rewrite this title Premier League: Five key questions ahead of the return to action this weekend

The Premier League returns this weekend following the latest international break, and while England’s place at the World Cup next summer has been confirmed, how the domestic top-flight table will look by then is anything but.

From the foot of the table to the summit, there are plenty of intriguing questions that will be answered over the course of Saturday, Sunday and Monday – and there will undoubtedly be many more posed.

Here are five key questions going into this weekend’s action.

Can Liverpool bring an end to their dismal run of results?

For the first time in his managerial career, Arne Slot is having to navigate losing three matches in a row. In the space of seven days before the international break, the champions were beaten by Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea. In two of those games, the winning goal came with virtually the last kick of the game.

It would perhaps be hyperbole to call the situation at Liverpool right now a crisis, but Slot’s side need to soon get back to winning ways if they are to stand any chance of defending their crown. On Sunday they host fierce rivals Manchester United: a contest between clubs who share the highest number of top-flight triumphs.

United are far from the force of old but, buoyed by a 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford last time out, will likely make the Reds sweat more than a little for a win.

Is it make or break for Ange Postecoglou?

Nuno Espirito Santo became the first manager to lave their position this season when he departed Nottingham Forest in early September.

The Portuguese coach is already back managing in the top flight, replacing Graham Potter at West Ham, and it now seems possible that his successor at Forest is next on the chopping block.

Despite being just seven games into his reign, Ange Postecoglou is yet to experience a victory, giving the visit of Chelsea to the City Ground in the early kick-off on Saturday the feeling of a make or break game for the Australian.

Will Erling Haaland’s hot streak continue?

On a personal note, this season is already shaping up to be a memorable one in the career of the Manchester City striker. Not only is he on the brink of qualifying for the World Cup finals with Norway, Haaland has also found the net a remarkable 22 goals in 12 games for club and country so far this term.

City host Everton on Saturday with Haaland hoping to extend his goalscoring run to 11 consecutive matches. The Toffees, meanwhile, will be looking to become only the second Premier League club this campaign, after Tottenham, to keep the forward at bay.

Can Arsenal hold on to top spot?

The Gunners headed into the international break top of the pile. But the question remains for Mikel Arteta and his players: can they stay there?

This weekend they will be hoping to do just that when they make the short trip to city rivals Fulham. The Cottagers have endured a difficult time of late, having lost their last two top-flight fixtures, and so boss Marco Silva will be looking for a resurgent return from his team.

Will Wolves pick up their first win of the season?

Just one side are yet to win a Premier League match this season: Wolves. As a result, Vitor Pereira’s team sit anchored to the bottom of the table, two points behind 19th placed West Ham.

But recent signs have been promising. Their two points have come in their last two games, picking up draws against Tottenham and Brighton.

On Saturday, the midlanders begin the first of two potentially season-defining games when they travel to Sunderland before hosting Burnley, another of the newly promoted sides, the following week.