Premier League fixtures bring Chelsea test for Carrick and Liverpool for Arsenal

Premier League fixtures this weekend put Manchester United manager Michael Carrick under renewed scrutiny at Chelsea, while Arsenal travel to Liverpool and Manchester City host Brighton. The matches follow contrasting League Cup results for the title contenders.

United visit fifth-placed Chelsea on Saturday after going eight matches without a win across competitions. They are only one point clear of the relegation places following their poorest league start in 40 years.

Carrick remained in charge after Sunday's 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth. He has said he understands the responsibilities attached to his position and does not need assurances about his future.

Arsenal and City face demanding opponents

United's difficulties have also included disagreements involving senior players. Captain Bruno Fernandes was dropped last weekend after criticising Carrick's tactics, while Lisandro Martinez was fined after attacking the club's transfer policy, according to reports.

Elsewhere in the Premier League fixtures, Arsenal face fourth-placed Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. A Liverpool victory would bring them within three points of the defending champions.

Arsenal enter that match after losing a League Cup shoot-out to fourth-tier Fleetwood following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday. Captain Martin Odegaard said the performance had fallen short and urged the squad to respond in the next game.

Manchester City, the league leaders, meet third-placed Brighton on Saturday for their second encounter in four days. City progressed from Wednesday's League Cup tie at the Etihad after twice equalising in a 2-2 draw and then winning on penalties.

City manager Enzo Maresca praised the form of Fabian Hurzeler's side and their attacking approach. He said Brighton had been scoring regularly and expected the same assertive style in the league rematch.

The weekend therefore presents a recovery opportunity for United and Arsenal, while City face an immediate return against opponents who pushed them to a shoot-out.

Also read: Bruno Fernandes benched as Carrick changes United side | League Cup: Liverpool and Manchester City advance after penalty shoot-outs