THE north-west derby tomorrow, featuring England’s two most successful clubs, gets the top billing this weekend. But there is a handful of games that can almost match that, if not top it, with end-to-end football.
Among these fixtures are Manchester City’s visit to West Ham United, Newcastle United welcoming Tottenham Hotspur to St James Park, and the early kick-off at the Emirates today when Arsenal clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Given Arsenal’s two runner-up finishes over the last two campaigns and their perfect record in the first two matches of this campaign, they’ll be expected to win again.
Yet coming up against Brighton might not be that simple.
Indeed, the Seagulls have also won their opening two fixtures and will be just as keen on continuing that fine start.
A key talking point going into the game was Arsenal’s signing of Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old moved to the Emirates on a four-year contract, with the option for another 2 months, in a deal reportedly worth £31.6mil (RM180mil), including add-ons.
The Spanish midfielder joined from Real Sociedad, having moved from Newcastle in 2018.
Dependable William Silba will also be one to watch.
Mikel Arteta has been nothing but oozing confidence in the first fortnight of the new campaign.
The Gunners have been sharp and efficient, looking like real champions.
So too have Brighton, been impressive, following up their win over Everton with a gutsy and deserved victory over Man United last weekend.
Another performance like that, and we should have a cracker in today’s early kick-off.
