By the end of Premier League play on Saturday, that could very well be the gap between Manchester City, the competition leaders and standout outfit, and their biggest rivals for the crown this year.
And that’s not just one rival, not just their neighbours Manchester United who matched them stride-for-stride early on in the 2017-18 term, but Tottenham Hotspur too. The team that’s finished in second and third the last two times in English football’s top flight and the team that looks ready to compete again.
This scenario, of course, can come to fruition because United host Spurs in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday. That’s before City head to West Bromwich Albion. Those seven points would already feel like a chasm for the chasing pack.
Read on for a focus on the three standout fixtures of the weekend, a line on the rest of the matches and a prediction for all 10 games to come from English football’s top flight.
Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
The mindset of both managers and how that’ll imprint onto their respective teams is a fascinating thread to examine ahead of this meeting at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho would typically begin games like this on the basis that a point is positive and a win, if it’s there for the taking, would be brilliant. Yet as aforementioned, a draw for the Red Devils would severely dent United’s Premier League title hopes.
The same can be said of Spurs, of course, who must see themselves as genuine contenders after their runners-up spot in 2016-17. An uncharacteristic collapse against West Ham United aside, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have bristled with that championship aura; the draw at Real Madrid and then comprehensive win over Liverpool represented a step forward.
Both teams have their injury issues to content with here, though Pochettino has been able to utilise his squad more effectively than Mourinho in recent weeks. And you can see Spurs coming to Old Trafford in the more confident mood despite the respective results for each in the League Cup.
Mourinho will ensure this is tight, but a draw suits neither side. Should it open up late on, Tottenham have the quality and confidence to capitalise. 0-1 (9/1 Bet 365)
West Bromwich Albion vs. Manchester City
Regardless of what goes on at United earlier in the day, this weekend represents a big chance for City to put some distance between themselves and a rival.
West Brom appear to be pretty vulnerable at the moment too. While there was so much excitement about what the Baggies could after a summer of shrewd investment, they haven’t quite gelled under Tony Pulis yet this term. Having won their opening two games, just four points have followed in the seven since.
Not a good time to be playing City, then. Pep Guardiola’s side swept a dogged Burnley aside at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, passing another early-season test. This one will be another challenge of their physicality, patience and composure.
You’d back them to rise to that challenge. At the moment Guardiola has a set of attacking players that are not only of the highest quality, but in form too. The manager has rotated his options so shrewdly and whatever players do line up at West Brom, they can do so in the knowledge they’ve made a major contribution to a recent victory.
The Baggies will go about this one with their typical gumption, with the order of the day no doubt to rough up their illustrious opponents. This City side has the tools to cope with that onslaught and use their class to earn another positive result. 0-2 (6/1 Betfair
Leicester City vs. Everton
Sunday’s showpiece fixture should be an absorbing one between two clubs that’ve made early changes of leadership in 2017-18.
Craig Shakespeare has been moved on by Leicester, as he failed to build on the impressive job he did at the club last term to keep them afloat in the Premier League. Since his departure, the Foxes have made the surprise move of appointing ex-Southampton boss Claude Puel; it’ll be interesting to see how he goes about getting the best from this talented stable of players.
Everton have turned to their own inside man to take over after Ronald Koeman was mercifully axed on Monday. David Unsworth, who has done a brilliant job with the Toffees’ Under-23 side, stepped in to take charge against Chelsea in the League Cup in midweek and while Everton were eliminated in a 2-1 loss, there were some overdue positives to take from the performance.
While Leicester find themselves in the lower reaches of the Premier League table, there have been some bright moments to cling to for their supporters early on. And with a new manager in charge, there should be a buzz about the King Power Stadium.
Everton have some talented players that may feel unshackled by the decision to sack Koeman, though, and in a game where both coaches will be desperate to avoid defeat, it’s easy to see this one petering out into a draw. 1-1 (6/1 William Hill)
Arsenal vs. Swansea City
The Gunners were given the freedom of Goodison Park to run in five goals against Everton on Sunday and will feel sure of scything through a Swansea team that currently look short of the quality needed to stay in this league. With Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette all on the pitch this will be comfortable for Arsenal. 3-1 (10/1 William Hill)
Crystal Palace vs. West Ham United
Probably the most unpredictable game of the week. Nobody anticipated West Ham roaring back to win after falling 2-0 down away to Spurs in midweek and that victory will give the Hammers a dose of hope. Palace, meanwhile, beat Chelsea in their last match at Selhurst Park. Still, a 4-1 loss to Bristol City in the week shows they’re still developing under Roy Hodgson. 1-2 (12/1 Bet365)
Liverpool vs. Huddersfield Town
Did you know Jurgen Klopp and David Wagner are great mates? Not sure it’s been mentioned. While the narrative in the buildup to this encounter will focus on the friendship of the managers, this is an important one for Liverpool against a dangerous opponent. Anything other than a win here puts the Reds on the brink of a crisis; they’ll do enough. 2-0 (11/2 Betfair)
Watford vs Stoke City
Watford supporters would have been lamenting Richarlison’s double-sitter against Chelsea all week and you sense the Hornets players will be itching to respond after letting their lead slip in that game. Stoke, currently in a malaise after back-to-back losses against Manchester City and Bournemouth, fell like an ideal opponent for them to get back on track against. 2-1 (17/2 Bet365)
Bournemouth vs. Chelsea
Something doesn’t feel quite right about Chelsea at the moment. Against City, Palace, Roma, Watford and Everton there have been spells of the match when the Blues have totally lost control of the contest; sometimes they’ve wrestled that initiative back, sometimes they haven’t. But Bournemouth, who grabbed a much-needed win at Stoke, can capitalise. 2-2 (14/1 Ladbrokes)
Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Southampton
Brighton appear to be finding their feet in the Premier League after a tough start and were excellent in taking West Ham apart on Friday. Southampton were insipid—Sofiane Boufal’s majesty aside—against West Brom for long spells and will find it difficult to contain their south-coast rivals at the Amex Stadium. 1-0 (15/2 Paddy Power)
Burnley vs. Newcastle United
After their positive starts to the season, Burnley and Newcastle get the Monday night billing in the Premier League. Still it’s tough to see this one being anything other than attritional affair between two sides that’ll be focused on keeping things tight at the back. Maybe give both sides five corners each, see if anyone scores and all get to bed early? 0-0 (8/1 William Hill and other green listed bookmakers)
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