Manchester derby takes centre stage in Premier League thriller

The Premier League returns with a Matchday 4 programme packed with intriguing fixtures, but all eyes will ultimately turn to Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester United host Manchester City in the first Manchester derby of the campaign.

Saturday begins with a busy afternoon, including Liverpool’s meeting with Fulham.

New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will want his attacking players to bring intensity and relentless movement, with the Spaniard explaining his expectations of his forwards: “It is good news when they are exhausted because then we have taken everything from you and someone else will come in.”

That approach could make Liverpool’s wide players particularly important against Fulham.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace face Ipswich, Bournemouth meet Brentford and Aston Villa welcome Nottingham.

Chelsea take on promoted Hull City, with Chelsea expected to dominate possession while Hull will look to make the most of counter-attacking opportunities.

Tottenham’s meeting with Everton provides another fascinating contest on Saturday evening. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified mentality as the key challenge in building his team, saying: “You can’t find the right mentality in the transfer market.” He remains confident, however, that he will achieve the balance he wants “as soon as possible”.

Arsenal then travel to Sunderland in the late Saturday fixture, with the visitors facing an opponent likely to relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of the league’s established powers.

Sunday opens with Coventry hosting Brighton before the weekend’s showpiece, the Manchester derby. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is embracing the occasion, declaring: “The big games are what we all live for. It's why we are here. We will go for it head-on.”

He has called on the Old Trafford crowd to bring “enthusiasm, energy” and an expectation that “something special could happen”.

That atmosphere will be tested by a Manchester City side with their own ambitions, making the derby a fascinating battle of contrasting approaches and personalities.

The intensity of the fixture should ensure that every duel, decision and moment of quality carries enormous significance.

The round concludes on Monday when Leeds host Newcastle. It promises to be another demanding encounter, with the home side looking to use their own environment to unsettle Newcastle and the visitors aiming to impose their quality.

From Liverpool’s attacking intensity to Tottenham’s search for the right mentality, and from Arsenal’s trip to Sunderland to the headline Manchester derby, Matchday 4 offers a compelling mixture of heavyweight clashes and fascinating contests across the Premier League.

Broadcast details

• Premier League: Matchday 4

Saturday 12 September

• 2:00pm: Liverpool v Fulham – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
• 2:00pm: Crystal Palace v Ipswich
• 2:00pm: Bournemouth v Brentford – LIVE on SuperSport Events
• 2:00pm: Aston Villa v Nottingham – LIVE on SuperSport Action and SuperSport Action Africa
• 2:00pm: Chelsea v Hull City – LIVE on SuperSport Football Plus, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 1
• 4:30pm: Tottenham v Everton – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
• 7:00pm: Sunderland v Arsenal – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Sunday 13 September

• 1:00pm: Coventry v Brighton – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2
• 3:30pm: Manchester United v Manchester City – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2

Monday 14 September

• 7:00pm: Leeds v Newcastle – LIVE on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2