🔗 Share this article

Senesi Lifts Bournemouth's Defensive Solidity

Following their first match at Anfield, Bournemouth have remained unbeaten in the league, although their momentum has been stalled by two straight ties: in their own stadium to Newcastle United and on the road at Leeds United. the West Londoners visit the home ground on Friday evening, giving the manager's team a presentable prospect of rediscovering victorious form and moving second in the table. In the wake of a unsettled off-season, Iraola has aimed for stability in his team selection. Trailing 2-1 at Elland Road, the coach opted for a three substitutions to reintroduce three first-choice players – Brooks, Scott and Marcus Tavernier – to his lineup and was rewarded with a late leveller. Iraola's men have also kept up a sturdy backline, allowing just a single goal in four games across the trips to Anfield and Elland Road. Senesi, often playing in an otherwise brand-new backline, has been crucial to the side's consistency. The central defender was given accolades from the manager for his work at the back and danger at dead-ball situations – as evidenced by his headed assist for Kroupi's equaliser at Elland Road.

• Bournemouth versus Fulham, Friday evening kickoff (all times British Summer Time)

Leeds' Set-Piece Danger Relies on Longstaff

If Leeds aim to avoid relegation and maybe even thrive this campaign they will need to maintain exploiting effective dead balls. 3 of the 6 Premier League goals the manager's team have scored after coming back to the first division have derived from set-plays and they could benefit from additional cases – or at least another – arriving at Spurs' expense at Elland Road on Saturday. The head coach has deployed Sean Longstaff as his main corner taker and, up to now, the former Magpies engine is proving highly adept and crucially reliable at the art. This repositioning of responsibilities has also liberated his fellow midfielder Stach to move into the 18-yard box at set-pieces and hurl his imposing stature at the orb. Back on at St James' Park, he also possessed a ability for making last-minute, almost Lampard-like bursts into the penalty box and notched a several goals from live action. At present the coach could use rekindling that instinct in a player who faltered a bit at St James' Park the prior term but is looking encouragingly renascent.

• Leeds v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm

Black Cats Could Spell Trouble for Amorim

Given a journey to Liverpool approaching following the international break, a match at home against teams that came up is, theoretically, an opportunity for the Manchester United boss to ease the suffocating gloom around Manchester United. In reality, it could be one more challenging day at home against an formidable Black Cats team with two fundamental attributes their rivals are desperately short on: a clear style and adaptability. Asked how he has been able to develop such a well-drilled squad from a large number of summer signings, the Sunderland manager, stated: “The new lads add a new energy and playing style … [but] we have a foundation – the essence of the organization is in place.” While the United manager continues to be mired in his own stubborn inflexibility, the Sunderland boss has proved he is ready to adapt. Going into last season's promotion playoffs on the back of five straight defeats, he altered to a defensively oriented approach and built the platform for positive results in the Premier League. This entire process have been attained whereas the United boss has essentially led the Red Devils to no improvement, and few would be genuinely surprised if the visitors were to push him closer to the dismissal this Saturday.

• Sunderland's trip to Manchester United, Saturday 3pm

Gunners Seek to Banish West Ham Hoodoo

In the wake of breaking their curses away at Newcastle and at the Emirates to the Greek side in the last two games, the following task for the North London club is a chance to banish recollections of two successive losses to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Both eventually damaging their aspirations of winning the title, with the single-goal loss in last season one of the few occasions when Potter had something to cheer during his unfortunate period in charge of the Hammers. A encouraging draw in his first match against the Merseyside club will have assisted Nuno settle into his new surroundings and the ex- City Ground gaffer will be eager to capitalize on that on matchday, having been unable to secure a victory against Arsenal ever since he was in control of Wolves in two years ago.

• Arsenal versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm

Chelsea Could Turn to Lavia for Liverpool Clash

Roméo Lavia was outstanding when the Blues overcame the Merseysiders at the Bridge in the spring. The Belgium engine provides grace on the ball and a excellent skill to break lines. But even though he regularly allows the manager's tactics look more fluid, Lavia's {fitness record|in