Liverpool, England – Liverpool and Arsenal most likely would have expected better starts to their respective Premier League seasons.
The Gunners have yet to score a goal through their first games as Arsene Wenger's men have been held to consecutive scoreless draws by Sunderland and Stoke City.
That inefficiency in front of goal will place added pressure on the forward line to produce the goods for Arsenal's trip to Anfield on Sunday, but new signing Olivier Giroud is more than happy to play under that level of scrutiny.
"I think you need a little pressure," Giroud told Arsenal's official website. "There can be good pressure and there can be inhibitive, bad pressure that prevents you from expressing yourself on the field.
"I am ambitious but everywhere I go I need a little adjustment time before I am completely integrated. That is what's happening right now at Arsenal. I'm discovering a great atmosphere and a great club so I'm very happy."
Liverpool, meanwhile, was humiliated in a 3-0 loss at West Bromwich to open the season. The Reds looked well on their way to a tremendous home win against Manchester City last time out, but a horrendous backpass from Martin Skrtel in the second half gifted the Citizens a 2-2 draw.
The Merseyside club was dealt a major blow this week when it was revealed that midfielder Lucas would miss 2-3 months with a thigh injury.
But manager Brendan Rodgers was able to secure reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline, landing Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan deal. The Turkish international is expected to be involved in Sunday's tilt with Arsenal.
"We'll assess the player over the next few days and I'm sure he'll be involved in the squad at the weekend," Rodgers said.
Title-contender Manchester United also returns to action on Sunday. The Red Devils head to St. Mary's on the back of their narrow defeat of Fulham last weekend to take on Southampton.
Newcastle rounds out Sunday's action as the Magpies look to bounce back from a 2-0 loss at Chelsea when they welcome struggling Aston Villa to SportsDirect Arena.
On Saturday, Manchester City hosts QPR at the Etihad in a rematch of the final match of the 2011-12 season.
Swansea City, arguably the most impressive side in the English Premier League thus far, returns to the Liberty Stadium for a meeting with Sunderland.
Rounding out Saturday's action, West Ham welcomes Fulham to Upton Park, Tottenham hosts Norwich City at White Hart Lane, West Bromwich takes on Everton at the Hawthorns, and Stoke City heads to the DW Stadium for its match with Wigan.
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