Trio of televised away trips for title-chasing Liverpool in September

It's been a far from quiet opening month to the 2018-19 Premier League season. 

The Manchester clubs' managers once again find themselves the centre of attention. Friction has intensified between Pep Guardiola, star of Amazon's wildly popular fly-on-the-wall-style documentary All or Nothing: Manchester City, and Jose Mourinho, who is at public loggerheads with most of Manchester United's boardroom and changing room, after the Red Devils suffered a 3-2 reverse against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on match day two of the season.

The result leaves United three points adrift of City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Watford, Tottenham and Bournemouth – all of whom have taken maximum points from the opening two games of the season, with seventh-placed Everton also unbeaten after their early season fixtures. 

Propping up the table, Huddersfield, West Ham, Fulham and Unai Emery's Arsenal also have 100% records so far this season. Without a point on the board after two games, all four will be looking for an upturn in fortunes in September to kick start stalling seasons. 

Cardiff City host two of last season’s European qualifiers

Sunday 2 September, Cardiff v Arsenal, 1.30pm – Sky Sports

Sunday 30 September, Cardiff v Burnley, 4pm – Sky Sports

Cardiff City have endured a tricky return to the Premier League after sealing the runners-up spot in the Championship last season. After spending roughly £30m on four players from the Championship and signing two players on loan, Neil Warnock's side are many people's pick for relegation, with an opening day defeat at Bournemouth and a goalless draw against Newcastle – including a penalty save from Bluebirds' goalkeeper Neil Etheridge – doing little to convince doubters so far. 

However, with the vast majority of the season remaining, hopes are high that Wales' sole Premier League representative can secure top flight survival.

SA Brain operations manager Mark Robinson said: “I am sure that you can appreciate that we are exceptionally excited about the potential opportunities ahead.

“As a city, we have been blessed with a very prosperous last few sporting months. The Blues winning the Rugby European Challenge Cup, the Devils conquering the Elite Ice Hockey League and play offs, Geraint Thomas being victorious in France and City getting promoted to the Premier League. If the atmosphere around the pubs is half as good as the final league game of last season then we are in for a long party ahead.

“Plans have already been made to ensure that City fans and visiting supporters get the warmest welcome from Wales’s capital city. Ticket sales have been buoyant and accommodation in the surrounding area is being snapped up quickly. We have a handful of pubs within a long throw of the ground and the city centre will, as always, be ready to welcome home and away fans.

“The optimism for the future is lot more prosperous than the last time City were promoted. There was an element of pessimism last time around, certain decisions made that didn’t have all the fans on board (red shirts).

“However, there is a real buzz about the future. We are fortunate enough to have some great fixtures before the end of September with Newcastle United, Arsenal and Man City all visiting the capital. The added benefit of some televised games also.

“Fingers crossed that City can gain a result or three and continue the dream!”

Liverpool look to keep title challenge on track through three tough away fixtures

Saturday 1 September, Leicester v Liverpool, 12.30pm – Sky Sports

Saturday 15 September, Spurs v Liverpool, 12.30pm – Sky Sports

Saturday 29 September, Chelsea v Liverpool, 5.30pm – BT Sport

After a £175m summer spending spree, a scintillating 4-0 win against West Ham at Anfield and a hard-fought 2-0 win at Selhurst Park to kick off the 2018-19 season, expectations are sky high in the red half of Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp tipped by many to deliver the Premier League title in his third season on Merseyside.

Kate Stewart, owner of the Sandon pub, less than half a mile from Anfield, estimates that more than 5,000 fans buy pints from her pub on match days with maximum points on the board for Jurgen Klopp’s side meaning more cash in the pub’s coffers.

“Liverpool’s wins are so important to us at the Sandon. Our trading usually doubles [when Liverpool win] because the fans are in great spirits and love to continue their day at the Sandon rather than going home, like they usually do after a loss.”

While Liverpool find themselves on the road a lot in September – with three televised fixtures against Leicester, Tottenham and Chelsea – Stewart anticipates that it’ll still be a busy month at her pub as fans flock to follow Liverpool’s title charge.

“The Sandon expects to welcome big crowds as it's renowned for being the place to watch the match on both at home and away days and so all fans who aren’t travelling will certainly join us. We expect many fans to descend on the Sandon as usual for its unique atmosphere and much-loved hospitality.”