sport news Premier League predictions: Man City are undefeated, a Chelsea revival and ... trends now
With the international break done and dusted it's full steam ahead as the Premier League returns this weekend.
It's a relentless schedule from now until the World Cup with the final weekend of league action landing on November 12 and 13, as the next six weeks throw up a feast of domestic and European football.
By the time the tournament in Qatar comes around the Premier League table has the potential to be looking very different as a season-defining period awaits several teams.
The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break over the past few weeks
Clubs now face a relentless schedule which sees most teams play eight times in six weeks
Injuries and fatigue are likely to take their toll over the in the upcoming period with most sides facing eight games in six weeks, but there is no doubt there is plenty to look forward to.
With that in mind, Sportsmail takes a look at the traditional top six's fixtures until the World Cup break and predicts the results of each of their games and what the table will look like before the players head off to Qatar.
The last weekend of fixtures before the World Cup break is on November 12 and November 13
Tottenham (H) - 2-1
The feel-good factor at the Emirates is infectious at the moment and Arsenal are the early season pace-setters.
Coupled with the fact Spurs haven't won at their arch-rivals home ground since 2010 and the Gunners' key trio of Gabriels - Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli are well rested, it should be just enough for Mikel Arteta's side to win this one.
Liverpool (H) - 1-1
This will be a good test on just how far Arteta's side have come but Liverpool, despite struggling so far this season, are a team for the big occasion, and both teams could cancel each other out.
Arsenal have been the early season pace-setters with six wins from seven games so far
Leeds (A) - 2-0
Southampton (A) - 2-1
Nottingham Forest (H) - 4-0
Chelsea (A) - 1-2
The only worry about Arsenal currently is the squad depth and this Chelsea game will be the 11th in five weeks which may be a step too far for the Gunners against a likely resurgent Blues team under Graham Potter.
Wolves (A) - 2-0
World Cup break state of play - Position: 2nd, Points: 34
Mikel Arteta has turned around the Gunners and developed an extremely impressive side
United (H) - 2-1
A hard-fought win against a resurgent and impressive Red Devils, but City's quality will show through, with Erling Haaland continuing his record-breaking start to the season.
Southampton (H) - 2-0
Liverpool (A) - 2-2
These two teams love to cancel each other out after throwing up two tantalizing draws in the league last season.
Despite City currently being eight points clear of their rivals, the Reds will relish this challenge.
Erling Haaland has been the standout player in the Premier League since his summer move
Brighton (H) - 1-0
Leicester (A) - 4-2
Fulham (H) - 3-1
Brentford (H) - 2-0
A win against Brentford to cap off an almost faultless period for City with six wins from seven. Pep Guardiola's side have been purring at times so far this season but the challenge will be ensuring Haaland stays fit.
The depth of quality throughout the side is remarkable, boosted by Aymeric Laporte closing in on his return from injury.
World Cup break state of play - Position: 1st, Points: 36
Guardiola's side have been superb at times so far this season but sit behind Arsenal
Arsenal (A) - 1-2
The North London derby always promises goals, but Spurs' tendency to concede chances may be punished at the Emirates, while Dejan Kulusevski is likely to be a big miss.
Brighton (A) - 1-1
Everton (H) - 2-0
Manchester United (A) - 1-2
A tough place to go, United's confidence is only likely to grow over the coming weeks as they continue to evolve and improve under Erik ten Hag.
Spurs also have a dreadful record at Old Trafford, winning just four of their 30 visits in the Premier League, although the sensational 6-1 win in 2020 lives long in the memory.
Newcastle (H) - 1-1
