The English Premier League 2024/25 matches will return for matchday 7 this weekend before players go for international duty.
The big fixture for the weekend is Aston Villa welcoming Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday,
The Dutchman is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford with United in 13th position having finished last season in eighth and the previous year third.
United’s record of three losses after six English Premier League games is similar to the two previous campaigns at Old Trafford.
In 2022, Ten Hag lost two of his first seven matches, In 2023 it was even worse, as United lost three of five at the start.
However both seasons ended with a trophy, but the feel-good factor provided by the most recent silverware was the FA Cup triumph against Manchester City in May. United’s 11-year wait for the league title is likely to continue
On Sunday, United will travel to Aston Villa, which has been transformed by manager Unai Emery, who has worked on a fraction of that budget. The Spaniard has spent around $270 million to turn Villa from a team that was battling relegation when he took over in October 2022 to one that beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
In other fixtures this weekend, Manchester City will welcome Fulham to the Etihad Stadium while Arsenal take on Southampton.
Liverpool will travel to Crystal Palace, knowing that a win at Selhurst Park, will solidify their top position on the league table going into the international break.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
