Arsenal flying, Spurs reeling, United rattled: A little preview of the EPL this weekend
The English Premier League returns with high stakes as Arsenal looks to maintain its momentum against a struggling Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Tottenham and Manchester United face pressure to improve their performance following significant investments and disappointing results.
Why it matters
The Premier League is a major global sports product, and these early-season narratives significantly influence fan engagement and club management decisions.
MANCHESTER, Aug 28 — Arsenal are out to inflict more damage on a wounded Aston Villa, while Tottenham are desperate to see some return for their £300 million (US$408 million; RM1.62 billion) investment in new signings when Newcastle visit north London.
New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola also makes his home bow at Anfield against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United badly need to bounce back from an opening weekend shocker at Hull when Ipswich visit Old Trafford.
AFP Sports looks at the pick of the Premier League action.
Ezri Konsa could make his Arsenal debut to a frosty reception on his return to Villa Park.
The England international is just one of a series of departures from Villa in recent months which has torn apart the side that won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League last season.
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