Matchweek four of the 2020-21 Premier League season is going to be an exciting one with some blockbuster fixtures in the offing.
While most eyes will be on Jose Mourinho taking on his former side Manchester United on Sunday, it will be intriguing to see how Marcelo Bielsa’s side fare against wounded former Champions Manchester City.
The Sky Blues were handed a 5-2 defeat by Leicester City, and Leeds could pose a few problems come Saturday.
Reigning Champions Liverpool will travel to face Aston Villa, a side who have begun well, while the Reds’ arch-rivals Everton will hope to keep their winning run going when they face Brighton.
Ahead of Matchweek four, we take a look at some of the players who could set the stage on fire before we head into the international break.
Five Players To Watch Out For In Matchweek Four
#1 James Rodriguez
Everton have made a flying start to their 2020-21 Premier League campaign, and their summer signing James Rodriguez has been their chief orchestrator in attack.
Alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, Rodriguez has settled in well, and has instantly formed an understanding with his teammates.
The Colombian has a goal and an assist to his name already, and he will certainly be a key player for his side when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion, a side who have played good football despite their results.
The 29-year old averages 3.3 key passes a game, and will be a threat to the Brighton defence with his ability to pick a pass in the final third.
#2 Kevin De Bruyne
One of the finest players in Europe, Kevin De Bruyne has already shown this season that City’s fortunes will depend on how well he plays, especially with Sergio Aguero not available for a few more weeks, and Davis Silva no longer at the club.
De Bruyne has already bagged a goal and an assist in just two appearances this season, and has also managed to make three tackles per game on an average, which shows his admirable work ethic.
Against Leeds, he won’t have time on the ball considering how well Bielsa’s side press, but he could find spaces as Leeds don’t sit back. If he dominates the game, City could have it easier while going forward.
#3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal were soundly beaten by Liverpool at the Anfield on Monday, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was largely anonymous during the game.
The 31-year-old is yet to find his rhythm this season and it will be intriguing to see how fares against Sheffield United who are a defensively organised side.
The Blades, however, have not had the best of starts to their new season, having lost all of their Premier League outings, and Aubameyang will look to finally make a telling mark in the league.
#4 Jamie Vardy
Vardy seems to be getting better with age. The Leicester City striker has already plundered five goals in three Premier League games so far this season, and has played a pivotal role in their brilliant start.
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Manchester City were his latest victim as he ran riot at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday by scoring a hat-trick. Vardy will be desperate to carry on with his rich vein of form when the Foxes host West Ham United at the King Power Stadium.
West Ham have been sluggish more often than not, and were thoroughly dominated in the EFL Cup tie against Everton despite naming a strong team.
#5 Harry Kane
Tottenham were unlucky not to pick up all three points against Newcastle United in the last league game, but put six past Maccabi Haifa in the Europa League just a day after their penalty shootout win against Chelsea.
Mourinho, and the players, seem to be enjoying the fixture pile up, and have the chance to make a statement this Sunday when they face Manchester United. One player who will particularly look at that fixture and smack his lips is Harry Kane.
Manchester United have been abject at the back, and how they beat Brighton is a mystery as the Seagulls hit the woodwork five times and shot themselves in the foot late on by conceding a penalty.
Kane has been in fine form already this season, and has started strongly unlike other seasons. If he is on top of his game come Sunday, the score-sheet could look one-sided.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored