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Preview: In-form Chelsea welcome Man United and former boss Mourinho

The Premier League returns with a blockbuster match at Stamford Bridge where in-form Chelsea welcome Manchester United and former boss Jose Mourinho

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The round opens at Stamford Bridge with an early kick-off on Saturday, as Chelsea – fresh from a comfortable 3-0 away win over Southampton before the international break – look to go clear at the top of the log with a home clash against Man United.

The Red Devils claimed a dramatic 3-2 win at home to Newcastle United last time out, but the result did little to cover up the team’s inadequacies or relieve much pressure from manager Jose Mourinho. The ‘Special One’ will enjoy a warm welcome in London – as he is still held in affection by Blues fans – but may find his side struggling against Maurizio Sarri’s far more coherent and attacking outfit.

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The main story of the weekend from an African perspective will be whether Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah – who suffered a minor muscle injury on international duty this past weekend – can score his first club goal in almost a month.

Liverpool will be fancied to win at the John Smith’s Stadium against Huddersfield Town in the late game on Saturday, though a run of four games without a victory across all competitions means a return to form for the Pharaohs attacker would be most welcome for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Saturday also sees Algerian Riyad Mahrez looking to atone for his penalty miss in the last round against the Reds when Manchester City play at home to Burnley, Jean Michael Seri’s Fulham will be desperate for a strong showing away to Sol Bamba’s Cardiff City, and the same can be said of Mohamed Diame’s Newcastle United when they host Brighton & Hove Albion.

Arthur Masuaku’s West Ham United face a London derby at home to Serge Aurier’s Tottenham Hotspur, and Issac Success’ Watford will have a tough match at Molineux Stadium against a confident Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Sunday’s only match sees Idrissa Gueye’s Everton looking to condemn Wilfried Zaha’s Crystal Palace to a third straight loss in the Premier League, before the round wraps up on Monday night with Arsenal at home to Leicester City in a potential thriller featuring African stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi, Mohamed Elneny, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.

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Key stats

Chelsea v Manchester United – Head-to-Head, all competitions

Matches played 162

Chelsea wins 52

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Man United wins 65

Draws 45

Huddersfield Town v Liverpool – Head-to-Head, all competitions

Matches played 59

Huddersfield wins 22

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Liverpool wins 24

Draws 13

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur – Head-to-Head, all competitions

Matches played 113

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West Ham wins 40

Tottenham wins 48

Draws 25

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