Paul Merson, writing his latest column for Sky Sports, argues that despite the early stage of the campaign, three of the Premier League's biggest clubs – Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Manchester United – all have matches this weekend that could define the direction of their seasons. Tottenham have yet to register a win or even find the back of the net after three league fixtures.
Their next challenge is an away clash against an unbeaten Everton side on Saturday night, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of the "Saturday Night Football" package. Merson likens the encounter to a cup final for the Spurs, saying that a victory could provide the momentum needed to turn a bleak start into something more promising, while a defeat would likely deepen concerns among the North London faithful. He points out that if Tottenham manage to beat Everton they will move to four points from two games without a loss, creating a platform from which they can aim to take on Aston Villa at home the following week.
Conversely, a loss would leave them with a solitary point from four matches, a scenario that would reignite fears of another grinding season. Merson also reflects on the significance of the fixture in the context of last season’s dramatic finale, when a loss to Everton at the end of the campaign effectively consigned Spurs to a relegation battle. He stresses that, although the stakes are not quite as dire this time around, the psychological impact of a win or loss will be magnified.
The early schedule – Brentford away, Newcastle at home and Nottingham Forest away – has already tested the squad, and the Everton game represents a pivotal moment. A positive result could spark a "snowball" effect, boosting confidence and allowing the team to build on successive victories. A negative outcome, however, could see the confidence erode and the club slip further behind its rivals. On Sunday, the Manchester derby will take place, pitting a struggling United side under Michael Carrick against a Manchester City team that is confronting its first major test since Pep Guardiola’s departure.
Merson describes the derby as another make-or-break encounter for United. He argues that a win would lift United’s spirits and put them on a flight path, while a loss would send them back to square one, especially given that they have already struggled to secure points against Everton. The columnist is blunt about United’s transfer business, stating that he does not believe the club has invested wisely and that the current squad lacks the depth required to compete at the highest level.
He criticises the defensive frailties that were exposed in a recent game against Everton, where United conceded two goals – one from a relatively close range – and suggests that the team often appears to be “behind the ball.” Merson advises that when a side is in a winning position, it should add an extra attacker rather than retreating to a more defensive formation. He warns that United’s tendency to invite pressure by pulling a forward back for a defender only gives opponents more opportunities, a mistake he deems unacceptable for a club of United’s stature. Merson also notes that United’s recent draws have been damaging, reinforcing his earlier decision not to include them in his pre‑season top‑five predictions.
He remains unconvinced that the team has improved since those early forecasts, and he stresses that drawing games can be as harmful as losing them, especially when rivals are piling up points. Turning to Manchester City, Merson admits that the team has not always looked spectacular, yet he recognises that consistent victories can mask underlying issues. He highlights Erling Haaland’s goal‑scoring form and the clean sheet kept against Coventry as positive signs.
However, he cautions that a string of wins that hide cracks in the side could become a cause for concern for their opponents. Looking ahead, City faces a series of high‑profile fixtures, including matches against United and Liverpool, which Merson describes as the true tests for Erik ten Hag’s side under the new leadership of Enzo Maresca.
He argues that if City can secure victories in those games – as well as in the upcoming Sunderland clash – they will remain firmly in contention for the title as the season progresses. Failure to pick up at least two points from the United and Liverpool games could open the door for Arsenal to pull ahead and potentially clinch the championship, with Chelsea likely to settle for a third‑place finish. In summary, Merson’s column underscores the importance of the weekend’s fixtures for three of England’s most storied clubs.
For Tottenham, the Everton match is a potential turning point that could either ignite a revival or deepen a slump. For Manchester United, the derby represents a chance to prove they can compete with the city’s elite, while a loss would reinforce doubts about their squad depth and tactical approach. For Manchester City, the upcoming challenges will test whether their early-season form can be sustained under new management and whether they can maintain their position at the top of the league hierarchy.
The outcomes of these games will likely shape the narrative for each club’s season, influencing confidence, momentum and the broader title race as the Premier League unfolds.