After taking a look at August-September, we move forwards and analyze the fixtures United’s October and November fixtures.
OCTOBER
October 14th – Liverpool (A)
October 17th-18th – Champions League
October 21st – Huddersfield Town (A)
October 28th – Tottenham (H)
October 31st/November 1st – Champions League
United comeback from the International break to face bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield. It could be a memorable trip for the fans as the club could well be top of the table. Mourinho will not lose such an important match. Considering last campaign’s defensive setup, Mourinho may do the same, regardless of league position, considering Liverpool’s attack. It promises to be a cracker.
United then have to tackle a Champions League fixture. The Red Devils will be breathing easy considering it is not Chelsea at the Bridge after the European fixture. The previous campaign saw a similar situation wherein United faced Liverpool, Fenerbache, and Chelsea inside a week. United were destroyed 4-0 by Chelsea.
Back in Premier League action, United take on new boys Huddersfield Town away. United should come away with a victory. Tottenham and Liverpool go toe to toe.
United could have to navigate the Carabao Cup Fourth Round next. Mourinho will in all likelihood play a ‘weakened side’ as United welcome Tottenham in the next match.
United head into the Tottenham game having at least 3 matches in a fortnight. It could be four if United progress into the Carabao Cup fourth round. Tottenham will also face the problems but that will not take any competitiveness away from this marquee clash. While predicting a result in this match is tough, a win should be expected given United play at home and have built up momentum over the past few weeks.
United again have to navigate through a Champions League with potential long distance travel ahead of the trip to the Bridge.
NOVEMBER
November 4th – Chelsea (A)
November 18th – Newcastle United (H)
November 22nd/23rd – Champions League
November 25th – Brighton and Hove Albion (H)
November 28th – Watford (A)
After facing none of the Top-6 in the first two months, United have to take on 3 of the top four in four matches spread out by Champions League and Carabao Cup matches. It could potentially be a make or break time for Mourinho and his side. Should United get upwards of 8 points in these four fixtures it will be a huge statement.
Chelsea will be another difficult fixture and Mourinho will happily take a point. Anything would be an improvement from last campaign’s 4-0 trashing. Mourinho will also be looking to set things right and make sure his side comes on top in a Chelsea-United fixture after winning just once in three matches. Manchester City take on Arsenal, giving United the opportunity to emerge big winners from the weekend.
The International Break again ends built up momentum and we return after a two week gap to face Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Another easy win on paper, Newcastle have the squad and the manager to trouble any team. Expect a close match with United coming out on top eventually. The North London Derby takes place this match day giving United the chance to pick up points at their rivals’ expense.
The Champions League beckons United again and they could potentially seal their place in the knockouts in this round.
United then face Brighton & Hove Albion in the League. Another easy win should be expected but it could potentially be a crunch clash given United are returning from Champions League exertions, that is if the fixture is away. Liverpool and Chelsea take on each other.
United end the Premier League month with a trip to the Hornets’ nest. United should win comfortably, with all due respect to Watford, considering the gap in talent.
United could also have the Carabao Cup Fifth Round somewhere towards the end of November.
The matches between the two International Breaks could potentially define the first half of the season. Even two defeats against title rivals could mean United have to play catch-up again. United will hope to have their noses in front but it is hard to predict given the unpredictable nature of the League and the magnitude of fixtures.