After an early-season worldwide break, the Premier League roars again into motion this weekend.
Arsenal tackle Tottenham within the North London derby as Manchester United kick off the weekend at Southampton.
Elsewhere, Liverpool host Nottingham Forest and Manchester Metropolis are at dwelling to Brentford, whereas winless Everton go to Aston Villa.
Listed below are 5 issues to look out for on Matchday 4 of the Premier League this weekend.
Can De Ligt bounce again?
Mattijs de Ligt could have loads of eyes on him after a horror worldwide break for the Netherlands.
After two expensive errors in opposition to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Manchester United defender was hooked at half-time in opposition to Germany following one other mistake which led to a aim.
The £38million summer season signing will hope to ease the strain on him by inspiring the Pink Devils to a much-needed win at St Mary’s on Saturday lunchtime.
De Ligt has been strong, if unspectacular, throughout two defeats and a draw for United to date and the strain will solely improve if the newly-promoted aspect get the higher of him on the South Coast.
De Bruyne to take out frustrations on Brentford?
One other participant who minimize a annoyed determine for his or her nation was Kevin De Bruyne throughout his time with Belgium.
The Manchester Metropolis playmaker was scathing in his criticism of his team-mates after they limped to a 2-0 defeat by France.
“I can’t repeat that within the media but it surely needs to be higher in each means,” stated the 33-year-old.
“If the usual we need to attain is the perfect, however we’re not adequate to get to that stage, then you need to give all the pieces. When you don’t even do this, it’s over.”
De Bruyne is a participant who typically makes use of his frustrations to his benefit and that might spell dangerous information for Brentford after they go to the Etihad on Saturday at 3pm.
• You seemed irritated on the pitch generally. Didn’t you just like the transition of your group? The truth that you dropped again too deep, too typically?
🗣️ – De Bruyne: “You performed soccer your self, it’s not about transition. It’s about our means of taking part in and about gamers not executing… pic.twitter.com/ZcOt3dzj8M
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 10, 2024
Chiesa’s Liverpool debut?
Liverpool have loved a dream begin to life below Arne Slot, successful their first three video games in convincing type.
After a superb attacking show in opposition to Man Utd earlier than the break, summer season signing Federico Chiesa will now hope to get himself in on the act.
Followers are but to get a glimpse of their £13million signing from Juventus however guarantees so as to add a brand new dimension to their assault which is already filled with star high quality.
With their Champions League opener developing subsequent week, a house conflict in opposition to Nottingham Forest could possibly be the right likelihood for Slot to throw the Italy ahead into the fold, whether or not that be from the beginning or off the bench for Mohamed Salah.
Will Everton get off the mark?
Everton might be trying to lastly earn their first factors of the season this weekend however a visit to Aston Villa might current additional issues.
The Toffees have been crushed by Brighton, Tottenham and Bournemouth to date, transport 10 objectives and letting a two-goal lead slip late on to lose in opposition to the Cherries earlier than the break.
Stress on supervisor Sean Dyche is now rising regardless of his function in steadying the ship at Goodison Park throughout a turbulent 18 months.
Dyche’s males did win at Villa Park within the Carabao Cup final season however you need to return to 2016 to search out the final time they bought the higher of the Midlands aspect within the Premier League.
And with Villa making a robust begin to the season below Unai Emery, it might spell additional turmoil for Everton and Dyche.
“I’m flabbergasted by his remarks and the way he’s thrown the gamers below the bus” 🚌
Toffee TV’s Peter Mcpartland says Sean Dyche is guilty for Everton’s shock loss to Bournemouth ⬇ pic.twitter.com/rC8WgZEJ2v
— Sky Sports activities Information (@SkySportsNews) September 2, 2024
Can Spurs make the most of Rice and Odegaard absences?
Arsenal could have two key gamers lacking from their midfield after they go to bitter rivals Spurs on Sunday.
The Gunners had been already with out midfielder Declan Rice following his crimson card in opposition to Brighton and now captain Martin Odegaard has joined the absentee listing.
With summer season signing Mikel Merino additionally sidelined, it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how Mikel Arteta traces up in opposition to their outdated North London foes.
Thomas Partey and Jorginho are more likely to be the 2 deeper midfielders chosen, however the artistic function vacated by Odegaard might take a bit extra pondering.
Arteta can not name on Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira following their summer season departures, with Kai Havertz doubtlessly dropping again into midfield for the conflict.
However with the German proving a revelation as a No9, we might see Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber transfer from defence into midfield – whereas teenager Ethan Nwaneri could possibly be a wildcard shout to return in.
