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Even though Arsenal is at the top of the Premier League, questions are being asked of the team's title credentials ahead of Saturday's standout match against Liverpool.
Home losses to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and Chelsea in the last 16 of the League Cup have been seized upon by critics who believe Arsenal still lacks the class and squad depth to last the course in the title race.
Liverpool, which is third in the standings and level on points with second-place Chelsea, is only the second team Arsenal has played with a genuine chance of finishing in the Champions League positions this season.
Chelsea and Manchester United are starting to run into some form ahead of matches at Newcastle and Fulham, while Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has a goalkeeping dilemma for the home game against Norwich.
Here are five things to know about this weekend's matches in the Premier League:
PLEADING FOR CALM
It wasn't the results against Dortmund and Chelsea but the manner of the performances that got many Arsenal fans worried.
Largely outplayed by both visiting teams, Arsenal managed only three shots on target in those games and the dependence on striker Olivier Giroud will be of concern to manager Arsene Wenger.
Wenger, though, has seen his side win seven of its last eight matches in the league and isn't panicking.
"Let's not reach a conclusion too quickly," Wenger said. "I think if you take the points we have made since January 1, it's more than everybody else.
"I believe that, over a longer distance, you'll see more of the quality of the team than in the last two games."
STURRIDGE-SUAREZ
Between them, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have scored 10 goals in Liverpool's last four league matches and their pace, movement and finishing prowess is proving to be a nightmare for Premier League defenses.
Liverpool hasn't kept a clean sheet since Brendan Rodgers' decision to switch to playing five at the back last month, so the two strikers look set to be the key to the team's success this season.
"The link (play) between Luis and Daniel is only getting better,"
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva said. "Last year they didn't have a chance to play many games so this season we can see they are scoring goals."
Suarez comes into the game on the back of a hat trick in the 4-1 win over West Bromwich last weekend, while Sturridge has only failed to score in one of Liverpool's nine league games.
LACKING HART?
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has stuck by Joe Hart despite a string of mistakes this season but the goalkeeper's late blunder in the 2-1 loss at Chelsea on Sunday may have been one too many.
Pellegrini said Wednesday he has yet to decide whether Hart or second-choice keeper Costel Pantilimon will start against Norwich on Saturday, and will sit down with both of them on Thursday.
"One goalkeeper can play but the other will have our full support," Pellegrini said. "We will think about it."
Hart's confidence cannot be high after high-profile mistakes against Scotland on England duty in August, then for City in matches since against Cardiff, Bayern Munich and now Chelsea.
Pantilimon, a tall Romania international, did his case no harm by keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Newcastle in the last 16 of the League Cup on Wednesday. He has yet to play in the Premier League in 2½ years at City, instead only being used in cup competitions.
WELSH DERBY
The English Premier League has a new derby match to look forward to – and it takes place in Wales.
Cardiff and Swansea, Welsh football's two biggest clubs, will meet Sunday for the 106th time in a rivalry that has often been marred by crowd trouble and animosity.
Swansea fans were banned from matches against Cardiff for four years in the wake of a 1993 derby match that was labeled "The Battle of Ninian Park," when troubled flared between both sets of fans.
"They are special games, whether it's Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, Lazio vs. Roma, FC Copenhagen vs. Brondby or Juventus vs. Torino," said Swansea manager Michael Laudrup, who played in a slew of big derby matches over his distinguished career. "You just know how much it means to the people, especially the fans."
It's the first time the two rivals will have met in the top division.
HITTING FORM
Routine victories have been hard to come by for David Moyes since replacing Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager, so Tuesday's 4-0 win over Norwich in the League Cup will have been gratefully accepted.
It was the third straight win in a week for United, after beating Real Sociedad 1-0 in the Champions League and Stoke 3-2 in the Premier League, so maybe Moyes' ideas are finally kicking in.
"It is your job now to get behind the new man," Ferguson told the crowd at Old Trafford at the end of last season after his final home match in charge.
And United fans have just done that, despite a rocky start to the new campaign that has left United in eighth place after nine games - eight points behind Arsenal.
Jack Wilshere to miss Arsenal's trip to Dortmund due to ankle injury
• Midfielder rolled his left ankle in training last week
• Kieran Gibbs has calf strain and also set to miss out
David Hytner
The Guardian, Sunday 3 November 2013 23.01 GMT
Jack Wilshere receives treatment during Arsenal's Champions League defeat by Borussia Dortmund and is set to miss Wednesday's return game in Germany. Photograph: Barcroft Media
Jack Wilshere is expected to miss Arsenal's Champions League tie at Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday as he struggles with his latest injury to a foot. The midfielder rolled his left ankle in training last Thursday and was forced to sit out the 2-0 home win over Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.
Wilshere did not train last Friday; he worked only in the gym on Saturday before the Liverpool game and the indications were that he would not travel to Germany with the squad.
The good news for Wilshere is that it is not the right foot, which was the one he damaged so seriously it cost him 17 months out of the game from June 2011. But he has also had problems with the left as a result, according to the manager, Arsène Wenger, of over-compensating to protect the right.
Wenger has tried to look after Wilshere this season, taking him out of the starting line-up, for example, against Fulham and Napoli; he has admitted to over-using him in the past. Yet there is a suspicion that Wilshere has not been 100 % fit.
He needed lengthy treatment to his right foot after a heavy landing in the home game against Dortmund two weeks ago and was eventually forced off. He claimed that he was fine but Wenger used him only as a substitute in the following game at Crystal Palace.
Wilshere returned to the starting XI against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup last Tuesday only to succumb to the ankle turn in training.
The England manager, Roy Hodgson, attended the Liverpool game and he was not only denied the chance to see Wilshere but also saw the left-back Kieran Gibbs limp off with a calf strain in the 78th minute. Gibbs is a selection doubt for Dortmund. "I will follow the medical advice [on Wilshere]," Wenger said. "He came in on Friday and was not available. We kept him out of the training. On Saturday he had a session but inside on the bike and we will see on Monday morning how he is."
Evans and Rafael out of Real Sociedad clash, confirms Moyes
By Sam Williams8
Nov 4, 2013 6:50:00 PM
The Manchester United boss says that the pair, who were among several injuries during the Red Devils' 3-1 win over Fulham, have not travelled for their Champions League test
Jonny Evans and Rafael have been ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League trip to Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
The defenders picked up back and ankle injuries, respectively, in the first half of the Red Devils' 3-1 Premier League victory at Fulham on Saturday, while midfielder Tom Cleverley also had to be withdrawn at the break with double vision.
However, while the Englishman has recovered to make the trip to the Basque Country, manager David Moyes confirmed on Monday that Evans and Rafael have been left behind in Manchester.
"We haven't had a lot of injuries - I think it's the best Manchester United have been in that respect for a while," the Scot told reporters, "but we did pick up three on Saturday, which is very rare - especially by half-time.
"Two of them haven't travelled, Jonny Evans and Rafael, so they're not with us."
United sit top of Group A with seven points from their three games and beat Sociedad 1-0 in October's reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
The Premier League title holders are also on a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions - a streak which Moyes is keen to extend at Anoeta.
Sociedad prop up the pool having lost all three of their matches so far, although the United boss is taking nothing for granted ahead of Tuesday's clash as he seeks to reach the 10-point mark widely regarded as the threshold needed to ensure qualification.
"I feel we're playing better and getting some good results to go with it," he added. "Long may that continue.
"I have a lot of respect for Sociedad. We have to play well if we’re going to get those 10 points, which will get us over the line. We've got ourselves into a good position in the group and we have to try to maintain that."
PFA calls for investigation into concussion
4 November 2013
The Professional Footballers' Association has called for an investigation and possible amendment to laws regarding concussion in football.
The comments come after Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris lost consciousness in an accidental collision with Romelu Lukaku during Sunday's 0-0 draw at Everton, with Spurs coming in for criticism after allowing the Frenchman to continue playing.
Brain injury charity Headway described the decision as "dangerous and irresponsible", adding that players should be removed from any game immediately after sustaining a concussion.
The PFA believes clubs should have the decision of whether players continue in a game taken from them, and are looking to firm up the laws regarding the issue.
John Bramhall, the organisation's deputy chief executive, said in a statement: "When treating a player on pitch, it can be very difficult to determine the severity of a head injury.
"It is important to take the pressure off the players, club medical staff, and the manager - removing the need for them to make a very difficult decision.
"If anyone suffers a severe trauma to the head and loses consciousness, then they should be required to leave the field of play automatically.
"The PFA will continue to work with the stakeholders within the game, to evaluate what guidelines are currently in place and to see if and how they need to be improved to provide better protection for all those involved in the game."
Tottenham responded to the comments from Headway on Monday, with the club's head of medical services Wayne Diesel stating he was "totally satisfied that he (Lloris) was fit to continue playing".
Fulham defender Sascha Riether has been charged with violent conduct after appearing to stamp on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj.
The incident occurred in injury time of Fulham's 3-1 defeat to United at Craven Cottage on Saturday, sparking unsavoury scenes between the two sets of players.
Referee Lee Probert did not punish Riether for the challenge, but United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has since claimed that the German should have received a red card for his actions.
And, after reviewing video evidence of the incident, the Football Association has elected to charge the former Hamburg man, who has until Tuesday to respond.
A statement on the FA website read: "Fulham's Sascha Riether has been charged by The FA for violent conduct following an incident which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video during his side's game against Manchester United on 2 November 2013.
"The charge is in relation to an incident involving Riether and United's Adnan Januzaj which occurred in added time of Saturday's match at Craven Cottage.
"The defender has until 6pm on Tuesday 5 November 2013 to respond to the charge."
Riether has made 11 appearances for Fulham this season.
Blow for Blues with Torres set to miss next two games with muscle injury
By MATT BARLOW PUBLISHED: 13:04 GMT, 5 November 2013 | UPDATED: 15:24 GMT, 5 November 2013 Fernando Torres will miss Chelsea's next two games against Schalke and West Brom after suffering a muscle injury.Torres was unable to join his team-mates as they trained in the rain in Surrey on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's tie against the Germans and is set for a scan this week.Instead, he joined Marco van Ginkel in the treatment room. Van Ginkel is recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury and is unlikely to play again this season.
Off you go: Fernando Torres walks off after being substituted against Newcastle
Not out of the woods yet: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been dealt an injury blow to Fernando Torres ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Schalke
Mourinho said: 'Fernando has a muscular injury. We don't know the dimension but we await the scans tomorrow, but tomorrow out and out for the weekend too. After that comes an international break. Let’s see if he can recover after that.'The Chelsea boss has warned his players they must fight complacency and never forget the qualities which helped them beat Arsenal, Manchester City and Schalke.Mourinho was furious with his team’s attitude after a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday brought a good run of form to a shuddering a halt.
Keepy up: Frank Lampard could start against Schalke on Wednesday
Getting stuck in: Chelsea's Kenneth Omeruo and Gary Cahill fight for the ball in training
He claimed he made 11 mistakes and vowed to make many changes for tomorrow’s game against Schalke but will not change his entire team. Ryan Bertrand is also out injured but the Chelsea manager will expect others to put right what they got wrong in Newcastle.'When you win a lot you cannot forget why you win,' said Mourinho, who let rip at his players at half-time at St James’ Park. 'You cannot think you win because you have a nice shirt or are in a good run or a lucky moment. If you think like that, you're in trouble. You can never forget why you are winning matches. Maybe we forgot.
All smiles: Andre Schuerrle prepares for Wenesday's game
Eyes on the prize: Oscar prepares for Wednesday's game
'Maybe the worst thing that happened to us in Newcastle was the easy start. You go there and see lots of space, you play easily and they don't press you, they were a bit scared of us. We hit the post twice and were dominant. Maybe that's the worst thing that happened to us.
'If we'd been in trouble, and the team had felt that, the reaction might have been different. But you play three big matches before that – Arsenal away, Man City – and you know you have to be at the top of your level, and you are at the top of your concentration.'Suddenly you get a match where you become a little bit complacent. It's the mistake not just of football players, but human-beings.
This way to the knock out stages: Mourinho gives his orders
'Maybe I was also influenced by the way they grew up so fast as a team, and the way they could play so fast to compete in that week. They coped very, very well with the pressure we put on ourselves in the Champions League and they reacted so well under that pressure, winning six crucial points for us.'They showed good personality to play a very difficult match against City. Good personality to go to Arsenal without many of the players who normally are playing, and have the personality not just to win but be so dominant.
'So maybe I was also caught by surprise. But the only difference is, during the first half, it looked like they were not feeling it and I was feeling it. That's the only difference.'
REVEALED: How Messi almost joined Chelsea last summer after adidas offered to pay half of the staggering £210m deal to Barcelona
By PETE JENSON PUBLISHED: 11:20 GMT, 5 November 2013 | UPDATED: 14:02 GMT, 5 November 2013
Lionel Messi could have signed for Chelsea in the summer after adidas offered to pay half of his £210million buy-out clause, according to Barcelona sports paper Mundo Deportivo. Messi, who joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old after the club paid for expensive hormone therapy treatment without which he would never have made the grade as a professional, has always had a strong emotional bond with the club. But according to Mundo Deportivo, adidas saw the opportunity to prise him away from Barca – and effectively from Nike who sponsor the Catalan giants – and move him to one of their three main European clubs: Chelsea, Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
Blue move: Lionel Messi could have joined Chelsea in the summer thanks to adidas
The pro-Barcelona daily says that Messi’s representatives were made aware of adidas’ proposal and that they then informed the club, who were also told Messi had no intention of leaving the club. Even if adidas had stumped up the £105m, Chelsea would still have had to find the other £105m and manager Jose Mourinho would have had to convince a player with whom he has never had a very good relationship that the two could work together.
Mourinho famously accused Messi of ‘theatre’ after he was involved in Asier Del Horno’s sending off in a 2006 Chelsea v Barcelona clash, and was subsequently public enemy No.1 for Barca and Messi as Real Madrid coach. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would have pulled off a coup to top even the swiping of Luis Figo in 2000 if he had signed Messi.
It has long been his intention and he may have felt with the arrival of Neymar at the Camp Nou he could tempt the four-time Ballon d’Or winner to defect. Barcelona would have done everything possible to keep Messi but, as with Figo, if Real had paid the £210m (€250million) buy-out clause Barça would have been forced to sell putting Messi in the same team as Cristiano Ronaldo and bringing to an end any interest in Gareth Bale.
Working together? Jose Mourinho could have had Messi at Chelsea in the summer
HE'S A MESSI EATER
Barcelona star warms up for Milan clash with ahome-cooked meal
Bayern Munich were the third team suggested by Mundo Deportivo as being capable of completing the sensation transfer. By moving Messi to Germany, adidas would have given a massive boost not just to Bayern but to the Bundesliga. But Messi did not finish on the best of terms with Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp and Bayern, like Chelsea and Madrid, would have found it difficult to convince the player to make the move. Messi goes into Wednesday's game with Milan on a run of three games without a goal and another theory circulated in Barcelona on Tuesday – this is a good moment to remind Barca fans of Messi’s commitment to the cause as he passes through what, by his incredibly high standards, is a low point in his time at the club.
Not best friends: Pep Guardiola and Messi did not end on the best of terms
The Japan international played in both positions at the Anoeta but has reiterated that he is far more comfortable being utilised as a trequartista
Shinji Kagawa says that he found it easier playing more centrally than on the left wing during Manchester United's 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad on Tuesday.
The Japan international started the Champions League game out wide but moved into a No.10 role in the second half, a position which, he admits, he found far more preferable.
"I had an easier time playing as a shadow top [trequartista] than I did on the left wing," Kagawa told reporters.
"I need to be more involved in the match and I hope I can do so in our upcoming fixtures. I want to play better, sharper and faster."
The Premier League champions had chances to win the game, with Robin van Persie twice hitting the woodwork, but ultimately had to settle for a point.
The draw means the Red Devils still top of Group A but they remain just a point clear of Bayer Leverkusen, and Kagawa feels that his team might have done even better and secured all three points.
"I think it was a game we could have won," he added. "If you look at the other groups, too, the number of points you earn in games like these can decide whether or not you advance.
"If we could have converted our chances, we could have won."
Kagawa also insisted that little has changed at the club despite Sir Alex Ferguson leaving Old Trafford after almost 27 years in charge and David Moyes taking over at the helm.
"I don't feel like there are any big differences," he claimed. "Their instructions change from match to match, after all."
Riether banned for three games for Januzaj 'stamp'
By Gill Clark2
Nov 6, 2013 5:01:00 PM
The German accepted a charge of violent conduct after his clash with the Red Devils youngster, with his suspension to begin with immediate effect
Fulham defender Sascha Riether has been handed a three-game ban for violent conduct for his challenge on Adnan Januzaj during Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
The German has accepted the suspension, which begins with immediate effect, and is set to miss his side's upcoming games against Liverpool, Swansea City and West Ham.
The Football Association (FA) confirmed the news, with Riether the first player to be charged and punished under a new retrospective action scheme, after the incident was missed by match officials.
"Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing [on Wednesday], Fulham's Sascha Riether has been suspended for three matches with immediate effect after he accepted an FA charge for violent conduct," a statement on the FA's website read.
"Riether was charged by the FA following an incident which occurred in added time of Fulham's game against Manchester United on Saturday, November 2, 2013.
"The incident, which involved United's Adnan Januzaj, was not seen by the match officials but caught on video."
Riether had earlier apologised to both Januzaj and his team for the incident, claiming that frustration had got the better of him.
Chris Coleman's men will wear their Adidas strip for the first time in their friendly against Finland, after the Welsh FA agreed the most lucrative deal in their history
Star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey took centre stage alongside Sam Vokes for the unveiling of Wales' new kit.
The pair's status as two of Europe's most talented young players no doubt played an important role in helping the Welsh FA to secure their most lucrative ever deal after leaving Umbro for Adidas.
Bale has struck five goals in 10 games since moving to Real Madrid as part of a world-record deal during the summer, while Ramsey has already hit double figures for Premier League leaders Arsenal this campaign.
A man for all colours | Bale in the famous white of Real Madrid
The kit, which is modelled on a "clean and classic design" and claims to be 40 per cent lighter than previous strips, will be worn by Chris Coleman's men for the first time in the friendly against Finland on November 16 in Cardiff and is available for purchase in the shops from November 14.
A statement on the FA of Wales website read: "The new kit reignites a long-standing relationship between Wales and adidas and pays homage to the iconic kits of the 1980s when Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, Dean Saunders and Neville Southall lined up in what became known as the 'Golden Generation of Welsh football'.
"Thirty years later, the Wales squad will again put on the red adidas jersey as Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams and Gareth Bale aim to become Wales's new golden generation through qualification for the Euro 2016 finals."
It ain't heavy | The new shirt is claimed to be the "lightest ever made"
Welsh FA spokesman Ian Davis told the Daily Mail: "We are delighted that adidas remain a key member of the Welsh football family.
"I have no doubt that deal will excite the fans and will go on to be a long and lasting success for everyone."
Manchester City's Silva out for up to month with calf injury
Fri Nov 8, 2013 4:11pm GMT
Manchester City's David Silva (C) heads to score against Newcastle United during their English Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England, August 19, 2013. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Manchester City playmaker David Silva could be out of action for up to a month with a calf injury, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Friday.
The Spain international, who had already missed a month of this season with a thigh injury before returning in early October, came off midway through the second half in Tuesday's 5-2 Champions League victory over CSKA Moscow.
"Silva has a problem with his calf so he could miss three or four weeks," Pellegrini told a news conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland (1405 GMT) in the Premier League.
He said midfielder Fernandinho and defender Matija Nastasic face late fitness tests.
City remain without captain Vincent Kompany, who has missed their last six games with a thigh injury, although the Belgian could be back soon.
"It was diagnosed as being a five-week problem," said Pellegrini. "That was three weeks ago, so he should be fine in another two weeks."
Pellegrini's side are currently fifth in the league but a win against struggling Sunderland will put them three points behind leaders Arsenal who visit Manchester United later on Sunday (1610 GMT).
(Reporting by Sam Holden,; Editing by Toby Davis/Alan Baldwin)
Hazard back for Chelsea but Mourinho won't accept apology
LONDON Fri Nov 8, 2013 2:21pm GMT
Chelsea's Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a goal against Schalke 04 during their Champions League match in Gelsenkirchen October 22, 2013. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender
(Reuters) - Eden Hazard is back in Chelsea's squad for the Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday although manager Jose Mourinho has refused to accept his apology for missing training at the start of the week.
The Belgium forward was dropped for the 3-0 win over Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Wednesday but is in contention to face West Brom at Stamford Bridge after saying sorry to Mourinho and his team mates.
"He went to a foreign country when he shouldn't go and on the top of that he lost his passport which didn't allow him to be back in training, which is obviously unacceptable," Mourinho told a news conference on Friday.
"It was a bit of a risk not to select him for the last match, speaking in terms of pure football. For me the group is always more important than any player, the group principles are more important than even the football result.
"He has reacted well, he apologised to me and the club but the apology was not accepted, something I couldn't accept," Mourinho explained. "But now it is over, something that doesn't exist any more.
"He's selected and ready to play. Happy he's back, case over, he's a very good kid."
Mourinho said he was looking forward to facing his former assistant, West Brom manager Steve Clarke.
"I am very happy to see Steve again. It will be a difficult game because he organises his teams well," added the Chelsea manager.
"Every game Steve Clarke plays I wish he will win but tomorrow that is not the case."
Second-placed Chelsea will look to bounce back from last week's 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United.
If Mourinho's team beat West Brom they will move within two points of league leaders Arsenal who visit Manchester United on Sunday.
(Reporting by Sam Holden; editing by Tony Jimenez)
BY SONIA OXLEY
MANCHESTER Fri Nov 8, 2013 4:38pm GMT
Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger looks on during their English League Cup fourth round match against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium in London, October 29, 2013. REUTERS/Toby Melville
(Reuters) - Arsenal head to Manchester United this weekend with manager Arsene Wenger talking of strange times and serenity but he is not referring to the fact his Premier League leaders are the favourites for the first time in many years.
It will be the first time in his 17 years at the London club that the Frenchman travels to Old Trafford without great rival Alex Ferguson in the home dugout and it is this rather than his team's five-point lead in the table creating an aura of calm.
"It will be a bit strange," Wenger told a news conference on Friday.
"I will see him (Ferguson), certainly yes ... Now we meet each other only at the big managers' meeting to speak about how we can improve football and not how can Manchester United beat Arsenal or how Arsenal can beat Man United.
"So of course it will be a bit more peaceful and more serene."
For Arsenal, though, there are many more reasons to feel composed ahead of Sunday's encounter at a ground where they have failed to win in the league in their last six attempts, including a humiliating 8-2 thumping two seasons ago.
Holding a five-point advantage at the summit for the first time since February 2008, Arsenal have the rare luxury of a guarantee they will stay top even if they lose while victory would put them a huge 11 points clear of champions United.
Arsenal have lost just one of their 10 league games this season to collect 25 points, while David Moyes' United have already suffered three defeats to sit eighth with 17 points more than a quarter of the way into the season.
Victories at last season's Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund and over fellow Premier League pacesetters Liverpool in their last two matches have also helped put Arsenal in a good frame of mind before Sunday's game (1610 GMT).
"We have confidence, but what is at stake is consistency at the top level for us and to be capable of repeating the performances in our last two games, that will certainly be very important for the future of our team," Wenger said.
They are boosted by the likely return from injury of Mathieu Flamini who has been out with a groin injury, while fellow midfielder Jack Wilshere faces a late fitness test after being sidelined with an ankle injury.
FLYING START
With Arsenal's most recent league title coming in 2003-04 and having finished no higher than third in the last eight seasons, it is the first time for several years that this fixture has a truly big-game feel about it.
United manager Moyes said Arsenal's flying start owed much to them having a long-serving manager when last term's top three had new faces at the helm with Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City, Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and him at Old Trafford.
"I think it does show the benefit of having continuity and stability," he told a news conference. "I think that's the benefit Arsenal have had this season."
United endured a stuttering start but have started to find form and go into the game unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions.
Moyes has often said his side had a tough start, facing arch rivals Liverpool and title hopefuls Manchester City and Chelsea in their opening five league matches, while Sunday's game is Arsenal's first against one of last term's top three finishers.
"I said at the start that Arsenal have got the same chance as the rest of us to win the league," said Moyes, who will be without injured striker Danny Welbeck for the game.
"They're in the top position at the moment, their form has been very good and they'll come here in good spirits. But we've had some growing momentum and we want to put on a good show."
Without Ferguson to spice up the meeting with some choice words, United striker Wayne Rooney took it upon himself to remind Arsenal to keep their feet on the ground.
"It will be interesting to see whether they can maintain that (form) because over the last six or seven years they have faded off," he told Sky Sports News.
Wenger was quick to issue a reminder of his own: "Usually after Christmas we have been very strong every season."
Premier League Previews: game-by-game guide to the weekend's action
By Sport Magazine (@Sportmaguk) | Thursday, November 7, 2013
Manchester United v Arsenal; Sunday November 10; Old Trafford; 4.10pm
Ten games in, and Arsenal aren’t showing any sign of slowing down, with an unbeaten run stretching back to that opening-day defeat to Aston Villa. Last week saw their toughest fixture of the season so far, at home to Liverpool. The Gunners passed with flying colours, with Aaron Ramsey still flying (and letting fly).
Their mettle will be tested further this week with a trip to Old Trafford, where they haven’t won since 2006 – and where they endured that 8-2 thumping just two years ago.
Manchester United, for all the doom and gloom that follows David Moyes, have won three of their last four, and looked a team in sumptuous form as they took Fulham apart in just over 20 minutes last week. Adnan Januzaj continues to impress out wide, but it’s the form of Wayne Rooney that is really helping the Red Devils turn their season around.
Wazza has seven goals and three assists in United’s past ten games in all competitions, and is the man Arsenal need to keep quiet. The Londoners, after all, were strongly linked with the hair-plugged striker over the summer, so football law 18.2b dictates that he’s now more likely to pop in a screamer against them.
Arsenal, though, are creating chances for fun. Olivier Giroud alone has created 17 goalscoring opportunities in ten league games – and he, Ramsey and Mesut Ozil have four assists apiece. The likely return of Mathieu Flamini adds solidity, making the Gunners a warm order here.
Aston Villa v Cardiff City; Saturday November 9; Villa Park; 3pm
We don’t want to pile the pressure on Christian Benteke, but Villa have gone 375 minutes without a goal, and the Belgian appears to be the only man capable of changing that. Not that the visitors are faring much better. Last week’s win over Swansea will put a spring in Cardiff’s step, but the fact that Steven Caulker’s second goal of the season makes him the Bluebirds’ joint top scorer – with Fraizer Campbell – is a worrying stat in itself.
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion; Saturday November 9; Stamford Bridge; 3pm
Jose Mourinho said he made “11 mistakes” on the teamsheet after last week’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle. Harsh, yes, but Chelsea looked tired and devoid of ideas at the Toon, with the attacking midfielders repeatedly failing to link up with lone striker Fernando Torres (who had just 17 touches). West Brom’s defence is better than Newcastle’s, and Chelsea need someone to get among the goals.
Crystal Palace v Everton; Saturday November 9; Selhurst Park; 3pm
The new man at Palace is in for one hell of a job. Three points from ten games tells its own story – heck, even 11-point Derby (their season’s total in 2007-08) had six points by now. Don’t expect Everton to show too much mercy after last week’s blank against Tottenham, with Romelu Lukaku again the danger man. Palace have conceded four from set-pieces in their past three games, so expect Leighton Baines to be at his most effective.
Liverpool v Fulham: Saturday November 9; Anfield; 3pm
Here’s a stat to cheer up Reds fans after losing to Arsenal last week: Fulham have won only once in their history at Anfield – although that was as recently as 2012. Glen Johnson is back after visiting hospital thanks to a localised infection, while Philippe Coutinho should start his first game since September – his link-up with Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge is likely to be more than enough to overwhelm the Cottagers.
Southampton v Hull City; Saturday November 9; St Mary’s; 3pm
‘Not conceding to the opposition’s goalkeeper in the first 20 seconds’ will likely be top of Southampton stopper Artur Boruc’s wish-list this week, but – that moment aside – his side have looked formidable this season. Mauricio Pochettino has the Saints playing a style that is at times easy on the eye, and Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert have three apiece. Hull have one victory and two goals from their past four. Home win, anyone?
Norwich City v West Ham United; Saturday November 9
Norwich are in the bottom three, having now conceded 14 in their past four league games (half of those keeper John Ruddy shipped to Manchester City last week). A clean sheet against West Ham is the priority, then, and the good news is the Hammers started their previous game without a striker. At home. To Aston Villa. ‘Respect the point’ is a favoured motto of Sam Allardyce – Norwich would take one on Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United; Sunday November 9
If Hugo Lloris’ head is still sore after last week, the hushed fans at White Hart Lane will be the perfect tonic. We jest, but then they’ve not had that much to shout about, having scored just once at home in the league since September (and that courtesy of another penalty from Roberto Soldado). Tottenham have conceded just five this season, but Newcastle – fresh from a 2-0 win over Chelsea – haven’t drawn a blank since August.
Sunderland v Manchester City; Sunday November 10; Stadium of Light
Seven goals don’t make a season, but Manchester City will be buzzing after mauling Norwich last weekend. Seven different scorers in that game mean Sunderland have their work cut out to stop the Citizens, with Sergio Aguero the pick after claiming three assists and a goal. There is hope, though: the Black Cats haven’t lost at home to City since August 2008, winning the three meetings on Wearside since – and all of them have finished 1-0.
Swansea City v Stoke City; Sunday November 10; Liberty Stadium; 4.10pm
The tale of two out-of-form Cities. The Swans have just three victories to their name this season, and two of those were against the bottom two sides. Stoke, meanwhile, have not won a game since August and saw goalkeeper Asmir Begovic become their joint top scorer last week. Michel Vorm’s red card against Cardiff means he misses a game that could see Stoke leapfrog the Swans – if Begovic brings his shooting boots.
Hull City manager Steve Bruce was fined STG10,000 ($A16,980) by the Football Association after slamming a "joke" penalty decision by a referee.
The former Manchester United defender's day got worse when Hull striker Sone Aluko was ruled out for at least three months with a torn Achilles tendon.
Aluko pulled up in the pre-match warm-up ahead of Hull's 1-0 win at home to Sunderland last weekend.
"We've had some bad news; it's been confirmed that Sone has torn his Achilles and that's put a dampener on everything for us," Bruce said.
"It's tragically hard luck. He broke down in the warm-up last week and it's just been confirmed he's got a tear which will keep him out until at least February."
Achilles trouble cut short the 24-year-old Aluko's season in January last year and Bruce added: "He's had a few problems on it before but we thought we were over the situation.
"To damage yourself in a warm-up is quite ridiculous -- it's sod's law, it's a warm-up he's done dozens of times - but there must have been a weakness there.
"We have to be patient now and hope we can see him in February."
Bruce was fined after venting his fury at referee Michael Oliver's decision to award Tottenham Hotspur a penalty, scored by Roberto Soldano, that condemned the Tigers to a 1-0 Premier League defeat at White Hart Lane last month.
"It's a joke decision," Bruce said immediately afterwards.
And, anticipating the FA charge of 'calling into question the integrity of the match referee, and/or implying the official was motivated by bias,' he added: "I shouldn't say this and I might get fined, but would we have got it (the penalty)? I'm not so sure.
"He (Oliver) has ballsed it up. If my player made a decision like that I wouldn't be playing him next week and if I kept making decisions like that I would get the sack."
Bruce, frustrated his side had been denied a point for a draw that looked like being theirs until Oliver harshly penalised Ahmed Elmohamady 10 minutes from time, said: "We could get relegated by a point -- you never know."
Newly-promoted Hull, currently six points above the relegation zone, are away to Premier League high-flyers Southampton on Saturday.
For once, Arsenal is travelling to Manchester United on a high, looking down on United in the English Premier League standings.
Eight out of ten league matches have been won so far by Arsene Wenger's side, including against title rivals Liverpool and Tottenham to sit five points clear at the top.
Even though United is eighth, the match at Old Trafford should be a key indicator of Arsenal's title credentials. Here are five things to know about that game and the rest of the weekend's Premier League fixtures.
STAYING POWER?
Does Arsenal have the staying power to win the title for the first time since the unbeaten 2003-04 season? United striker Wayne Rooney doesn't think so, even though his team has eight points to make up on Arsenal. "We've seen before that they've been in the top two until February or March and then faded away," Rooney said. "They are doing brilliantly at the minute, so it's down to them to try and stay there and us to catch them."
After opening its title defence by losing three of its opening six games, United has gradually rediscovered its form. "This is when we can edge closer to (Arsenal) and bring us back into the mix of being at the top of the league," Rooney said.
RAMSEY RESURGENT
The summer football talk was dominated by a Welsh player - Gareth Bale - exiting the Premier League, but the league has been lit up by another. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey has 11 goals in 17 games for Arsenal this season, having netted just twice in the previous campaign. "It seems like every time he touches the ball it goes in the net," Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny said.
Ramsey's latest goal came at Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday to clinch a memorable Champions League win - the perfect preparation for United. "This season he has gained confidence and he has an unbelievable engine to go from box to box," Wenger said of Wilshere. "Confidence and his ability of course makes him a dangerous player."
CHASING PACK
Arsenal can't be caught this weekend at the top regardless of the United result. Arsenal has a five-point advantage over Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, who are separated only by goal difference. On Saturday, Chelsea hosts West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool takes on Fulham, while Tottenham plays Newcastle the following day.
HAZARD WARNING
Like Arsenal, Chelsea has had a good week in Europe. A victory over Schalke extended Chelsea's lead in its Champions League group to three points. Eden Hazard missed the 3-0 win after being dropped for missing training following a trip to France. The Belgium winger, though, will return on Saturday against West Bromwich Albion. "He is a kid and kids make mistakes and fathers, they have to be clever in the way they educate their sons," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said. "He didn't play, he wanted to play, he is sad because he didn't play, we won without him and Saturday he is back, end of story."
NEW RULES
The English Football Association faced criticism last month for allowing Chelsea striker Fernando Torres to escape disciplinary action for scratching an opponent. The FA has now decided that from Nov. 22 players can be charged with misconduct even if match officials have seen part of the incident. "This enables the FA to consider acts of violent conduct, like an elbow or a stamp, which have occurred after a challenge for the ball or coming together of players," FA director of governance Darren Bailey said. "It is sometimes difficult for officials to see such incidents, as they are often concentrating solely on the challenge for possession of the ball, and we are mindful of this. "Also, where off-the-ball incidents are concerned, the policy adjustment will allow action to be taken where an act of misconduct could not have been seen by the match officials, even though they may have seen some part of the players coming together."
Vidic released from hospital after suffering concussion The 32-year-old collided with team-mate David de Gea during the club's 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday
Cleverley: Arsenal win puts Manchester United back in title mix The 24-year-old believes it was crucial to prevent the Gunners opening up an 11-point gap between the two clubs, and now feels his team are well placed to challenge
Vermaelen not considering Arsenal exit The Belgium international has made only six appearances for Arsene Wenger's side this season but is adamant that he is not looking to leave the club
Manchester United are gathering momentum, warns Evans The Northern Irishman believes the Red Devils' title challenge will take shape over the Christmas period after a morale-boosting victory over Arsenal on Sunday
Wenger content with improved Arsenal Despite their "unlucky" 1-0 defeat to Manchester United, the Gunners boss is pleased with the strides that his side have taken this season and hopes to bounce back quickly
Gerrard as vital to Liverpool as ever - Jose Enrique Though the 33-year-old has adapted into a deeper midfield position, the Reds left-back feels that his quality is undiminished
Mourinho urges Ashley Cole to 'fight' for Chelsea recall The Blues manager has deployed Spanish right-back Cesar Azpilicueta on the left for two matches and been pleased with the results but is prepared to welcome the England man back
Van Persie hails perfect Manchester United performance The former Arsenal striker came back to haunt his old club with the only goal of an absorbing clash that saw the Gunners' lead at the top of the table reduced to just two points
Zabaleta concerned by Manchester City away form Manuel Pellegrini's men lost 1-0 at Sunderland on Sunday, their fourth defeat in six Premier League matches on the road this term
Villas-Boas expects Lloris to be fit for France The Spurs goalkeeper was not risked for Sunday's 1-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle on advice from club medics but is set to be ready for his country's World Cup play-off
'Van Persie & sidekick Rooney are big-game players' - Moyes The Old Trafford boss was delighted with his side after they overcame Arsenal and confirmed Nemanja Vidic had travelled to hospital with a head injury
Vermaelan: I still have an Arsenal future
Thomas Vermaelen insists he still has a future at Arsenal.
Laudrup confident of Swansea resurgence
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup believes his side will have no problem climbing the Barclays Premier League table if they can repeat their second-half performance against Stoke.
Seaman calls Pellegrini to back Hart
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman has criticised Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini for his decision to drop Joe Hart.
Charlton backs United for glory
Sir Bobby Charlton is backing Manchester United to make a sustained Premier League title charge.
Johnson: I have never seen a better Liverpool
The 29-year old defender insists that the current Liverpool squad is the best he has ever played since his arrival at Anfield in 2009.
Friedel impressed by remarkable Krul
Tottenham's Brad Friedel was full of praise for Tim Krul after the Newcastle goalkeeper pulled off a string of spectacular saves at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Goals will come for Spurs, says Townsend
Andros Townsend is certain Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham side will improve as the new players continue to settle in to the squad.
Cleverley: Arsenal win was vital
Tom Cleverley admitted the amazing sequence of results in the Premier League this season made it even more important for Manchester United to overcome Arsenal.
Pellegrini does not blame loss on referee
Phil Bardsley scored Sunderland’s contentious winner against the Sky Blues on Sunday, condemning Pellegrini's side to a fourth away loss of the season.
Mourinho not concerned with records
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists that his impressive home league run wasn't uppermost in his mind when he faced West Brom in a recent Premier League clash.
Bruce gives credit to superb Southampton
Hull City manager Steve Bruce acknowledges that the Saints put up a superb display of soccer that left his side struggling at St Mary’s Stadium.
Wenger: Nerves got the better of Arsenal
Manager Arsene Wenger admits that his side were racked with nerves in their 1-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Moyes not getting carried away after win
David Moyes insists Manchester United still have some big steps to take despite Sunday's crucial 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Virus not an excuse for Arsenal, says Wenger
Arsene Wenger refused to blame Arsenal's Premier League defeat at Manchester United on a virus that swept through the Gunners camp last week.
Mourinho: Cole has to fight for his place
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is confident "fighter" Ashley Cole will soon be back in top form.
Carrick: Manchester United never worried despite ‘shocking start’ The England international says the Old Trafford outfit were frustrated by their early displays and admits he is surprised they have improved so quickly under David Moyes
Lehmann: Premier League has weakened The ex-Arsenal stopper believes the top division in English football has declined in comparison to the Bundesliga, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund now leading Europe
Walters: FA must punish 'disgraceful' Chico The Stoke striker believes the Spaniard should face a harsher punishment than the yellow card he received for pretending to have been struck in the face on Sunday
Carrick and Welbeck out of England squad The Manchester United pair have been ruled out with Achilles and knee problems as Roy Hodgson's men prepare to take on Chile and Germany at Wembley
Baines grateful for England distraction ahead of Merseyside derby The 28-year-old admits he will be able to switch off from the build-up to Everton's crunch clash with Liverpool on November 23 as the Three Lions take on Chile and Germany
Essien: I’ve no problem with Mourinho The Ghanaian has rubbished claims that his relationship with the Portuguese has soured in recent weeks following his lack of playing time at Chelsea this season
Bendtner must leave Arsenal, says Olsen The Red and White boss believes that the Arsenal striker should seek a new club in order to ensure he is playing consistently
Wenger: Cristiano Ronaldo has overtaken Messi The Arsenal manager feels the Real Madrid star has made a phenomenal start to the season and believes that he now has the edge over his Barcelona rival
Richards: My England career may be over The Manchester City right-back feels his decision to represent Team GB instead of being on standby for Euro 2012 has had a detrimental effect on his chances for the senior side
Kompany 'several weeks' away from return, says Belgium physio The Manchester City captain injured his thigh in October and was originally set for a three-week absence, but Lieven Maesschalck has estimated he will be out for another two months
Van Persie out of Netherlands friendlies against Japan and Colombia The Manchester United striker has been ruled out of the double-header with further concerns over his toe and groin problems, with Leroy Fer and Davy Propper called up
Vertonghen denies Villas-Boas bust-up The central defender is being deployed at full-back by the Portuguese following injury to Danny Rose, but the versatile Belgian has dismissed talk of discontent
Vermaelen rues 'missed opportunity' against Manchester United The Belgium international defender was frustrated by the loss at Old Trafford but expects Arsene Wenger's men to get back to winning ways after the international break
Gerrard backs Suarez for Ballon d’Or The midfielder says the Uruguayan fully deserves to be in the running for the prestigious accolade, describing the forward as "one of the top four or five players in the world"
'Tottenham can beat anyone' - Sandro The Brazil international, a second-half substitute in Spurs' 1-0 defeat against Newcastle, is keen to return to winning ways after Sunday's loss at White Hart Lane
Gerrard dreams of making England proud at World Cup 2014 The midfielder says that he has not thought about what he will do after the tournament in Brazil, explaining that his sole focus is on getting past the quarter-finals
Jagielka: Only Terry can decide his England future The 32-year-old centre-half retired from the international game in September 2012 but the Chelsea captain has been urged to return by the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ray Wilkins
Virus outbreak at England headquarters Roy Hodgson's Three Lions will move to another venue as a precautionary measure, after a number of visitors to their regular base at St. George's Park fell ill
This is the best Liverpool team I've played in, says Johnson The England international says Brendan Rodgers' side is packed with quality, while he also praised the manner in which the Reds bounced back from their defeat against Arsenal
Hull City chairman Assem Allam has angrily dismissed the efforts of fans to dissuade him from renaming the club.
12 November 2013
Last updated at 22:06 GMT
Supporters' organisation City Til We Die has voiced hope that the Football Association can stop the club name changing to Hull Tigers.
"I honestly don't know why the fuss, why a small group are making all this fuss," Allam told BBC Radio 5 live. Hull history
Formed in 1904, they first wore black and amber shirts for their maiden Football League campaign the following year. They moved to their KC Stadium home, which they share with Super League side Hull FC, in 2002, after 56 years at Boothferry Park
"Nobody in the world will decide for me how I run my companies, certainly not a few hundred people."
He continued: "No, no, no. I will not allow that. Let us establish this - nobody questions my decisions in my business."
The Egypt-born businessman first announced in August the company name had changed from Hull City AFC to Hull City Tigers. Allam stated a 'Tigers' brand would be more marketable, and considered the word 'City' to be "lousy" and "common".
The 74-year-old, who moved to Hull in 1968, said he had to find other income streams for the newly promoted Premier League outfit as the KC Stadium is owned by the council.
A decision on further shortening the club's name to simply Hull Tigers is expected to be made early next year. But any such plans would need to be ratified by the FA.
Despite vowing to alter the club's name, Allam declared he would consult supporters about changes which he did not consider were "commercial decisions".
"What the fans should be interested in - I will never change the colour, I will never change the logo, I will never remove Hull, I will never remove Tigers," he said.
"These words were there for many years. The colour of the club, amber and black, is there. The logo is there. That's for the fans and I will never change this without consulting the fans.
"As for the commercial decisions - my decision."
Allam has told the Guardian the club will announce this week that it made a loss of £27.8m in its promotion year, with the accounts also set to show he has put in £66m since taking over in December 2010.
"The club cannot rely on my money all the time," he said. "The club should be able to survive comfortably with me being alive or dead.
"At the moment, the club cannot survive without my money. That is not on."
Hull are currently 12th in the Premier League following the 4-1 defeat by Southampton on Saturday.
