off at St James’ Park on Saturday in a game which could have a major bearing on their respective seasons.
Man City face big test without Rodri
Man City suffered a major blow against Arsenal last weekend, with midfielder Rodri sustaining a knee injury which will rule him out for a ‘long time’ according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Despite the setback, the online sportsbook connected to Betpandacasino.io still rates the reigning champions as the favourites to win the title for the fifth year in a row.
Matheus Nunes has claimed he can fill the void left by Rodri having previously impressed in a deeper lying role during his time with Sporting CP.
If Man City can secure a positive result at Newcastle on Saturday, they can head into the rest of the campaign confident about coping without the Spanish midfielder.
Chelsea aiming to show they are the real deal
Having been defeated by Man City in their opening game, Chelsea have picked up ten points from a possible 12 in their subsequent outings.
Their emphatic 3-0 victory at West Ham United last weekend highlighted that the players may be getting to grips with manager Enzo Maresca’s style of play.
Striker Nicolas Jackson looks much-improved under Maresca and could save the club a fortune in the transfer market if he continues in the same vein.
Their upcoming home game against Brighton & Hove Albion has the potential to be tricky and will be a useful yardstick in determining whether they are the real deal.
Man United need to brush Tottenham aside
It would be fair to say that Manchester United have had a mixed start to the new season, picking up seven points from their opening five matches.
However, but for conceding a late goal at Brighton and a Dean Henderson wonder-show at Crystal Palace, the picture would be much healthier for the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag’s side have the perfect opportunity to secure a positive result when Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford this weekend.
Spurs are no mugs under manager Ange Postecoglou, but his expansive tactical system gives United every chance of recording an important victory.
West Ham must improve at Brentford
Many West Ham United fans were delighted when the club parted company with manager David Moyes, but things have not gone to plan since he left.
Much was expected of his replacement Julen Lopetegui given his previous track record and a productive summer transfer window.
However, the Hammers have picked up just four points from five games and look more likely to be embroiled in a relegation battle than fighting at the other end of the table.
They desperately need to improve at Brentford this weekend, although that will be easier said than done against Thomas Frank’s side.
Dyche skating on thin ice at Everton
Sean Dyche has spent much of his time as Everton manager fire-fighting, with the club’s off-field issues hindering his hopes of delivering success.
The Friedkin Group’s recent announcement that they have agreed to take over the club immediately cast uncertainty over Dyche’s future.
The former Burnley boss desperately needs his team to deliver some positive results, starting with the home game against Crystal Palace this weekend.
He deserves the chance to at least see out his current contract, which expires next summer, but needs his team to start picking up points.
