After the most recent international break – one that was filled with a generous helping of drama – the Premier League returns this weekend with all 20 top-flight clubs resuming domestic duties.
From the top of the table to the bottom, there are plenty of intriguing questions that will be answered across Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Here are five key questions going into this weekend’s action.
Can Arsenal extend their lead at the top?
The Premier League table makes for pretty good reading for Gunners fans right now. Mikel Arteta’s men are four points clear at the summit, having not been beaten since August.
They boast the meanest defence in the league, having conceded just five goals, although they may be without Gabriel for several weeks after the Brazilian picked up an thigh injury while away on international duty.
Sunday sees the visit of fierce north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates. Spurs appear rejuvenated under Thomas Frank this season, currently sitting fifth in the table and will likely make it a far from comfortable afternoon for the Gunners, who could move seven points clear by the end of the weekend if results elsewhere go their way.
Are Liverpool out of the title race?
Liverpool were the last team to beat Arsenal, but if the Gunners’ form has been scintillating since, the same cannot be said of the champions.
The Reds have endured a dismal period of late, with back-to-back victories over Aston Villa in the league and Real Madrid in the Champions League coming in amid of a run of just three wins in 10 in all competitions.
Their dip in form has seen them fall to eighth in the table, eight points adrift of top spot. On Saturday, Arne Slot’s side welcome a Nottingham Forest team unbeaten in three matches in all competitions under new boss Sean Dyche.
Defeat for Slot’s men would leave them at serious risk of falling out of contention in the title race.
Can anyone stop Erling Haaland?
If Liverpool’s struggles have coincided with the inconsistency of their star-studded – not to mention expensive – front-line, in Haaland, Manchester City have arguably the world’s in-form striker.
The 25-year-old added four more goals to his tally this season while away with Norway, taking his total for club and country this term to a formidable 32 goals in 20 games.
Tottenham and Aston Villa are so far the only Premier League teams to have kept Haaland at bay this season. Hoping to add their name to that list is Newcastle, who welcome second-placed City to St James’ Park on Saturday.
Will Wolves get their first league win of the season?
New boss Rob Edwards will take charge of his first game on Saturday when Wolves host Crystal Palace still searching for their first league victory of the campaign.
They remain rooted to the bottom of the table having claimed just two points. The Midlanders are seven points adrift of Nottingham Forest but will be hoping to experience the immediate resurgence that occasionally comes from a change in the dug out.
Can Sunderland remain in the top five?
Of the newly promoted sides, the Black Cats have undoubtedly began the season brightest. Regis Le Bris’ side have surprised a few people after winning five and drawing four of their opening 11 fixtures.
Sunderland currently find themselves in fourth, seven points behind leaders Arsenal and just three adrift of second-placed Manchester City.
They are unbeaten in four and will be full of confidence after scoring a last-gasp leveller against the Gunners in a 2-2 draw last time out.
They travel to a Fulham side on Saturday hoping to improve on a record of just one win in six league games.
