After a thrilling mid-week round of European action, it’s time for another weekend of Premier League clashes!
With time quickly running out before the World Cup interrupts the season, teams are desperate to rack up the points and secure their standing on the ladder by this time next month, when all eyes turn to Qatar.
Before then, however, there’s plenty of drama to be had in England’s top flight. This weekend, Manchester City’s deadly striker Erling Haaland is under an injury cloud, Manchester United’s coach has a decision to make over a star’s tomfoolery, and there’s plenty to talk about elsewhere.
Here’s all the latest.
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VAR cancels Kane winner, Conte IMPLODES | 01:00
INJURY CLOUD OVER HAALAND
Watch out, Fantasy Premier League managers – Erling Haaland might not feature at Leicester.
The Norwegian scoring machine was substituted at halftime after starting against his former team Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday (local).
Manager Pep Guardiola said his entire team was “exhausted” from last weekend’s win over Brighton, but it was a foot injury that saw him substitute the striker.
“Three things: I saw him so tired,” he said.
“Second one, he had a little bit of influenza in his body. Like Joao (Cancelo) – Joao had a fever.
“Then the third, he had a knock in his foot. That’s why he was not able to play the second half.”
Haaland was spotted undergoing tests at a medical facility on Wednesday afternoon (local time), but left the building without using crutches or a moon boot in a positive sign for Guardiola’s side.
City were held to a goalless draw in Dortmund after Riyad Mahrez missed a second-half penalty following Haaland’s substitution.
But the 22-year-old will be hoping to add to his outrageous scoring record of 17 goals in 11 league appearances this campaign in the early match on Saturday.
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Arsenal stunned by PSV in Eindhoven | 01:05
KLOPP ESCAPES BAN, BUT COPS $54,000 FINE
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has copped £30,000 ($A54,000) fine from the Football Association but avoided a touchline ban over a red card received in the 1-0 win over Manchester City.
Klopp was incensed that referee Anthony Taylor opted not to penalise City’s Bernardo Silva for a hefty challenge on Mohamed Salah. His abuse of Taylor saw him sent to the stands.
The Reds boss later conceded: “The red card is my fault. I went over the top in the moment … The way I look in this moment is worth a red card.”
The German has plenty of headaches ahead of Leeds’ visit this weekend, with injuries continue to devastate the squad.
Klopp said he is hopeful captain Jordan Henderson can recover from a brutal whack to the knee against Ajax midweek which forced him from the field.
Fellow midfielder Thiago Alcantara missed that game as well as the Nottingham Forest loss last weekend due to an ear infection. Asked if he would be missing this weekend, Klopp replied: “I hope not, but who knows?”
Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Melo, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Joel Matip are all also missing – most due to serious long-term injuries.
How did he miss that?! Nunez has shocker | 01:11
UNDER-FIRE MARSCH HITS OUT
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch has his back against the wall – but if he is to be sacked, he’s going down swinging.
Marsch claimed he has the support of the board and owners, but couldn’t hide his frustration at the continuous talk of his potential axing.
“I am angry! I’m sick of playing matches where we are better and walking away with nothing. I am tired of not capitalising when we are on top. I’m tired of conceding cheaply. I’m tired of not getting results.
“I’ve had 13 years as a player and 14 as a manager and never lost this much in my career. I’m looking at who can be counted on at the highest level. I need to help the group find confidence and find guys who can fight in every match.”
Leeds has lost four on the trot to leave them in the relegation zone on nine points – the same as the other two bottom-placed sides, but with a game in hand.
They visit Liverpool on Sunday morning (AEDT), with matches against Bournemouth, Wolves (in the EFL Cup) and Tottenham to follow before the World Cup break.
Marsch knows his job is on the brink.
“In no way, should the blame be put anywhere else. That is the job of the manager. I’m trying to find the right blend and the right mix.
“If we keep losing matches, though, the entire project is in jeopardy.”
Man United book knockout spot in UEL | 01:33
RONALDO ‘NEEDED’ GOAL AS TRICKSTER SLAMMED
Cristiano Ronaldo made his first Manchester United appearance since his bombshell refusal to come on as a substitute last week – and it ended with his 701st career club goal.
Ronaldo bagged the third goal in a 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol, turning around what initially looked like a frustrating night for the Portuguese star.
“Seeing Ronaldo get his goal was great,” coach Erik ten Hag told BT Sport. “He created, the team created for him and we know he has the capability to finish.
“He needed a goal and now I’m confident there will be more goals,” he added.
Ronaldo had been dumped from the squad which travelled to Chelsea last weekend, but the prospect of starting against West Ham this weekend is unlikely.
If ten Hag was pleased with Ronaldo, he wasn’t quite as impressed with winger Antony.
The Brazilian pulled off his trademark double spin move in the first half against Sheriff – before passing the ball straight out.
The 22-year-old has repeatedly done the 720 spin through his career, including in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea recently, but it left ten Hag far from pleased – shaking his head at the player, with the score 0-0 at the time.
Antony was subsequently taken off the pitch at halftime, with his replacement Marcus Rashford scoring the second of the game.
Why the Socceroos are taking a stand | 14:57
United great Paul Scholes said on BT Sport: “I like to see skills and entertainment, I just don’t think it’s skill or entertainment – it’s just being a clown.”
“I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s ridiculous. It’s showboating … I love a little bit of showboating and entertainment but at least get the pass right.
“He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0 then he kicks the ball out.”
Robbie Savage agreed, saying: “That for me is ridiculous. Because he’s done that and then put the ball out of play – embarrassing! Doing that with nobody near him, and then he puts the ball out of play. If I was the manager, I would not be happy.”
“I don’t have a problem with that [the trick] as long as it’s functional,” said Ten Hag afterwards. “I demand more from him — more runs behind, more often in the box and more playing in the pocket. When there is a trick like that, it’s nice as long as it’s functional.
“If you’re not losing the ball then it’s OK, but if it’s a trick because of a trick then I will correct him.”
All eyes will be on ten Hag’s teamsheet this weekend to see whether Ronaldo gets another chance – and if Antony pays the price for clowning around.
