The English Premier League (EPL) enters its twenty-third season this weekend with the expectation of more drama.
Naijacrawl takes a look at some of the talking points as the week's 23 Premier League matches are set to begin on Saturday afternoon and end on Monday evening.
Sean Dyche’s impressive start at Everton:
The new Everton manager surprised many after leading his team to beat Premier League leaders, Arsenal last Saturday.
Dyche won his first game in charge of Everton at Goodison Park against Arsenal, thanks to James Tarkowski’s only goal of the match.
The 51-year-old was appointed Everton’s new manager last month, replacing Frank Lampard.
He will hope to lead Everton to victory again when they face Liverpool in their next Premier League tie on Monday evening at Anfield.
Will Dyche be the right manager that would lead Everton out of the relegation zone this season? Only time will tell.
The Toffees are currently in the 18th position on the Premier League table with 18 points from 21 games.
Manchester City charged by Premier League:
Manchester City was charged by the Premier League with over 100 breaches of financial rules earlier this week.
The Premier League, in a statement, alleged that the breaches came over nine seasons, from 2009 to 2018.
During that period, Man City won the Premier League three times.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who are the reigning title holders, are second in the Premier League table, with five points behind leaders, Arsenal.
The Citizens will be unable to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, CAS, if the Premier League imposes any sanctions on the club for breaching financial fair play regulations.
Should Manchester City be found guilty, they face a range of potential sanctions, including a points deduction or even an expulsion, though it could take years to come to a conclusion.
Arsenal vs Brentford:
Arsenal will host Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
Arsenal fans will hope Mikel Arteta’s men will get a victory after losing their last game against relegation-struggling side Everton last weekend.
The Gunners are currently five points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, with a game in hand.
If the North London club beats Brentford, it would definitely bolster their Premier League title chances.
However, the reverse is the case if they fail to get all three points against the visitors.
Arsenal have won three out of their last four meetings with Brentford in the past.
The kick-off time for the match is 4 pm.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa:
Just like Arsenal, Manchester City failed to win their last Premier League tie against Tottenham Hotspur.
Pep Guardiola’s side lost 1-0 against Spurs in an away Premier League tie last Sunday.
The Premier League champions need nothing less than a victory against Aston Villa on Sunday evening at Etihad Stadium to boost their title race against Arsenal.
They currently sit in second position on the log with five points behind leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
Man City have won 19 games, lost four and drew four against Aston Villa in the past.
The kick-off time for the match is 5.30 pm.
Mason Greenwood’s next plan:
The Manchester United forward has already held his first talks with the club’s manager, Erik ten Hag after his charges were dropped.
Greenwood’s charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped last week.
Greenwood had spent over a year on the sideline amid allegations surrounding images and videos that went viral on social media.
Man United are carrying out their own internal investigation into the matter despite the charges being dropped.
There are indications that Greenwood may be sacked by the Red Devils following their investigation into the allegations of race and violence against women by the player.
The England youngster will not train or play with Manchester United while that "process" is carried out.
Will the 21-year-old continue his career in England or elsewhere outside England or Europe? Only time will tell.
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