Three Taking Points Ahead of Super Sunday

Written By James Capps | Published at October 25, 2026

Jul 22, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (8) celebrates his goal with goalkeeper Thomas Heaton (22) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

We have a bumper serving of Premier League action this afternoon with five matches from 2 o’clock.

And it could be a pivotal afternoon for two managers nearing the finishing line in the sack race, while Brighton face a litmus test of their Champions League credentials.

Last Chance Saloon for Carrick?

One win and just ten goals in their opening seven matches sees Manchester United fifteenth in the Premier League table ahead of the visit of Bournemouth.

Their Champions League form has nosedived since a 4-0 opening night win over Sabah, leaving Michael Carrick desperate for a result this afternoon.

But the Cherries have been a bogey side in recent years, with United failing to beat them in their last six meetings, while suffering 3-0 home defeats in two of their last three at Old Trafford.

If we see the same again today, it will surely be curtains for Carrick.

Two Struggling Bosses Meet at Selhurst Park

Another manager seeking a reaction is Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage.

The Eagles are just a point above the bottom three, but the manner of their 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton last time out has Sage looking over his shoulder.

Next up are Newcastle, who have had an inconsistent start under new gaffer Matthias Jaissle.

The Magpies have lost three of their last four and Jaissle could find himself in a spot of bother if his side don’t show signs of recovery against another side struggling to find its feet this season.

Can Seagulls Pass Anfield Test?

We’ve run out of superlatives to describe the football being served up by Brighton this campaign.

Great going forward and solid at the back, but a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool will be a test to see where they really sit amongst the Premier League’s elite.

Liverpool beat Villarreal 4-3 in midweek, following a humbling 3-0 defeat to Man City last weekend. The jury remains out on Andoni Iraola, and although he isn’t under significant pressure at this stage, defeat here will leave them nine points behind Arsenal and Man City after just eight games.