After an early-season international break, the Premier League roars back into action this weekend.
Arsenal take on Tottenham in the North London derby as Manchester United kick off the weekend at Southampton.
Elsewhere, Liverpool host Nottingham Forest and Manchester City are at home to Brentford, while winless Everton visit Aston Villa.
Here are five things to look out for on Matchday 4 of the Premier League this weekend.
📰 Table Of Contents
Can De Ligt bounce back?
Mattijs de Ligt will have plenty of eyes on him after a horror international break for the Netherlands.
After two costly errors against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Manchester United defender was hooked at half-time against Germany following another mistake which led to a goal.
The £38million summer signing will hope to ease the pressure on him by inspiring the Red Devils to a much-needed win at St Mary’s on Saturday lunchtime.
De Ligt has been solid, if unspectacular, during two defeats and a draw for United so far and the pressure will only increase if the newly-promoted side get the better of him on the South Coast.
De Bruyne to take out frustrations on Brentford?
Another player who cut a frustrated figure for their country was Kevin De Bruyne during his time with Belgium.
The Manchester City playmaker was scathing in his criticism of his team-mates after they limped to a 2-0 defeat by France.
“I cannot repeat that in the media but it has to be better in every way,” said the 33-year-old.
“If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we’re no longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything. If you don’t even do that, it’s over.”
De Bruyne is a player who often uses his frustrations to his advantage and that could spell bad news for Brentford when they visit the Etihad on Saturday at 3pm.
• You looked annoyed on the pitch sometimes. Didn’t you like the transition of your team? The fact that you dropped back too deep, too often?
🗣️ – De Bruyne: “You played football yourself, it’s not about transition. It’s about our way of playing and about players not executing… pic.twitter.com/ZcOt3dzj8M
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 10, 2024
Chiesa’s Liverpool debut?
Liverpool have enjoyed a dream start to life under Arne Slot, winning their first three games in convincing style.
After a brilliant attacking display against Man Utd before the break, summer signing Federico Chiesa will now hope to get himself in on the act.
Fans are yet to get a glimpse of their £13million signing from Juventus but promises to add a new dimension to their attack which is already packed with star quality.
With their Champions League opener coming up next week, a home clash against Nottingham Forest could be the perfect chance for Slot to throw the Italy forward into the fold, whether that be from the start or off the bench for Mohamed Salah.
Will Everton get off the mark?
Everton will be looking to finally earn their first points of the season this weekend but a trip to Aston Villa could present further problems.
The Toffees have been beaten by Brighton, Tottenham and Bournemouth so far, shipping 10 goals and letting a two-goal lead slip late on to lose against the Cherries before the break.
Pressure on manager Sean Dyche is now increasing despite his role in steadying the ship at Goodison Park during a turbulent 18 months.
Dyche’s men did win at Villa Park in the Carabao Cup last season but you have to go back to 2016 to find the last time they got the better of the Midlands side in the Premier League.
And with Villa making a strong start to the season under Unai Emery, it could spell further turmoil for Everton and Dyche.
“I’m flabbergasted by his remarks and how he’s thrown the players under the bus” 🚌
Toffee TV’s Peter Mcpartland says Sean Dyche is to blame for Everton’s shock loss to Bournemouth ⬇ pic.twitter.com/rC8WgZEJ2v
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 2, 2024
Can Spurs take advantage of Rice and Odegaard absences?
Arsenal will have two key players missing from their midfield when they visit bitter rivals Spurs on Sunday.
The Gunners were already without midfielder Declan Rice following his red card against Brighton and now captain Martin Odegaard has joined the absentee list.
With summer signing Mikel Merino also sidelined, it will be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta lines up against their old North London foes.
Thomas Partey and Jorginho are likely to be the two deeper midfielders chosen, but the creative role vacated by Odegaard may take a bit more thinking.
Arteta can no longer call on Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira following their summer departures, with Kai Havertz potentially dropping back into midfield for the clash.
But with the German proving a revelation as a No9, we could see Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber move from defence into midfield – while youngster Ethan Nwaneri could be a wildcard shout to come in.
