GAMEWEEK 6: THE PERFECT TEST

THIS WEEKEND FIXTURES All times ET / PT

WHY THIS GAME:
This feels like the first proper test for both sides this season. Manchester City have been flying, winning all five of their Premier League games, while Liverpool have made a more mixed start with two wins and three draws.

Anfield is a completely different challenge, though, and Liverpool will have the chance to show exactly where they stand against the team everyone is chasing. City won the last meeting at Anfield 2-1 in February, so Liverpool will look to turn things around this time.

The international break hasn't helped Liverpool's preparations. Both Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo returned early with injuries and are doubtful for the game, which could give new signing Bradley Barcola a huge opportunity to make his mark in one of the season's biggest games.

ONE THING TO WATCH:
Can Liverpool's attack cope if Isak and Gakpo are unavailable? Barcola has already shown flashes of what he can bring since arriving from PSG, and with two of Liverpool's biggest attacking options potentially missing, this could be the perfect stage for him to step up.

But there's another side to this one for City. The club has just been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial-rule breaches brought by the Premier League, although City have appealed the verdict. With the story dominating the headlines and a hostile reception expected at Anfield, it will be fascinating to see how the players respond.

BOT90 PREDICTION:

Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City
Anfield should make this a completely different test for City, but their perfect league record means they will arrive full of confidence. Liverpool have enough attacking quality to hurt them, even with injury concerns, while City's firepower makes it hard to see them leave without scoring.

We think both sides will have their moments in a fascinating game, and we're backing them to cancel each other out in a four-goal thriller.

WHY HIM:
Johan Manzambi is quickly becoming one of the Premier League's most exciting young players to watch. After a brilliant World Cup with Switzerland, where he scored three goals and added two assists, a knee injury cut his tournament short. After finally returning to fitness, Manzambi made his first Premier League start for Aston Villa against Tottenham — and immediately scored and assisted in a 3–2 win.

He then carried that form into the international break, scoring for Switzerland against North Macedonia after coming on at half-time. The Swiss press praised his performance, and his reputation continued to grow back home.

WATCH FOR:
Manzambi’s combination of pace, attacking ability and willingness to take on defenders makes him a constant threat in the final third. He showed against Tottenham just how dangerous he can be when given space to run into, and his growing confidence is making him increasingly difficult to contain.

His direct running and ability to create opportunities could cause serious problems for opposition defenders. Whether he is driving forward with the ball, finding space behind the backline or looking to get into dangerous positions, Manzambi has the ability to change a game. As his confidence continues to grow, expect him to become an even bigger attacking threat.

BOT90 SAYS:
After the World Cup introduced Manzambi to a wider audience, his return from injury has been almost perfect. A goal and assist in his first Premier League start, followed by another international goal, has Villa fans excited about what's to come.

With Brentford visiting Villa Park this weekend, could Manzambi be ready to produce another big performance?

Prediction: Manzambi to score or assist

3 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE KICKOFF

BOT90 BIG TAKE
Bournemouth will hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw.

Chelsea have plenty of attacking talent, but their defence has looked vulnerable this season. Bournemouth have shown they can cause problems, and this could be a high-scoring afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be favourites at home, but Bournemouth have enough confidence and firepower to make this a much tougher game than expected.

We think both teams will find the net, with Bournemouth doing enough to leave London with a valuable point.

Chelsea 2-2 Bournemouth

THE FANTASY HURDLE