The Premier League returns after the international break, and we are set to witness a whole bunch of exciting games over the weekend.
Liverpool will have the chance to leapfrog Manchester City at the top of the table when they host relegation-threatened Watford at Anfield in the lunchtime kickoff on Saturday. Behind title challengers Man City and Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham will all look to build on their wins before the international break, while Norwich City, Burnley and Watford continue their fight to stay in the top flight.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 3 things to look forward to on Premier League Matchday 31
#1 Can Manchester City bounce back to winning ways?
Manchester City players left for the international break disappointed after being held to a 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace. The result at Selhurst Park, coupled with Liverpool’s 2-0 away win over Arsenal, means only one point separates Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s sides.
A win for Liverpool against Watford in the weekend’s early kickoff would pile more pressure on Manchester City, who will be desperate to react against Burnley at Turf Moor. With Burnley involved in the relegation battle, Guardiola’s side certainly would be in for nothing less than a war in Lancashire.
#2 Can Everton build some momentum?
It is crisis time at Everton, and despite a change in the managerial hotseat two months ago, a run of poor form has left them just three points above the Premier League relegation zone.
Frank Lampard has lost five of his seven Premier League games in charge of the Toffees, sparking a real possibility of playing Championship football next season. A 1-0 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League eased some pressure off Lampard’s shoulders, but the 4-0 drubbing by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-finals pulled them back to earth.
On Sunday, Everton travel to West Ham, who have been up and down of late. Under pressure Lampard will be hoping to build on the crucial win over Newcastle and create some gap between his team and the bottom three clubs. It’ll be an interesting game to watch at the London Stadium.
#3 Match of the Week
While all eyes will be on what Liverpool and Manchester City do in their respective games, Manchester United hosting Leicester City could be arguably the most exciting clash of Matchday 31.
Both Manchester United and Leicester City haven’t had great seasons in the Premier League this time around, after finishing second and fifth respectively in the table last campaign. The Red Devils have dropped down to sixth on the table and cannot afford to lose many points if they are to make it to the top four, while the Foxes continue their hunt for a top-half finish.
As the onus will be on Man United, one would expect Ralf Rangnick’s side to take the game to Brendon Rodgers’ Leicester City in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford.
