Arsenal, Man United face tough tests in Premier League

Two Premier League big boys, Arsenal and Manchester United, will seek to continue their good start to the 2024/25 season against tough opponents in their matchday two fixtures today (Saturday). Week two action will kick off at the AMEX Stadium, where Brighton and Hove Albion will host Manchester United, live on DStv ch 203 and GOtv ch 66, at 12:30 pm.

Having won their opening matches, both teams head into this encounter in high spirits. Eric Ten Hag’s men lost four of their last five Premier League matches to Brighton, with their only win coming in the corresponding fixture last season.

The biggest clash of the week will see Arsenal travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa. Coached by former Arsenal Manager, Unai Emery, Aston Villa did a double over Arsenal last season, winning 1-0 and 2-0 at home and the Emirates Stadium, respectively.

Villa were the only team Arsenal failed to score against in the league last season and the Gunners will be out to make amends. During his press conference on Friday, Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, spoke about the big task at Villa Park and what his team has to do to win.

“Last season, they scored and we didn’t. Very simple. We had an enormous amount of chances to do that. That was one of the big differences, we have analysed other stuff, but that’s what we’ll have to do better tomorrow because they’re a really good side. Really well coached.

“Villa Park is one of the toughest places to go for sure and we know that. We’ve prepared really well to understand what we have to do and we’ll go there to try to win the game. If you give them space in behind they are phenomenal, if they have to find space they are great at that, any set pieces they are a threat,” he said.

Both teams also won their opening match of the season, setting the tone for what promises to be a feisty encounter. Defending champions, Manchester City, will welcome newly promoted side, Ipswich Town, to the Etihad Stadium in one of the 3:00pm games on Saturday, as they continue their chase for a record fifth consecutive title.

On Sunday, Liverpool will host Brentford at Anfield. The match will broadcast live on DStv ch 203 and GOtv ch 66, at 4:30 pm
In the Spanish Laliga, Barcelona will host Atletico Bilbao, in the biggest fixture of week two. The Catalans won 2-1 in their opening match at Valencia, while Atletico were forced to a 1-1 draw at home to Getafe. Defending champions, Real Madrid will host Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu, at 4 pm on Sunday.