Premier League Matchweek 4 is almost upon us as teams look to go into the much frowned upon and judged first International break of the season.
Let us take a look at 3 burning questions with a number of exciting clashes coming up.
CAN MANCHESTER UNITED BOUNCE BACK?
It is early days but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side find themselves outside the Top 4 after a trio of matches they would have expected to win ahead of the start of the season. And the emphatic scoreline against Chelsea made sure the expectations reached sky high but the doubters were wary of the unevenness of the game which had played out.
The scoreline papered over the cracks which are on clear display now. And with the injury to Luke Shaw and a minor one to Anthony Martial, Ole will be pressed into making early changes to his plans.
But the ammunition is there and surely the desire too. The application has been missing at times and the Red Devils will look to sort that out against Southampton as they look to go into the break with momentum firmly on their side.
CAN ASHLEY BARNES SLAY LIVERPOOL?
Ashley Barnes has been terrific for his side as Burnley have got off to a decent start to the season. The displays have been good and without the anomaly of European football, Dyche has been able to focus on domestic affairs.
This has resulted in a better brand of football which has been spearheaded by the ‘prolific’ Barnes who is on 4 goals from 3 games. The Clarets will yearn for their first big scalp of the season and who better than the Reds who are the only team yet to drop a point.
While Liverpool have been relentless in attack, zero clean sheets till now point to a weakness in the rearguard which means Barnes has the platform to initiate what could turn out to be a massive upset.
Can the duo of Matip and VVD nullify him as they look to keep their distance with the reigning champions Manchester City? Or will the burly English striker have his way at Turf Moor on Saturday?
CAN TOTTENHAM SILENCE THE DOUBTERS IN MATCH AGAINST ARSENAL?
A last-gasp win against newly promoted Aston Villa and an incredibly lucky draw at the Etihad turned out to be precursors to what eventually turned out to be a shock loss at home to Newcastle United.
Spurs have looked disjointed and the lack of chemistry has been obvious all over the pitch. Much of it can be attributed to a couple of new additions, a couple of contract rebels and their second most important player playing with an eye on the exit at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Pochettino needs time and unfortunately, if they are to challenge for the title this season, that is something he will not be getting in abundance. The gap is already 5 points with leaders Liverpool and if current form is to be considered, it could well be more by the time the matchweek wraps up.
The North London derby holds huge significance this time around and by the looks of it, Spurs are going in as the second favourites.
Pochettino has the wherewithal to turn the tide in his favour. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Danny Rose, Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld put all in for the cause which is common. To win.