The Premier League gets back to business this weekend after a short international break. Here are five things to watch for, whether you’re watching in your kit on the sofa or hanging with the lads at the pub.
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1. Chelsea’s continued revival tour?
Four players could return for Chelsea in Saturday’s London Derby. The Blues will be looking to Reece James in particular, who’s arguably been the league’s best right back the last couple of seasons when he’s healthy. Pochettino’s side is in good form, having won its last two matches. Even Mykhailo Mudryk got on the scoresheet, a confidence booster for the Ukrainian winger.
Having rejected Arsenal as part of Todd Boehly’s 25-player $1.15 billion spending spree last season, Mudryk desperately needs another goal to quell the criticism. But the same can be said about Kai Havertz, the former Blues forward who’s struggled to make a mark for Arteta’s side. Similarly, the Gunners want to prove their mettle as serious title contenders this season, especially after a 1-nil victory against Manchester City before the break.
Can Pochettino end his former PSG teammate, Arteta, and the Spaniard’s five-game win streak against the West London side?
When: Saturday, 12:30 PM EST, 5:30 PM BST
Where: Stamford Bridge
TV: NBC, Telemundo, Streaming on NBC Sports, Peacock
Predicted winner: 0-0 tie. A revived Chelsea will try to claw their way back to good form, taking advantage of a Saka-less Arsenal in need of a creative spark. One point each.
2. Manchester City looks to stem the losing
There’s a feeling across the league that Pep Guardiola’s side isn’t as strong as last season. The Sky Blues have lost their last two Premier League matches while Ballon d’Or candidate Erling Harland’s is on an uncanny 2-game goalless drought. But Guardiola is the king of making adjustments.
The good news for the Norwegian striker is that he should get plenty of chances. Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side loves to push forward and lure in the press, leaving gaps in the back on the quick counter. The return of Rodri and Pep’s familiar possession-based style could haunt the Italian boss, who has a style all his own. Should Brighton pull off the upset and Brighton jump above City in the table, Real Madrid might want to make De Zerbi Ancelotti’s replacement that much sooner.
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM EST, 3:00 PM BST
Where: Etihad Stadium
TV: Universe, USA Network, Streaming on NBC Sports
Predicted winner: 2-1. A hungry Haaland scores a brace, and Pep puts in a comprehensive masterclass to shut down De Zerbi’s tactics, bringing the hotshot Italian back to Earth. City’s home streak of 21 consecutive wins continues.
3. Liverpool fends off broken Everton in Merseyside Derby
“The derby is a special game,” Jurgen Klopp said ahead of the Reds clash with Everton. Klopp’s men are back with a vengeance this season, but first, Darwin Nunez has to get back on the scoresheet. After a hot start to the campaign scoring four and assisting three, the Uruguayan is goalless in his last three starts.
Should Nunez draw blank, look no further than Mo Salah. The Egyptian King has notched 5 goals and one assist in 9 games against the Toffees. However, Sean Dyche’s side also has plenty of weapons, most notably Calvert-Lewin, who’s scored three goals in his last four games. Liverpool’s dependable left-back Andy Robertson is also out, which should concern Liverpool fans.
When: Saturday, 7:30 AM EST, 12:30 PM BST
Where: Anfield
TV: Universo, USA Network, Streaming on NBC Sports
Predicted winner: 2-1 Liverpool. The Anfield Fortress will be rocking and Klopp’s men will turn on the gas as needed. Merseyside is red.
4. Can Newcastle put Tonali’s illicit behavior behind them?
Newcastle takes on Crystal Palace this Saturday for what will likely be Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali’s last game of the season. That’s because the 23-year-old got caught for illegal betting along with Azzurri teammate Nicolo Zaniolo. It’s no wonder AC Milan sold their star man to the Magpies over the summer, sniffing out the youngster’s bad habits. That being said, Eddie Howe’s side is in good form, having defeated City in the EFL Cup and manhandling PSG in the Champions League. Hodgson’s Crystal Palace sits right behind the Magpies in the Premier League table in 9th place. The last three matches between these two sides resulted in a goalless draw.
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM EST, 3:00 PM BST
Where: St James Park
TV: Streaming on Peacock
Predicted winner: 3-1 Newcastle. Howe’s men finally end the goalless draws between the two sides. With Tonali’s betting scandal behind them, the Magpies return to good form just in time for their Champions League match against BVB next Wednesday.
5. All the Kompany’s men look to make another statement
Only three points separate bottom table feeders Burnley and Brentford. Burnley head coach Vincent Kompany achieved his first EPL victory for the club earlier this month against Luton Town. Meanwhile, Brentford continues their drop down the table, made worse by multiple injuries and betting allegations against prolific forward Ivan Toney. He’s also serving an 8-month band, which is most likely the penalty Newcastle Tonali will face.
When: Saturday, 10:00 AM EST, 3:00 PM BST
Where: Tech Community Stadium
TV: Streaming on Peacock
Predicted winner: The Clarets won’t the sting out of the Bees. 1-1 tie. The clubs split the points as Brentford drips down the table and Burnley tries to avoid the relegation zone. Can Kompany get his team back to the basics that got them promoted?
Photo: Instagram/mmudryk10, Erring Harland, sandrotonali
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