EPL 2021-22, Matchday 2 preview: Arsenal-Chelsea clash to headline London derby

First Published Aug 21, 2021, 11:40 AM IST

The 2021-22 English Premier League will enter its Matchday 2 from Saturday. The London derby would headline this matchday, with Arsenal going head-on against reigning European champion Chelsea.

Matchday 2 is upon us in the English Premier League 2021-22. While the opening matchday saw some favourable results and a couple of surprises, matchday two has thrills in-store as well, especially with the London derby, as we present the preview involving the top sides.

Liverpool looks to tame Burnley at home
Liverpool was off to a convincing winning start, as it looks to keep the momentum going at Anfield, taking on 12th-placed Burnley on Saturday. A win would be highly crucial for both sides, especially for The Reds, to set the pace for the top-four race. While a win could take Liverpool to the top, a loss could push it down to the bottom half since it is the initial stage of the tournament.

Manchester City looks to get going with a win over Norwich City
City was off to a losing start in the opening matchday to Tottenham Hotspur, away from home. Meanwhile, it would take on newly-promoted Norwich at Etihad on Saturday. A win would be highly crucial for City here, while it is the favourite to win this. A victory would take it up to the top half of the table, while a loss could make it stay in the bottom half, piling pressure right away on Pep Guardiola.

Manchester United looks to continue away streak against Southampton
United was off to a dominating start on the opening day, thrashing Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford. While it travels to Southampton on Sunday, it would be looking to continue its 26-game unbeaten streak away from home. While a win would allow it to stay on the top, a loss could drop it down significantly, thereby ending its incredible streak.

Tottenham Hotspur looks to dominate Wolverhampton Wanderers
In an exciting clash on Sunday, Tottenham travels to face the Wolves. It would be a homecoming for Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who left Wolverhampton last season following a commendable tenure. While Tottenham looks favourite to win this clash, especially following the win over City last week, a win would make it a top-four contender, although a loss could drop it significantly.

Chelsea favourite to win the London Derby against Arsenal
Chelsea, too, went off to a winning start on the opening day, while Arsenal succumbed to newly-promoted Brentford. The Gunners would be desperate to bounce back when its host The Blues on Sunday. Having finished eighth last season, a loss would further jeopardise Arsenal's chances this season, while fundamentally, Chelsea looks like the favourite here and bid for the title race.

Leicester City looks to hammer West Ham United
Leicester is on a roll of late and is rising with each passing matchday, channelling itself as a title contender. It travels to London to take on West Ham on Monday night. While it would not be a straightforward clash for the Foxes, it certainly looks like a favourite. Nonetheless, don't be surprised if the Hammers gain the upper hand. However, Leicester would look to keep its route for top-four open.

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