Error code: %{errorCode}
Premier League preview: Carrick leads United into Manchester derby, El Sackico in Tottenham and Wolves' improving run of form
After a brief pause due to the FA Cup Third Round, the Premier League is back and in the space of two weeks, a lot has happened.
Most notably, a second new face is in the Manchester United dugout after Michael Carrick was confirmed as interim manager, and his first game in charge could not be tougher in the Manchester derby.
There are also two under-pressure managers going head-to-head in a London derby when Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United clash.
Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League, here are the key storylines fans should be looking out for.
New Man United boss Carrick tossed into Manchester Derby fire
For Carrick, facing cross town rivals Manchester City in Saturday’s early kick-off is not the ideal way to kick off a managerial tenure.
Morale is at an all-time low with matters on and off the pitch bringing disappointment. City, meanwhile, are clicking into gear and will be on a high after taking control of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
The likes of Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki and new signing Antoine Semenyo, who already has two goals to his name, will be licking their lips at the prospect of going up against a United team in disarray.
- Read next | After a dream start to his Manchester City career, Antoine Semenyo now has Manchester United in his sights
However, this is a Manchester derby. Weird things often happen in these matches, and United over recent seasons, have produced wins when all seems lost.
Carrick will be given a free pass if his United team give a credible performance, but with the 44-year-old a part of the furniture at Old Trafford, he more than anyone will want to silence the noisy neighbours.
El Sackico arrives at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
For the Spurs and West Ham fans making their way to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they would probably prefer to be doing something that they enjoy.
Neither team has brought much joy. Spurs boss Thomas Frank is finding himself under increasing pressure with boos becoming a frequent soundtrack amongst the supporters, while West Ham’s Nuno Espirito Santo is the captain on an already sinking ship, with the Irons resigned to relegation.
There is a common consensus that whichever team loses the match, then the respective manager will get the sack. For Frank, it will be a classic case of Spurs impatience for success, while Espirito Santo being relieved of his duties solves nothing.
It’s clear West Ham’s problems are in the boardroom instead of the manager, but with it recently being reported that players’ salaries will be halved because of relegation to the Championship, a managerial sacking will add another element of chaos to football’s answer to EastEnders.
Can Wolves continue change in fortunes against Everton?
Things are on the up in the West Midlands.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Rob Edwards has put together a three-match unbeaten run, and they host a Newcastle United side low on morale after their hopes of reaching a third successive Carabao Cup final were dealt a serious blow on Tuesday night.
Despite the semi-final first leg loss to City, Newcastle are purring in the league. Winning three of their last four matches, the Magpies need a win at Molineux to keep on the fringes of the race for Champions League football next season.
However, with PSV at home in the Champions League in midweek, Wolves may have a prime opportunity to take advantage of a Newcastle side having to rotate a stretched squad ahead of two crucial rounds of European matches in the coming weeks.
Arsenal set for tough trip to the City Ground
Arsenal’s six-point cushion at the top of the table has them in full control of the title race, for now.
Next up for the Gunners are Nottingham Forest, who are fighting for Premier League survival and tend to derail Arsenal title charges.
Arsenal have only won at the City Ground once in their last three visits, but Forest are in dismal form. A 2-1 win over West Ham ended a four-match losing streak before being knocked out by Championship side Wrexham on penalties in the FA Cup.
- Read next | Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal: Prediction, date, venue, and how to watch Premier League match
A turnaround is needed for Forest to begin putting daylight between themselves and the fight for survival, and games against the ‘big’ Premier League sides often brings the best out in the Reds.
However, the performance will have to be above and beyond with Arsenal looking unstoppable as of late.
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.
