Arsenal can extend Premier League lead as Manchester City face Nottingham Forest test

Arsenal have the chance to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League this weekend, with Manchester City at risk of falling six points behind if they lose to Nottingham Forest and the Gunners beat Hull City at Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side welcome Hull knowing victory would increase the pressure on their closest challengers before the international break. Arsenal have won eight of their first nine matches, with their only domestic setback coming against Brighton.

The meeting with Hull represents an opportunity for the leaders to underline their authority before the domestic campaign pauses. City, however, face a demanding visit to the City Ground as they attempt to keep pace with Arsenal while balancing commitments across all competitions.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said the depth of his squad would be vital during a schedule that could involve between 60 and 65 matches.

“The important thing is that, day after day, I know the players better. This is the best thing,” Maresca said before the trip. “It depends on the game. We have 60 to 65 games so it’s impossible to always use the same players. I’m quite lucky I have many good ones to choose from, depending on what we need for different games.”

Liverpool travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday to face Crystal Palace, looking to recover from a difficult period and a 3-2 Champions League defeat by Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

That loss highlighted continued defensive problems, while head coach Andoni Iraola called for an immediate reaction from his players as they seek to end a run of poor results.

“We have to react after two defeats and we need the win against Palace away,” Iraola said. “We’ve been in similar situations – I remember Bournemouth before the international break, even the Brentford game – and we have to go there and do the job and win the game.”

Manchester United conclude Sunday’s Premier League action when they host Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick’s team will be encouraged by their midweek Champions League victory over AS Roma, having recovered from two goals down to win 3-2. The result ended a lengthy winless run and gave United renewed momentum.

They must now produce a similar display domestically against Aston Villa, who arrive after suffering a European defeat in Barcelona.

The weekend begins with Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Elland Road to play Leeds United. Chelsea travel to the Stadium of Light to meet Sunderland, while Newcastle United head south for a match against Fulham at Craven Cottage.