Andrew Wilsher
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After a break for international games, the English Premier League returns this weekend for another round of pulsating drama. Some of the biggest shocks in club soccer history took place a couple of weeks ago and it will be interesting to see how those teams respond. Reigning champions Liverpool were blown out 7-2 by Aston Villa, who are yet to be beaten this season, while Tottenham Hotspur humiliated 20-time league champions Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford.
This week’s games look just as exciting, so let’s take a look at some of the standouts.
Everton vs. Liverpool (Saturday, 7.30 a.m ET)
This will require an early morning wake-up call for those living on the East Coast (and even earlier on the West Coast) but it will be worth it.
It’s the Merseyside derby and Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back from their huge loss when they take on neighbours Everton. Known as the Toffees, Everton are currently top of the Premier League after winning all of their first four games, and have looked red-hot in attack. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has burst onto the scene and already has six goals to his name. That could spell trouble for Liverpool, who have now conceded the second-most goals in the league.
However, they themselves have had little trouble finding the net and have scored at least twice in each of their four games.
Although there will be no fans in attendance, this one has all the makings of a shootout and you can bet it will be another memorable addition to Liverpool and Everton’s historic rivalry. You can find out how we think that game’s going to go.
Aston Villa 7-2 Liverpool.
𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡. 🟣 pic.twitter.com/OHn2BN7L4F
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 5, 2020
Manchester City vs. Arsenal (Saturday, 12.30 p.m ET)
Manchester City has been a powerhouse in the Premier League for about a decade now, and after a lackluster start, they will be desperate to make a statement here. The Citizens were thrashed 5-2 by 2015-16 league winners Leicester in their second game and were then held to a 1-1 tie with newly promoted Leeds.
After being well beaten in the race for the title last year, the pressure is on City and head coach Pep Guardiola to bounce back and prove they are still the real deal.
But standing in their way is an Arsenal team that is coached by Guardiola’s former assistant, Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have won three of their first four games of the season and are hopeful of a top-four finish and a return to the coveted UEFA Champions League.
While Man City can be expected to bounce back with a victory, it is unlikely to be easy, and Arsenal should keep this one close.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United (Sunday, 11.30 a.m ET)
You can’t beat a good London derby, and this game should act as the perfect preshow before the afternoon’s NFL entertainment.
Tottenham will no doubt be riding high from that 6-1 win over Manchester United, and things finally seem to be falling into place for head coach Jose Mourinho. Spurs have looked lethal in attack with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son posting nine goals between them already this season.
West Ham meanwhile has also been vicious in attack, having scored seven times in their last two games and conceding no goals. Those were no easy wins either, as they came against Leicester and Wolves, who finished in the top six last season.
The Hammers have looked sharp from the get-go all season and with London bragging rights on the line there could be a surprise in store.
Not one.
Not two.
Not three.
Not four.
Not five.SIX.#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/0YCqKgrMCW
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 4, 2020
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