The Premier League returns on Saturday with a whole host of fascinating matches taking place in England’s top flight. The table is starting to take shape with the two top sides in the division – Manchester City and Liverpool in action on Saturday. Let’s take a look at the rest of the matches.
Wolves v Manchester City (12:45 BST)
It’s a clash between the sides which were crowned champions of England’s top two divisions last season as Manchester City travel to Molineux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers. The home side has impressed at times during their opening two matches despite picking up just one point. It’s the biggest test Nuno Espirito Santo will face at home this season and he will be hoping for a better performance than the one which saw his side lose 2-0 to Leicester City last week.
For City, they will be hoping for business as usual. After a comfortable opening day victory over Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s men flexed their muscles in the 6-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town last week in spite of the loss of Kevin De Bruyne. The last time these two sides met was last season in a fourth-round EFL Cup match. City won on penalties that day after a disappointing 0-0 draw but will be hoping for a few more goals this time around.
AFC Bournemouth v Everton (15:00 BST)
Marco Silva’s Everton project continues on Saturday as his side travels to the south coast to take on AFC Bournemouth. The Toffees followed up a 1-1 opening day draw against Wolves with a 2-0 victory over Southampton last week.
The most pleasing thing for Silva must be the form of Brazilian forward, Richarlison who has bagged three goals in his opening two competitive matches in an Everton shirt but will face a tough test on Saturday. Bournemouth brings in a 100% record to this match after wins over Cardiff and West Ham. Interestingly, the last five Premier League matches between these two teams have all been won by the home side. Bournemouth is 8/5 on Betway as of 23 August to make that six matches from six.
Arsenal v West Ham United (15:00 BST)
In many ways, this is the real season opener for Arsenal and Unai Emery. After defeats in their first two Premier League matches against Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners need to get their season on track under the new boss. West Ham United are the visitors to the Emirates on Saturday and their side features the returning Jack Wilshere. The English midfielder will have mixed emotions when he takes to the field on Saturday but must be eager to show Arsenal’s new head coach that he was wrong to lose him this summer.
Huddersfield Town v Cardiff City (15:00 BST)
It may still be August but there’s a feeling that this match is something of a relegation clash. Neither Huddersfield Town nor Cardiff City has filled their supporters with confidence so far this season. City’s 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Newcastle United last week is the single Premier League point these two teams are sharing ahead of this clash. Huddersfield will be hoping that home advantage makes a difference and that their players haven’t been too disheartened by their two heavy defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea.
Southampton v Leicester City (15:00 BST)
This could be a fascinating match on the south coast. These two evenly-contested teams have had steady starts to their Premier League campaigns but will be hoping to kick on in this match. Both sides will be looking for more from some of their summer signings with the likes of Danny Ings and James Maddison yet to really show what they can do for their respective clubs.
Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion (17:30 BST)
It’s a daunting task for Brighton & Hove Albion. Chris Hughton’s side has lost their last three matches against tomorrow’s opponents, Liverpool and conceded 15 goals. But things have changed since then, for both teams. That was before Brighton secured an impressive 3-2 victory over Manchester United last weekend but, unfortunately for them, it was also before Liverpool spent big in the transfer market.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have seemingly improved in every single position which they needed to and now look a side capable of challenging Manchester City at the top. If they want to do so, another convincing win is needed on Saturday against a Brighton side which has caused more than its fair share of upsets.