The Premier League returns from the International break tomorrow, and there are several mouth-watering fixtures for football fans to look forward to. Here are some of the best games to look forward to from week 5 beginning with Liverpool’s trip to Wembley.
Sat 12:30 KO Tottenham Vs Liverpool
After claiming a 3-0 win away at Old Trafford, Spurs were brought down to earth with a bang when Watford came from a goal down to earn a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road. But at home Mauricio Pochettino’s side is a different proposition having won eight of their last nine Premier League games at Wembley, with a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City last April their only blemish.
Key Player: Lucas Moura picked up the Premier League’s Player of the Month award after his scintillating start to the season, and alongside Harry Kane will offer Liverpool their biggest test to date.
Jürgen Klopp’s men are flying high at the top of the league with a 100% record. The preseason hype following their summer recruitment has escalated into a robust confidence that they can win the title for the first time in 28 years. A win at Wembley will only further underline their credentials as a serious title contender at this early juncture. Alisson Becker will be hoping to bounce-back after his embarrassing error last time out, even if it didn’t prove decisive.
Key Player: Sadio Mané is the division’s joint top goal scorer alongside Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic on four goals. With Salah attracting more attention, Mané is getting more space and making teams pay.
Sat 17:30 KO Watford Vs Man Utd
Watford were one of the teams that didn’t need an International break having maintained their 100% record alongside Liverpool and Chelsea. Spurs had not lost a league game in which they had led in 48 games until they faced Javi Gracia’s men. Roberto Pereyra has been one of the best performers so far in the Premier League, but he isn’t alone. José Holebas has also been sensational with four assists and Troy Deeney has led from the front after rejecting a move to Cardiff.
Key Player: Roberto Pereyra managed just five goals in 32 appearances last year, but has hit the ground running this season with three goals in as many games. On current form, and against United’s shaky defence, there is no reason not to expect his crocodile celebration this weekend.
In contrast, Manchester United and their manager José Mourinho will have been grateful for the international break. All players should be back up to full fitness, although Luke Shaw maybe missing following his concussion in England’s Euro Nations League defeat against Spain. Last year United completed the double against Watford: their 4-2 win at Vicarage Road was one of their best displays, and their 1-0 win at Old Trafford was the last time Watford lost a Premier League game.
Key Player: Romelu Lukaku has missed a glut of chance so far, but has also bagged three goals. He returned from the World Cup looking slightly jaded and it proved costly for the Red Devils. If United are to be successful, their big man needs to deliver.
Sun 16:00 KO Everton Vs West Ham
The Toffees host the Hammers who are without a point at the foot of the table. Although Marco Silva’s men have started the season undefeated, Everton have won just one game despite leading in three of their four matches. Their record summer signing Richarlison is fresh off a debut-double for Brazil but remains suspended following his red card against Bournemouth, and Seamus Coleman, Idrissa Gueye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are expected to miss out through injury.
Key Player: Theo Walcott has scored six goals against West Ham, which is his best return against any team in the Premier League. With two goals and an assist in four games, the 29-year-old has started the campaign in fine form.
Whilst West Ham have failed to register a point so far, they have faced the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal in their opening fixtures. The last time the Hammers lost their first four games (2010/11) they were relegated, and now look to avoid making it five which would represent the worst start in their history. The burden to score goals has fallen squarely on Marko Arnautović’s shoulders, who has scored both of Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s goals.
Key Player: Marko Arnautović needs some help if West Ham are to get their first points of the season. But ultimately it will be how well he leads the line that will determine how well they can compete. The Austrian’s languid style of play is often criticised, but he is the player Hammers’ fans will want the chances to fall to.
