Manchester City and Arsenal have dominated the last two Premier League title races, but both teams are currently experiencing a downturn as they prepare for crucial matches this weekend. Their squad depth will be tested as they aim to catch up with leaders Liverpool.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal has appeared lackluster in recent games, suffering two consecutive 1-0 defeats away at Newcastle United and Inter Milan. These losses have placed the club fifth in the Premier League and 12th in the Champions League. The return of influential skipper Martin Odegaard, who was injured in August, is a welcome sight, but questions remain about his fitness for Sunday's London derby against Chelsea.
Without Odegaard, Arsenal has struggled to create opportunities through the middle, and his goal-scoring ability has been sorely missed. With Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus underperforming, the burden has fallen on 23-year-old Bukayo Saka, who cannot carry the team alone. Arsenal has lost three of their last six games in all competitions, matching their total defeats from the previous 32 matches.
Injuries to Declan Rice and Kai Havertz are additional concerns, and Arteta's lack of squad rotation has led to fatigued players. Meanwhile, Chelsea, with 18 points but in fourth place due to a slightly better goal difference, is expected to rotate their squad in their Conference League game against Noah, resting playmaker Cole Palmer.
Arteta has tried to boost his players' morale following Wednesday's controversial loss at the San Siro. "If we play the way we did, we'll have a big chance to win against Chelsea," he said.
Champions Manchester City, facing Brighton & Hove Albion, have been dealing with injury issues. After heavy rotation, Pep Guardiola's side has lost their last three games in three different competitions. The 4-1 defeat at Sporting in the Champions League was particularly painful, especially with the Portuguese side's manager Ruben Amorim set to join City's rivals Manchester United.
Key players like Jack Grealish and John Stones remain sidelined, but Guardiola is embracing the challenge. "It's a tough challenge, but I'm here. It will be a tough season - we knew that from the start," he said. "But this is what it's. I like it, I love it, I want to face it and lift my players and try it."
Liverpool, leading City by two points, may find themselves in second place after their late game on Saturday against Aston Villa. For Liverpool, losing keeper Alisson to injury was a significant setback, but the team has responded well, winning five of their last six games with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz leading the charge.
Interim Manchester United boss Ruud van Nistelrooy's final match is at home against Leicester City, while third-placed Nottingham Forest hosts mid-table Newcastle United. Bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers, still seeking their first win, faces fellow strugglers Southampton, and Ipswich Town, the only other winless team in the top flight, is at in-form Tottenham Hotspur.
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