Defending Premier League champions Manchester City take on Liverpool this October

October could prove to be a pivotal month at both ends of the Premier League table.

Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City and Newcastle United go into the third month of the season winless after seven games and in desperate need of three points to avoid being cut further adrift at the foot of the Premier League table.

At the other end, defending champions Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea all remain unbeaten after their August and September fixtures, with Manchester City ahead of Liverpool – who they play on 7 October – on goal difference alone.

Another big question to be answered in October is the future of Manchester United and manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese has waged war on both Old Trafford's board room and changing room since the summer with conflicts now appearing to come to a head following back-to-back defeats to EFL Championship side Derby in the Carabao Cup and West Ham to round off their September schedule. Sitting in 10th place, behind Bournemouth on goal difference, is the writing on the wall for the Special One – again – or can he lift the gloom and force a reaction from Pogba and co? 

Liverpool host defending champions

Sunday 7, Liverpool v Manchester City, 4.30pm – Sky Sports

Two of the Premier League's three unbeaten sides clash at Anfield to round off the first week of October when many people's title favourites Liverpool take on defending champions Manchester City.

With both sides finishing September level on 19 points and both having conceded just three goals in their opening seven games, the 21 goals City have scored versus Liverpool's 15 is all that separates the two sides ahead of what's poised to be an enthralling clash – with City looking to avenge their Champions League semi-final defeat to Jurgen Klopp's side last season.

Kate Stewart, owner of the Sandon pub – located around half a mile from Liverpool’s Anfield football ground – said: “As always, any highly anticipated fixtures attract a large crowd to the Sandon and we expect that the Liverpool v Manchester City fixture will be no different.

“Liverpool fans are extremely passionate and so we often see hundreds of faces for every game, but, of course, when Liverpool are facing some of the best teams in the league, those games are likely to attract a wider audience.

“The Sandon is always prepared to accommodate hundreds of fans and so will treat this match as we would for any big fixture.”

Jade Pinkney, general manager of The Directors Box in Manchester added: “Being a Manchester-based business, we are always expectedly busy for any Manchester teams' home and away games but we also have a huge Liverpool fans following here at the Directors Box so we are expecting to be fully booked up to the week before as always we are with any high-profile fixtures.

“Throw in the fact its Super Sunday with three Premier League fixtures and a Scottish Premier League fixture, I know it will have an increased effect on how many bookings we will receive from regulars and new customers who are still learning about us via social media or just popping in and enjoying the calmer sports atmosphere we create.

“Super Sundays are always the best in the calendar for our bar besides any Manchester team fixtures on a Saturday as they offer a more fulfilled chaotic day of trading rather then just a few busy hours.”

Propping up the league table and taproom bar

Saturday 20, Huddersfield Town v Liverpool, 5.30pm – BT Sport

Huddersfield Town's 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham, courtesy of a brace from Harry Kane, saw the England captain surpass Jermain Defoe's goals tally for Spurs while consigning Huddersfield to a winless opening seven games of a league season for the first time in their history.

While David Wagner's side has struggled to replicate the early form they showed upon their return to the top flight last season, their extended stay in the Premier League has helped boost footfall to Magic Rock Brewery's Huddersfield taproom despite Town propping up the league table.

Richard Burhouse, managing director of Magic Rock Brewing – which has launched two beers in tribute to the Terriers – commented: “It’s been a tough start to the season so far but we always knew it would be.

"With regard to our involvement with the town, we’ve never been busier with home and away fans filling the taproom to capacity on match days.

“Sales of the two beers we make in partnership with Huddersfield Town – Hat Trick Modern Bitter and Promised Land German Lager – continue to be really strong at Magic Rock Tap and PPG Canalside particularly on match days.

“We’ve reworked Hat Trick slightly to make the beer easier drinking and the signs are it’s been a great success. Now we just need the football team to start winning.”