After a barnstorming Gameweek 5 of the 2024/25 season, we’ll be hoping for more of this same when Premier League action returns to our screens this weekend.
The fixture list has thrown up a number of intriguing games too, with Manchester United set to take on Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City facing a tricky trip to Newcastle United.
Here’s five things we at 90min think you should keep an eye out for during Gameweek 6.
Having not found the net since August 16 at club level, pressure is beginning to mount on Man Utd’s new striker Joshua Zirkzee.
And while Zirkzee has linked up play well in his most recent outings for the Red Devils, a few too many chances of his own to score have been squandered – particularly in the games against FC Twente and Crystal Palace.
Erik ten Hag has come out in defence of his new striker ahead of this weekend’s game against Tottenham, but the best way for Zirkzee to really get Man Utd fans back on side is by finding the back of the net on Sunday.
As you’ve definitely heard by now, Rodri is set to miss the majority of the 2024/25 campaign thanks to an ACL injury suffered in the draw with Arsenal.
Losing your undisputed most important player when you’re aiming to win another treble isn’t ideal for City, but Mateo Kovacic proved earlier in the campaign that he can be a decent Rodri alternative when required.
The Croatian’s capacity to replace Rodri will certainly be put to the test this weekend when City face off against a powerful Newcastle midfield.
If you watched Arsenal’s thumping 5-1 win over Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, chances are you’re probably pretty damn excited about 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
In his first competitive start for the Gunners, Nwaneri became the youngest player to score a brace for the club in over 20 years, and proved that he’s ready for more gametime at a senior level.
And with Martin Odegaard out injured for a while yet, he actually fills a very pressing need for Mikel Arteta’s side in the middle of the park. Expect the youngster to, at the very least, come off the bench this weekend against Leicester City.
Despite ‘winning’ the transfer window in many people’s eyes, West Ham have been bloody horrendous under new manager Julen Lopetegui so far in 2024/25.
The Hammers have looked utterly lifeless under Lopetegui’s tutelage, particularly the most recent 3-0 and 5-1 defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool respectively.
It’s clear that Lopetegui needs a much, much improved performance and result against Brentford on Saturday if he’s going to last in east London.
Enzo Maresca has a pretty nice problem on his hands heading into Saturday’s meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge: every one of his forward options are in-form.
While Nicolas Jackson is netting braces in the Premier League, Christopher Nkunku is netting hat-tricks in the Carabao Cup, and Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho have all also impressed in recent weeks.
It’ll be interesting to see what combination makes up his front three this weekend – the only thing that’s perhaps certain is that Mykhailo Mudryk won’t be in it.
