What To Watch: Week 4
After another midweek of League Cup fixtures, the Premier League returns for another round of fixtures before the first international break of the season. Last week Everton and Leicester extended their winning streaks; United picked up an extraordinarily late penalty; and City suffered the wrath of Jamie Vardy. The Reds are the final match of the weekend but their is plenty to watch before.
Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion
Saturday, 10:00 am Eastern
Last weekend the Blues continued their winning streak with a 1-2 win against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace. Carlo Ancelloti’s team has looked much improved from last season. Not only have they strengthened with the like of Allan, Doucouré and James, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been scoring goals for fun. As well as they have looked, they are still the Ev. Can they keep up this form ahead of the Merseyside Derby after the break?
Brighton has been one of my biggest surprises to start off the season. They may only have a 0:3 win over Newcastle to their name, but they impressed in their loss to Chelsea and gave up a late penalty to United. Graham Potter has the team playing an uptempo, pressing style that will look to win the ball back and spring attacks on the counter. Up front, Neil Maupay will be looking to redeem himself after last week. Keep an eye on Tariq Lamptey as well, they right wingback has been a cornerstone of Brighton’s attack.
Leeds United v Manchester City
Saturday, 12:30 pm Eastern
Going in to the last weekend, Leeds were scoring plenty of goals but were also conceding left and right. In the Yorkshire Derby, however, Bielsa’s team kept the Sheffield United team from scoring. They will face a much sterner test against Manchester City. Leeds should have plenty of opportunities against a porous City defense but after giving up 3 to Fulham, how many goals will City be able to score?
Manchester City will be looking to get back on track after a 2-5 loss to Leicester City. Since the match, City have added centre back Rueben Diaz from Benfica who should bring in some much needed defensive solidity and allow Fernandinho to move back in to the midfield. Ilkay Gundogan will return after his COVID isolation period but Pep will still be without Jesus and Aguero. Riyad Mahrez should get another start up top in a match that will be decided by the second goal.
Manchester United v Tottenham
Sunday, 11:30 am Eastern
Our final featured match of the week is the lead in to Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa as Ole and Manchester United welcome Jose and Tottenham to Old Trafford. United were again bailed out by a penalty decision late on but the win only papers over the cracks of Ole’s team. They are still suspect at the back and are looking for additional cover on the right. They gave up multiple goals to Palace and Brighton, how will they perform against Harry Kane?
Tottenham’s start to the season has been less than ideal with a loss to Everton and a late draw against Newcastle. Spurs could be coming in to this match with some tired legs after playing both a league cup and Europa league qualifier in the midweek. They will also be without Son who picked up an injury against Newcastle. Gareth Bale also looks to miss out as he is recovering from an injury. Spurs should still have ample firepower with the likes of Harry Kane and Lucas Moura. Would not be surprised to see a high scoring draw.
What matches are you watching this weekend? Is there another match you are keeping an eye on? Let us know your thoughts and prediction on twitter @ScousersUS or on my personal account @JSlapeSSP.