The intense rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool headlines Matchday 3 of the Premier League, which will feature 10 matches on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September.
Man United and Liverpool’s rivalry dates back as far as 1894 – when the former club was still known as Newton Heath! – and has often been a defining match of the English football landscape. This time around they will meet at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a clash which could shape the course of their respective seasons.
United manager Erik ten Hag is hoping to turn his side into title contenders in the near future but wants to see an immediate improvement on recent performances given the quality of their opposition on Sunday.
“We can play to a very high standard. We can compete with the best and beat the best in the Premier League. When you can do that, you can also do it across Europe,” said Ten Hag. “We need to learn how to bring big games over the line.”
Matchday 3 gets underway early on Saturday afternoon with Arsenal playing host to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have been a major danger from set pieces through last season and early in this campaign – something which manager Mikel Arteta is happy to lean on.
“It gives us a platform and a different threat and worry for the opponent. We could have scored a lot of goals from a lot of different situations in the game which is really pleasing to see as well,” said the Spanish tactician.
Saturday also features Leicester City chasing an upset home win over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, while the early-evening match sees West Ham United host champions Manchester City at the London Stadium.
Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui will be looking to win over supporters with a strong showing in this match, though he admits that a battle of tactical wits against Pep Guardiola – a former teammate at Barcelona from their playing careers – is no easy task.
“We have played together when we were both young, and I know a lot about him, and he knows a lot about me,” said Lopetegui. “We are talking about undoubtedly one of the best coaches in the history of football, but we have a big illusion in the same way, and we are focusing on our own strengths.”
Sunday – aside from the United v Liverpool clash – also features Chelsea hosting Crystal Palace for a London derby, as well as Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur battling at St James Park.
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Broadcast details
Saturday 31 August
- 13:30: Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
- 16:00: Brentford v Southampton – LIVE on SuperSport Action
- 16:00: Everton v AFC Bournemouth – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 3
- 16:00: Ipswich Town v Fulham – LIVE on SuperSport OTT2
- 16:00: Leicester City v Aston Villa – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
- 16:00: Nottingham Forest v Wolverhampton Wanderers – LIVE on SuperSport Variety 2
- 18:30: West Ham United v Manchester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
Sunday 1 September
- 14:30: Chelsea v Crystal Palace – LIVE on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Maximo 2
- 14:30: Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League
- 17:00: Manchester United v Liverpool – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2