Premier League Preview: Liverpool face Manchester City in litmus test; Everton host Manchester United
Liverpool will become the latest team to attempt to storm Manchester City's Etihad fortress this weekend as Everton focus on Premier League survival following a punishing points deduction for breaching financial rules.
Arsenal have a chance to top the table depending on results elsewhere, while Tottenham host high-flying Aston Villa. AFP Sport picks out three talking points ahead of the action as the English top flight returns following the international break.
Liverpool seek to end Man City runtrending now
Liverpool have been the only team to consistently challenge Manchester City in recent years, winning 10 out of 23 matches in all competitions under the reign of Jurgen Klopp. The two sides had epic battles in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons, when City pipped their rivals by just a single point on both occasions, while the Reds clinched their first league title in 30 years in 2020.
But Liverpool, revitalised after a below-par campaign last season, have not won a league game at the Etihad since their 4-1 demolition of City in November 2015. The reigning champions, by contrast, have won 23 matches in a row at home in all competitions.
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Erling Haaland is one goal away from obliterating the Premier League record for the quickest player to 50 goals — the Norwegian scored twice in City's frantic 4-4 draw at Chelsea earlier this month to take his tally to 49 goals in just 47 appearances. Former Newcastle and Manchester United forward Andrew Cole is the current record holder, reaching the landmark in 65 games.
Will 10-point penalty fire up Everton?Sean Dyche's Everton had turned the corner in recent weeks, winning three of their past five games to pull well
