Premier League storylines to watch out for: Gameweek 15
By Tom Gott
The Premier League is back this weekend with the 15th round of fixtures of the 2022/23 campaign.
Chelsea's meeting with Arsenal and Liverpool's trip to Tottenham are the obvious standouts in a fixture list which promises to have massive implications at both ends of the field.
Here are ten things to look out for in gameweek 15.
1. Leeds' true test
Beating Liverpool was a sensational result for Leeds, who ended a run of eight games without a win in emphatic fashion at Anfield.
The problem for Jesse Marsch, however, is that victories over the bigger sides mean nothing if you can't chalk up points against the teams closest to you in the table.
14th-placed Bournemouth are one spot and one point ahead of Leeds, who have played one game fewer, and these are the games Marsch's men need to win if they are to keep out of trouble.
2. FPL managers sweating on Haaland
With the third-worst defence in the division this season, Fulham are exactly the sort of opposition that you'd back Erling Haaland to score three or four against.
Fantasy Premier League players will be desperate to get the Man City star back, not least because his is an expensive spot which could go to another striker.
Julian Alvarez is in fine form without Haaland but including him is a risk if the latter is just going to come back and bench him.
3. Basement boys need a big win
Nottingham Forest aren't going to sack Steve Cooper, but he really needs to start putting together some results soon - or at least some encouraging performances.
Getting thumped 5-0 by Arsenal was a stark reminder of just how much of a shock their victory over Liverpool was, with trainspotting sensation Jesse Lingard the latest in a long line of players to face criticism for his performances.
They're up against a tricky Brentford side who, despite some excellent moments this season, are well and truly there for the taking if Forest can play their cards right.
4. Have Brighton turned a goalscoring corner?
As they so regularly do, Chelsea proved to be an excellent charity as they handed Brighton the emphatic performance they needed to prove they can still score goals freely.
The Seagulls are up against a Wolves side who are just desperate for a similar performance as they continue to search for their seventh goal of the campaign.
Wolves will have to do so without Diego Costa, who lived up to the billing with a red card last time out that leaves interim manager Steve Davis with a real issue to solve in attack.
5. Leicester to restart their resurgence
A run of three games without defeat was unashamedly ended by Manchester City last time out but Leicester will look to get things back on track when they travel to face Everton.
Off the bottom of the league and heading in the right direction with three clean sheets in their last four, spirits are high at Leicester and there will be a handful of players who are particularly inspired as the World Cup creeps into view.
As for Everton, they're a little wobbly after three successive defeats proved to be a reality check, but Frank Lampard's side will be eyeing a big victory here.
6. Aubameyang's Arsenal reunion
"Arsenal, nothing personal. I'm back. I'm Blue. I'm ready."
That was the message from Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in BT Sport's build-up to the game as he prepares to host his former employers at Stamford Bridge.
It'll likely be ringing around the dressing room as Mikel Arteta, who Aubameyang accused of being unable to deal with big characters such as himself, strives to get one over on his former troublemaker.
7. Will Ten Hag get his options back?
Aston Villa haven't beaten Man Utd at home since 1995 but are preparing to face a Red Devils side whose attacking spark is threatening to be extinguished by injuries.
Erik ten Hag was without Antony, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial in midweek, prompting the Dutchman to admit he needs more options in attack.
Harry Maguire played as a striker after he came off the bench, while Donny van de Beek even got an hour of action as well. If Ten Hag has to resort to similar tactics here, Villa might just be in with a chance.
8. Newcastle make the long trip worth it
For many years, it hasn't always been worth trapsing the entire length of the country for Newcastle fans to see their team in action against Southampton.
These days, however, something feels different.
The Geordies are absolutely flying and will be confident of putting three or four goals past a Southampton side who have been out on their feet for a while now and could be one defeat away from starting the search for a new manager.
9. All eyes on Olise
Patrick Vieira has challenged Michael Olise to start scoring more goals.
Arsene Wenger has challenged Michael Olise to start scoring more goals.
There will be a big spotlight on the young Frenchman as his Crystal Palace side host West Ham, but can he live up to the billing?
10. Will Liverpool 'save their season'?
Liverpool's push for the top four is slowly slipping away and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold recently confessed that they would likely need to beat Tottenham on Sunday to save their season.
It's the battle of two teams who can be both world-beaters and laughing stocks in the same week.
Liverpool really need a win but this unsteady Tottenham team won't give them any favours and may see this as the chance to inflict more misery on a wounded rival.