EPL preview: Man Utd seek revival against Leeds as City chase seventh straight win

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a major test when his side travel to Leeds on Sunday, while Manchester City will look to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season amid uncertainty surrounding their financial case.

United have endured their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years, increasing the pressure on Carrick ahead of a meeting with their historic rivals at Elland Road.

City, meanwhile, have won all six of their opening league matches and can extend their advantage at the top of the table when they host Ipswich on Saturday. However, the outcome of their ongoing legal battle over alleged financial rule breaches continues to cast a shadow over the club and the wider competition.

Brighton are also emerging as potential challengers for a place in the Champions League, with the Seagulls sitting just two points behind second-placed Arsenal before Sunday's derby against Crystal Palace.

Manchester United's difficult start to the season has been compounded by growing tensions within the club, following defender Lisandro Martinez's criticism of the hierarchy after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine questioned the club's investment in the squad and directed his comments towards technical director Jason Wilcox, following a summer transfer window in which United concentrated much of their business on signing three midfielders.

However, Martinez has also come under scrutiny for his role in goals conceded against Fulham and Tottenham in recent weeks.

United have managed only one victory from their first six league matches and have also been eliminated from the League Cup by Brighton.

Their visit to Leeds presents another difficult challenge for Carrick, who is under increasing pressure as the club continue to struggle to recover from the decline that has followed Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

Leeds have not beaten United at Elland Road since 2002, but they did secure the only home defeat of Carrick's interim spell in charge when the teams met in April last season.

Despite the pressure surrounding his position, Carrick believes Sunday's fixture offers his players an opportunity to respond to their disappointing results.

"What a great game (on) Sunday to prepare for. It's a fantastic game for us, for the club, for the history, for the supporters," said Carrick.

"Everything to do with the game is a great game so we'll be ready for that."

United will need a stronger performance if they are to improve their league position and ease the growing concerns surrounding their campaign.

Manchester City remain top of the Premier League after winning their first six matches, but their position could be affected by the outcome of a long-running case involving more than 100 charges of alleged breaches of league financial regulations.

The club deny wrongdoing and are seeking to overturn a guilty verdict. The appeal process is expected to continue for at least several more months before it concludes and any potential sanctions are announced.

The uncertainty has left the league facing questions about the implications of the case, despite City's impressive performances on the pitch.

Pep Guardiola's side put the issue aside last weekend to secure a 3-0 victory over Liverpool. They also produced a strong second-half response in their Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, although they eventually lost the match 4-2.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate believes the situation has wider consequences for the competition.

"My underlying thought is none of this is good for football and there are no winners," he said.

City can move six points clear at the top if they beat Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Their closest challengers, Arsenal, will not play until Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

Brighton could take advantage of difficulties among the established Premier League sides as they pursue a place in the Champions League.

The Seagulls are just two points behind second-placed Arsenal and will host Crystal Palace on Sunday in a fixture carrying additional significance because of the rivalry between the clubs.

Brighton have progressed through the English football divisions and established themselves in European competition, with owner Tony Bloom's use of data analytics playing a key role in their recruitment strategy.

The club have continued to compete despite regularly selling leading players to wealthier teams, using their recruitment of players and coaches to maintain their progress.

They have yet to feature in the Champions League, but their current position offers encouragement as they seek to reach a new level.

Brighton have already demonstrated their potential by beating Arsenal 3-0, which remains the Gunners' only defeat this season.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler wants his team to combine their quality with a more aggressive approach when they face Palace.

"We want to be ruthless. We want to create this energetic atmosphere where it makes it so hard to come to this place," said Hurzeler. "We have to keep building this together with our fans and not be the nice football club anymore."

Saturday's programme begins with Everton hosting Chelsea before Fulham face Hull and Brentford meet Liverpool. Manchester City take on Ipswich, while Newcastle play Aston Villa in the evening fixture.

Sunday features Brighton against Crystal Palace, Leeds versus Manchester United and Bournemouth's meeting with Sunderland. Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest later in the day.

The weekend concludes on Monday when Tottenham host Coventry.

With United searching for a response, City attempting to preserve their winning run and Brighton chasing a place among the leading sides, the fixtures could have significant implications for the developing Premier League standings.