With football coming to a solemn halt to mark the passing of a beloved monarch, and a week’s break for international fixtures, it seems like an age since Premier League tickets have been front of mind for any sports fan. But October is upon us, and the world’s best football competition is back in full swing.
With local bragging rights to secure and flagging seasons to revitalise, here are four matches you just can’t afford to miss this month.
North London Derby - The Emirates, October 1
Who would’ve predicted the North London Derby could have title implications? It’s still early in the season, but Arsenal top the Premier League table with still-undefeated Spurs a single point and two places behind them. So there’s more than bragging rights at stake here.
A victory for the Gunners will put them four points clear of their rivals - and open up the same gap over Manchester City who don’t play until the second. While a Spurs win will help them leapfrog their arch-rivals and claim top spot for 24 hours at least.
Games like this don’t need any extra excitement. But when the result of a local derby can leave either team top, the excitement will reach fever pitch. No wonder Arsenal tickets are in such high demand!
Manchester Derby - The Etihad, October 2
The very next day, and Manchester City tickets become the must have accessory for the weekend. Unbeaten in the league and a single point off the top, Champions City will be hoping that goalscoring phenom Erling Haaland can secure victory over their most hated of opponents.
Whereas in the red side of Manchester, United fans will hope a win here does more than just dent City’s aspirations. They’ll hope it can kick start their own. Five points behind the Citizens with a game in hand, the Red Devils could overcome a shaky start to mount their own title challenge. Three points here, and almost unbelievably, overtaking City becomes a very realistic aim…
Liverpool vs West Ham, Anfield, October 19
Liverpool were predicted to run Manchester City close for the title this season. After just six matches, they find themselves eight points behind the reigning champions. And for their opponents West Ham, things are even worse.
Predicted to challenge for a European spot, the Hammers find themselves two points shy of safety with just a single win on the board all season. While it’s too early for a loss here to either totally derail Liverpool’s title challenge or doom West Ham to relegation, it has to go in the books as a strongly recommended win for both teams.
Liverpool tickets at Anfield are always in demand, but a statement victory here against a struggling - yet still dangerous - side could be just what the doctor ordered to kick-start a flagging season.
Leicester City vs Leeds United, King Power Stadium, October 20
Many people had Leeds United’s Jesse Marsch right at the top of their personal managerial sack races this season, but it’s his Leicester counterpart Brendan Rodgers who finds himself staring at a potential P45 with just two months of the season gone.
It’s by no means a certainty that Rodgers will still be in a job come matchday 12, but a home loss against Leeds United would certainly seal his fate if he’s managed to cling on through the next few games.
Leicester are struggling at the bottom of the league, and despite a strong start Leeds have been beaten handily by Brentford and Brighton. Both teams will be looking at this game as an opportunity to get points on the board, but for one manager in particular it’s definitely a must win fixture. The added pressure should be an incentive for anyone looking for Leicester City tickets.
With a full programme of fixtures to enjoy this October, make sure you’ve got the best seats in the house by getting your Premier League tickets as soon as possible.
