The English Premier League finally returns this weekend after the long international break, bringing with it the usual excitement and anticipation that has become so synonymous with the English top flight.
As the EPL returns, here, Bet9ja look at six key things to look out for over the weekend’s fixtures:
Can Arsenal bounce back?
Arsenal were handed a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion in their last match before the international break, leaving the Gunners three points behind league leaders Manchester City.
As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to bounce back with a considerable improved performance and result when they take on Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, although a difficult clash is anticipated given Leeds’ strong start to the season.
Brighton’s brilliant start to continue?
As aforementioned, Brighton have enjoyed a stunning start to the season, sitting third in the English Premier League table with 10 points after three wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening five matches.
The Seagulls are now undefeated in their last four games since narrowly losing 4-3 to Chelsea, featuring wins against Manchester United and Arsenal, and Fabian Hurzeler will be keen for his team’s impressive run to continue when they take on Sunderland.
Chelsea must fix defensive woes
Chelsea have arguably been the most entertaining team in the English Premier League so far this season, scoring 10 and conceding 12 in their first five league fixtures.
Although the entertainment is superb for the fans, Xabi Alonso will be desperate to see Chelsea’s defensive woes come to an end, especially after conceding three goals in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break.
The Blues may fancy their chances of stopping their defensive leaks against Bournemouth, with the Cherries only scoring six goals in five league matches.
Faltering Man Utd must win
Manchester United have had an extremely slow start to the season, picking up only five points after one win, two draws and two defeats, while they also squandered a 2-0 lead against Brighton to lose 3-2 in the EFL Cup third round.
Now winless in their last three, with two defeats and one draw, Michael Carrick’s side must win when they take on Tottenham Hotspur, whose own struggles will be covered in the next paragraph.
Tottenham Hotspur continue search for first victory
Tottenham Hotspur are one of only three teams still searching for their first win of the English Premier League season, while Roberto De Zerbi’s side also find themselves bottom of the standings after five matchdays.
Spurs have drawn two and lost three of their opening five games, scoring only twice – both against Aston Villa on matchday five – and conceding eight, highlighting their struggles at both ends.
Eager to finally end their search for a win, De Zerbi and Spurs will be looking to capitalise on Man Utd’s slow start to the season.
Liverpool take on Man City in blockbuster fixture
Finally, the biggest game of the English Premier League’s return will see Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield, where a fiery and explosive clash is anticipated to unfold on Sunday afternoon.
The Citizens were found guilty of 114 charges by the English Premier League over the international break, and given Liverpool were one of the most effected by this during their time under Jurgen Klopp, an extremely hostile atmosphere is expected for the City players.
Man City, meanwhile, will be eager to avoid slipping up and continuing their flawless start to the season, having won all of their opening five league fixtures.
