Isak-less Liverpool look to hit stride, City 'back' to their best

Liverpool must halt their three-game English Premier League losing streak with Saturday's visit to Brentford to remain in touch with Arsenal and inform Manchester City.

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City's nine-game unbeaten run will be tested by trip to Aston Villa, while leaders Arsenal welcome Crystal Palace to the Emirates.

Manchester United are aiming to build on their long-awaited victory at Anfield last weekend but face a Brighton side that have grown used to winning at Old Trafford in recent seasons.

The loss of the Premier League's most expensive player in Alexander Isak to a groin injury could actually help Arne Slot stumble upon the right formula to turnaround Liverpool's fortunes.

The Sweden attacker's only goal since his £125 million ($167 million) move from Newcastle came against second tier Southampton in the League Cup as a lack of preseason conditioning has hampered his start to life at Anfield.

Isak was replaced at halftime during Wednesday's 5-1 Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt as the Reds ended a run of four consecutive defeats.

With Hugo Ekitike restored as the centre forward and Florian Wirtz able to operate in his preferred role behind the striker, Liverpool suddenly clicked into gear in the second half.