1. Unlikely top-of-the-table clash as Hull take on Man United
WITH TWO GAMES played by each Premier League team so far, only four sides have managed to retain a 100% record since the start of the season.
Of the sides in question, three — Man City, Man United and Chelsea — were considered as possible title contenders prior to the start of the season.
On the other hand, Hull were most people’s tips for relegation, yet the Tigers have silenced the critics with their performances thus far.
They managed to follow a surprise defeat of reigning champions Leicester with a 2-0 victory over Swansea, despite being managerless and having only 13 fit players last week.
It’s early days of course, and start-of-season form can be deceptive, but if Hull can continue their excellent form against Man United, then an awful lot of pre-season tipsters will start to feel very silly, just as they did with Leicester last year.
2. Where will Sturridge play against Tottenham?
As Liverpool prepare to face Tottenham in Saturday’s early kick-off, much of the pre-match talk has revolved around Daniel Sturridge and his role in the Reds’ team.
Sturridge didn’t feature in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Arsenal, while he played on the right side of a three-man attack in the club’s disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Burnley, with Roberto Firmino given the central role up front.
And the England international indicated he was somewhat uncomfortable playing anywhere other than centrally after scoring a brace in the club’s 5-0 League Cup win over Burton Albion during the week.
“Of course it is more difficult for me to play wide,” he told reporters. “I’m a centre-forward.
“I have to do a job for the team. That’s not saying I am happy to do it.
“That’s saying I have got to do a job for the team. It’s a team game. If I am put in that position, I have to play there.”
Jurgen Klopp has played down these concerns though, explaining that playing wide is not a fixed role and that Sturridge has the positional intelligence to get in goal-scoring areas regardless of where he plays in the attack.
Nonetheless, while the German boss clearly feels his player can do a job out wide, it will be interesting to see if Klopp grants the 26-year-old striker his wish and picks him centrally against Spurs.
3. Arsenal already in desperate need of a win
It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Arsenal, who have secured just one point out of a possible six so far.
The Gunners have consequently already seen rival top-four hopefuls Man City, Man United and Chelsea pull five points clear of them.
Granted, much can happen between now and the end of the season, but more dropped points in what is a tricky-looking fixture away to Watford will cause the cries of discontent to grow louder at the Emirates.
On the plus side, Mesut Ozil — who was so crucial to their second-place finish last year with a phenomenal 19 assists — is in line to start, after being given extra rest following his involvement in Euro 2016 during the summer.
Arsenal will need another big season from Ozil if they are to silence the naysayers and launch a sustained title challenge this season.
4. Can West Ham stop Man City’s formidable attack?
Man City possess arguably the most formidable attack in the Premier League.
Sergio Aguero epitomised their prowess in this area of the field, having scored 19 goals in his last 18 league games.
Last week’s 4-1 win over Stoke also highlighted City’s strength in depth in the final third.
After Aguero scored a brace, they had the luxury of being able to take him off, and Man City proceeded to consolidate an emphatic win without their star man — Nolito hit a late brace, while youngster Kelechi Iheanacho also made an impact despite being on the field for less than 10 minutes.
In addition, with Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling all capable of contributing creatively and showing encouraging form of late, West Ham’s backline face an unenviable task of stopping City at the Etihad on Sunday.
5. Burnley aim to buck a 43-year-old trend against Chelsea
Despite having only 19% of the overall possession, Burnley managed to pull off an impressive 2-0 win at home to Liverpool last weekend.
Beating a rejuvenated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would surely be an even bigger upset, particularly as it’s been 43 years since the Clarets last win over the London side in the top flight.
Sean Dyche’s men appear to have taken inspiration from Leicester, playing with an old-fashioned, compact 4-4-2 formation.
Moreover, in 25-year-old striker Andre Gray, Burnley have a player with the potential to be their equivalent of Jamie Vardy.
Gray scored 25 goals in 43 Championship appearances last season, and was named the division’s Player of the Year as a result of his goalscoring exploits.
However, the former England C international is likely to find it much tougher against Chelsea, and will need to be at his prolific best if any chances do come his way, with the hosts’ manager Antonio Conte a notorious perfectionist when it comes to setting his teams up defensively.
All games kick-off at 3pm on Saturday unless stated otherwise
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool (12.30)
Crystal Palace v Bournemouth
Everton v Stoke City
Chelsea v Burnley
Leicester City v Swansea City
Watford v Arsenal
Southampton v Sunderland
Hull City v Manchester United (17.30)
West Bromwich Albion v Middlesbrough (Sunday at 13.30)
Manchester City v West Ham United (Sunday at 16.00)
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