Premier League Returns After Three-Week International Break With Liverpool–Man City Title Clash

The Premier League returns this weekend after the longest international break in its history, and it comes back with a blockbuster. After three weeks without domestic football — caused by FIFA merging the traditional September and October windows into one extended break running September 21 to October 6, during which national sides could play up to four matches — Matchweek 6 kicks off on Saturday, October 10. Champions Arsenal resume their title defence at home to newly promoted Leeds United in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, still smarting from a 3-0 hammering at Brighton that preceded the break. Leeds arrive unbeaten after five matches, matching a feat last achieved in the 2001/02 season, and Daniel Farke's side have made themselves stubbornly hard to beat. The standout Saturday fixture comes at Old Trafford at 5:30pm, where struggling Manchester United host Tottenham — both clubs have made poor starts, and Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is under mounting pressure after his side managed just two goals in five games. Aston Villa face Brentford, Chelsea host Bournemouth, Ipswich meet Fulham and Sunderland play Brighton. But Sunday's main event is at Anfield, where Liverpool welcome Manchester City in a meeting with genuine title implications. City are the only perfect side left with five wins from five, while Liverpool sit on nine points and will be desperate to close the gap in front of the Kop. Crystal Palace host Nottingham Forest earlier on Sunday in a fixture rich with subplots, as Forest manager Oliver Glasner returns to Selhurst Park for the first time since leaving Palace.