The Premier League title race is heating up this weekend with two huge matches. 

Unbeaten league leaders Liverpool travel to take on the equally resilient Crystal Palace, who have not lost in 17 matches, while second-place Arsenal must overcome their recent struggles at Newcastle United to stay within five points of the top. 

Both teams face injury concerns, including a long-term ACL tear for Liverpool’s new signing Giovanni Leoni. 

The outcome of these games will greatly impact the top of the table, as other clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea fight to catch up.

Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, has enjoyed a flawless start to the season with five wins from five matches in the league. 

Their perfect streak faces a massive challenge from Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace, who have not been defeated in 17 consecutive matches dating back to last season—a club record. 

The stakes are already high, considering Palace beat Liverpool in a penalty shootout during the Community Shield in August.

Liverpool’s challenge is made worse by a defensive injury crisis. 

Young summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered a severe ACL tear in his debut game against Southampton, ruling him out for up to a year. 

Slot currently relies on only three fit senior center-backs: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez.

This match is packed with individual battles, including Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, who recently scored his first goal for the club, facing off against Palace’s star defender Marc Guehi. 

While Liverpool dominates the historical head-to-head record (37 wins in 67 meetings), Palace’s defensive strength, which included a 1-1 draw at Anfield last season, promises a close and difficult contest for the league leaders.

Arsenal, who finished runners-up in the league last three seasons, must win their away match against Newcastle United to stay close to Liverpool. 

Manager Mikel Arteta’s side currently sits five points behind the leaders but boasts a strong defense, conceding only two goals in five games. 

A win at St. James’ Park is crucial, but history is not on their side; Arsenal has lost their last three visits to the hostile venue, including a League Cup semifinal.

Newcastle, who have had a slow start and sit in 13th place with six points, will be highly motivated. 

Manager Eddie Howe noted the competitive nature of their matches against Arsenal and stressed that a high-intensity game is what his team needs. 

Both teams are dealing with injuries.

Arsenal are missing key attackers like Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke.

Newcastle are without Jacob Ramsey and Fabian Schar, though Anthony Gordon is available.

Despite being favorites, Arsenal will need to break through a resilient Newcastle defense that has recorded four clean sheets this season. 

Pundits suggest Arsenal’s attacker Viktor Gyokeres, with three goals and assists so far, could be the key player to unlock the home defense.

Elsewhere in the Premier League:

Manchester United travels to Brentford as new manager Ruben Amorim desperately seeks consecutive league victories for the first time since November 2024. 

United needs a win to ease the pressure on Amorim after their recent derby loss to Manchester City.

Chelsea, dealing with a groin injury to star player Cole Palmer (out until after the October international break), hosts Brighton. 

Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the injury break, saying the club decided to “rest him for the next two or three weeks” for a full recovery.

Manchester City faces Burnley, Tottenham plays Wolves, and Aston Villa meets Fulham, all looking to capitalize on any slips by the top two.

These matches underscore the high level of competition and unpredictability in the Premier League, where a single moment can shift the entire title race. 

The pressure is on the unbeaten teams to prove their dominance and on the chasing pack to close the gap.