CHELSEA FACE MAN UNITED IN BIG EPL CLASH

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London: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho remains the centre of attention when the former Chelsea boss returns to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. A dramatic fightback from 0-2 down to beat Newcastle 3-2 before a two-week international break offered Mourinho a stay of execution, but the pressure is still on the Portuguese to close a seven-point gap on Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the table. Mourinho has been quick to remind Chelsea fans on his previous returns to Stamford Bridge he delivered three Premier League titles in two spells in charge. However, he has lost without even scoring a goal in three visits as United manager. Another defeat wouldn’t just realistically end United’s chances of winning the title in midOctober, but leave a mountain to climb just to make it back into the top four. Tottenham face test

Spurs start a demanding sevengame stretch in 21 days against a West Ham side on Saturday that have already proven to be at their best on the big occasion this season. Of the Hammers seven Premier League points from eight games, four came from home games against Chelsea and United. Spurs have equalled their best ever start to a Premier League season despite a series of injuries. Arsenal under radar

Amid the three-way battle at the top and the circus surrounding Mourinho, Arsenal’s resurgence under Unai Emery has gone under the radar. The Gunners have won nine games in a row in all competitions, six of them in the Premier League, to close to within two points of the leaders. City, Liverpool in mix

Neither side were too disheartened when Liverpool and City played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield just before the international break to preserve their unbeaten starts to the league season. After that anticipated thriller fell flat, though, both will be expected get back among the goals this weekend when Burnley visit the Etihad and winless Huddersfield host Liverpool. — AFP