Premier League Tuesday preview: Carrick on brink of hair-raising start

With the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend, we're treated to a full midweek round of Premier League action and there is plenty to look forward to on Matchday 26. 

On Tuesday, there are four games and feature Michael Carrick once again taking on an old club, plus the latest possible 'El Sackio' clash as Spurs entertain Newcastle. 

Here are the key storylines to look out for in Tuesday's Premier League games. 

Can Carrick make it five from five?

The Michael Carrick revolution is in full swing at Old Trafford, after victory over Spurs on Saturday made it four wins from four and further extended his claims for the permanent post this summer.

It would be easy to suggest that he's done the obvious things like bringing back Kobbie Mainoo and switching to a back four, but it would be a disservice to Carrick and his coaching staff. 

Because not only has he made those changes, brought back a system and feel-good factor that's paying benefits, but he's also got the best out of players previously underperforming. 

@ManUtd

It's perhaps not yet clear whether that's more an indictment of Ruben Amorim or a credit to Carrick and co, but either way it's working wonders as the interim boss heads to East London to face the side where it all began.

West Ham will present a different test for the new United regime. A team in-form and scrapping for their lives at the bottom, they'll be full of confidence and have actually won this fixture in the past three seasons. 

United, though, have the pace and guile to exploit the Hammers, if they start on the front foot and could be where Carrick sees the best chance of finding an advantage. 

That would make it five in a row for Carrick, not only a win for his chances of a full-time post, but a win (and finally an end) for that chap's mission to finally get a haircut. 

• Read next I Predicting the great managerial merry-go-round in the Premier League's top six this summer

Frank on the brink? 

Neither fan base feels particularly happy going into Tottenham's meeting with Newcastle in North London, with the pressure mounting on both bosses, too. 

For Frank, there's a sense that things can't go the same way for much longer, and there has to be signs of improvement, particularly with the team's league form. Saturday's loss at Old Trafford can be caveated with Cristian Romero's moment of madness, but it only makes Tuesday's game even more important. 

There were signs against Manchester City that Frank can turn the tide, but it's been at home where Spurs have struggled most. They still have the worst home record outside the bottom three, and now face a Newcastle struggling to find a win themselves. 

Eddie Howe is facing questions over his job for the first time thanks to the Magpies disapointing league campaign, but there is no more welcoming club in the Premier League for sides needing a morale boost than Tottenham. 

But could the joke of 'Doctor Tottenham' finally be on Frank if Howe gets a much-needed win? 

Getty Images

Leeds to make Rosenior feel blue? 

Liam Rosenior has quietly gone about his business so far as Chelsea boss so far, ignoring the 'David Brent' jibes at some of his thinking and chalked up four wins from his first four league games. 

Next, though, might be his trickiest test so far in the Premier League, when the Blues welcome in-form Leeds to the Bridge, a clash that always comes with a dose of historic spice between the pair. 

Daniel Farke's men have steered themselves away from the relegation zone, with only two defeats since the start of December, and having already beaten Chelsea this season, will head to West London full of beans. 

Can the new rookie Blues boss show he has the nous about him to calm what is bound to be an electric atmosphere under the lights and continue his impressive start? 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.