This weekend's Premier League action is set for high drama, with a crucial Manchester derby and managers fighting for their futures. All eyes will be on Old Trafford as interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a monumental first test against local rivals and title-chasing Manchester City.
Carrick's Baptism of Fire in Manchester Derby
Michael Carrick's short-term appointment as Manchester United manager begins with a baptism of fire. His first two matches in charge are against the Premier League's top two teams, starting with Manchester City on Saturday. City can cut Arsenal's lead at the top to just three points with a win, while United desperately need points to boost their fading hopes of Champions League qualification.
Carrick, who had a previous unbeaten three-game stint as United caretaker in 2021, is embracing the challenge. "It's what we live for," he stated. "Some are more challenging than others but it's why we are here. So we'll go for it head on." His task is to galvanise a United side that has won just once in their last six league games and suffered an FA Cup exit to Brighton.
Despite the recent turmoil, United remain only three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. Carrick brings more experience from his time at Middlesbrough, though he was sacked in June after failing to secure promotion. "I understand the job, what it entails and the responsibility of it," he added. "Now I feel in a strong place to move forward."
Managerial Hot Seat: Frank and Nuno Under Pressure
At the other end of the table, a London derby carries huge stakes for two managers. Tottenham's Thomas Frank and West Ham's Nuno Espirito Santo are both under severe pressure as their teams clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs have won only four of their last 17 matches in all competitions, slipping to 14th in the table and exiting both domestic cups. Frank is dangerously close to becoming the latest manager to fail at the North London club, a list that includes his opposite number on Saturday. Nuno himself lasted just 17 games as Tottenham boss in 2021.
The Portuguese coach, already dismissed by Nottingham Forest this season, has managed a mere two wins in 16 Premier League games since taking over at West Ham in September. The Hammers are in deep trouble, sitting 18th and seven points from safety, making this a must-win game for both bosses.
Can Arsenal Overcome Forest Hoodoo?
League leaders Arsenal face their own test as they travel to a motivated Nottingham Forest. The Gunners, chasing an unprecedented quadruple after securing the FA and League Cups this week, have a poor recent record at the City Ground.
Arsenal have won just once in their last five visits to Nottingham. They face a Forest side eager to make amends for a shocking FA Cup exit to Wrexham last weekend, which provoked fury from manager Sean Dyche. "It's unacceptable to me, but it's unacceptable to the badge as well," Dyche said of his team's first-half performance in that match.
The weekend's full fixture list is packed with intrigue:
- Saturday: Manchester United v Manchester City (12:30 GMT), Tottenham v West Ham, Liverpool v Burnley, Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (17:30 GMT).
- Sunday: Wolves v Newcastle (14:00 GMT), Aston Villa v Everton (16:30 GMT).
- Monday: Brighton v Bournemouth (20:00 GMT).
