Four matchdays have flown past us in the Premier League, and we’re starting to get a sense of the unpredictability the 2020/21 campaign is guaranteed to bring.
Defending champions, Liverpool, were massacred at Aston Villa, suffering a jaw-dropping 7-2 defeat. The Reds looked to be in fine shape leading up to the seemingly straightforward fixture at Villa Park, but the hosts had other ideas.
Liverpool’s arch-rivals, Manchester United, too, were utterly humiliated at home by Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur. The visitors ran the hosts ragged and walked home with an enormous 6-1 win.
This weekend, we, once again have some exciting Premier League encounters — some impressive teams going toe-to-toe with one another. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some key elements to look out for ahead of the weekend extravaganza.
#3 Can Manchester United return to winning ways?
Having failed to secure Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United fans aren’t particularly hopeful of a stellar campaign under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
On paper, Manchester United have a pretty decent squad and are expected to run for a top-four finish. Yet, on the pitch, nothing seems to be on song.
Newcastle United, who are currently occupying the sixth place in the Premier League table, have managed two wins and a draw from their first four Premier League matches, losing only to Brighton.
Considering Manchester United’s current form and new signing Edinson Cavani’s unavailability, Newcastle won’t be afraid to take a swing at the big boys.
Can Solskjaer find a cure in time? The Saturday night kick-off will answer all the questions.
#2 Manchester City’s desperation for improvement
Last season, Manchester City were left undone by an insanely efficient Liverpool side. This season, the Blues are expected to do a little better, capitalize when Liverpool slip up and try to bring the trophy back to the Etihad.
However, for reasons unknown, City find themselves in an awkward position ahead of Saturday’s clash against Arsenal.
In three Premier League matches, City have only managed one win — their opener at Wolverhampton. The next two matches ended in a defeat and a draw.
The 2-5 home defeat to Leicester City was particularly embarrassing, as the hosts were found in sixes and sevens all over the pitch.
Against Arsenal, Manchester City would look to bury the recent disappointments and put three points on the board. A draw won’t be good enough.
#1 Liverpool would look to bag the bragging rights in Merseyside derby
Before the international break, Liverpool were subjected to one of the most bizarre results in the club’s history. The 7-2 defeat against a clearly inferior side sent a strong warning, and it’d be interesting to see how Liverpool respond.
Everton’s spotless start to the Premier League campaign could make Liverpool wary, but it’d be foolish to write Liverpool off for this one. Jurgen Klopp should see the setback only as a wake-up call and look to put their best foot forward at Goodison Park.
The last three matches at the Park have ended goalless. This time, given the determination and the sky-high stakes, we expect the two Merseysiders to put on a show for the onlookers.
Also Read: Everton have form but Liverpool have the psychological edge ahead of the Merseyside derby