International breaks may have provided an answer or two for their detractors of late–or in the case of Scotland’s thrilling World Cup qualification, four–but few supporters will be able to deny their excitement about the return of the Premier League this weekend.After three international interruptions since the start of the season, domestic football is now entering one of the most intriguing periods in the calendar, with the run-up to Christmas allowing for teams to burnish their top-four credentials under fixture-ladened circumstances.Among the most hotly anticipated clashes when league action restarts sees title challenging Arsenal welcome their loathed north London rivals Tottenham to the Emirates.While the Gunners sit four points clear at the top, Mikel Arteta’s side are mired with recent injury concerns – and allowing Spurs to claim their first away win in the derby since 2011 could see rivals Manchester City or Chelsea get within touching distance.Elsewhere, Man United will look to continue their resurgent form against Everton at Old Trafford, and at the bottom of the table, Wolves will hope to reverse their fortunes against Crystal Palace in their first outing under new manager Rob Edwards.But before all that, Daily Mail Sport experts Lewis Steele (LS) Riath Al-Samarrai (RA-S) Kieran Gill (KG) Isaan Khan (IK), Ian Ladyman (IL) sat down to discuss the big talking points ahead of Premier League return.The team I can’t wait to watch this weekend is . .LS: Man City. Because they were sensational against Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s side were as good as they have been since they won the Treble, in fact. But can they repeat it? Can Erling Haaland keep going at this rate and can Jeremy Doku replicate his performance?
Newcastle away is always tricky even despite the fact Eddie Howe’s men have been poor of late.KG: I agree on Newcastle-Manchester City. St James’ Park, 5.30pm start on a Saturday, Newcastle need a win, City want to pile the pressure on Arsenal, and no matter what happens, you get to hit the Toon afterwards? Yes, please.RA-S: Aston Villa.
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Their form since late September has been excellent after the mess they made of the earlier fixtures. Another reason is Morgan Rogers, if only as a means to compile evidence for why, oh why, so many excellent analysts see him as a better option for England than Jude Bellingham.IK: Manchester United. Have Ruben Amorim’s men really turned a corner?
Yes, they’re unbeaten in their last five matches. Though their last two games, ending 2-2, didn’t reflect performances of a team ready to go to that next gear just yet. A good display and win against Everton would keep up the unbeaten streak, while giving an indication as to where they stand.IL: Liverpool.
There has been a whole heap of over-reaction to their struggles this season. They have half a new team and have been missing their goalkeeper. Who would have thought it?Regardless, they do have to get motoring soon if they are to quieten the noise.
Liverpool’s fixtures are actually quite palatable between now and the New Year so opportunity knocks. Saturday’s opponents Nottingham Forest took five points off the champions last season so Arne Slot’s players should not be short of motivation. -Daily Mail.
International breaks may have provided an answer or two for their detractors of late–or in the case of Scotland’s thrilling World Cup qualification, four–but few supporters will be able to deny their excitement about the return of the Premier League this weekend. After three international interruptions since the start of the season, domestic football is now entering one of the most intriguing periods in the calendar, with the run-up to Christmas allowing for teams to burnish their top-four credentials under fixture-ladened circumstances. Among the most hotly anticipated clashes when league action restarts sees title challenging Arsenal welcome their loathed north London rivals Tottenham to the Emirates.
While the Gunners sit four points clear at the top, Mikel Arteta’s side are mired with recent injury concerns – and allowing Spurs to claim their first away win in the derby since 2011 could see rivals Manchester City or Chelsea get within touching distance. Elsewhere, Man United will look to continue their resurgent form against Everton at Old Trafford, and at the bottom of the table, Wolves will hope to reverse their fortunes against Crystal Palace in their first outing under new manager Rob Edwards. But before all that, Daily Mail Sport experts Lewis Steele (LS) Riath Al-Samarrai (RA-S) Kieran Gill (KG) Isaan Khan (IK), Ian Ladyman (IL) sat down to discuss the big talking points ahead of Premier League return.
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