Igor Thiago looms over Leeds, Newcastle need to bounce back from Barça and Viktor Gyökeres aims for hero status
Though Manchester United continued to win after playing brilliantly against Manchester City and Arsenal in Michael Carrick’s first two games as manager, the quality and coherence of their performances decreased thereafter. Lacking balance without the injured Patrick Dorgu, they’ve been rescued on three separate occasion by Benjamin Sesko’s goals – goals that eventually forced him into the team at the expense of Amad Diallo. But though Amad is easier to omit than Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom are older, dearer and more productive, without him United lacked a dribbler: a player eager to run at opponents, who isn’t necessarily seeking the quickest route to goal, and whose quick feet in tight spaces are invaluable against disciplined defences. It is no coincidence that on his return to the starting XI, against Villa last weekend, United delivered their best display since those early weeks. Sesko’s form will again demand his inclusion at some point soon, but next time it is unlikely to be Amad who makes way. Daniel Harris
Bournemouth v Manchester United, Friday 8pm
Brighton v Liverpool, Saturday 12.30pm
Fulham v Burnley, Saturday 3pm
Everton v Chelsea, Saturday 5.30pm
Leeds v Brentford, Saturday 8pm
Newcastle v Sunderland, Sunday 12pm
