A ball hasn’t been kicked in the Premier League since Monday, but to say it’s been a crazy five days for England’s top flight would be an understatement.
So what should fans keep their eyes out for across England’s top flight this weekend after all the madness? Let’s takes a look…
MANCHESTER DERBY RETURNS IN THE FLESH
This Saturday will see the first Manchester derby with fans present since March 2020, and it’s sure to be a fiery one.
The last time the sides faced each other in front of a crowd, Solskjaer’s side took all three points thanks to two goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw whilst City were unable to find the back of the net.
Fast forward two years and a win for Ole against the Red Devils’ rivals would help repair his reputation as manager after a dismal start to the campaign.
And although City have had the better start out of the two Manchester clubs this season, Pep Guardiola’s side go into the clash off the back of a surprise 2-0 loss to in form Crystal Palace.
And the Spaniard certainly won’t want to lose to a poor Manchester United.
It’s all to play for.
GOOD TEST FOR THE HAMMERS
Liverpool face the high flying West Ham at the London Stadium this Super Sunday.
And if anyone should be able to stop the Irons’ run, it’s the Reds.
Both sides boast unstoppable goal scorers, Hammers’ man Michail Antonio and Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah.
Only the Egyptian has been involved in more Premier League goals (10 goals, 5 assists) than Michail Antonio this season (6 goals, 3 assists), showing that fans should expect the goal net to ripple.
And given that Liverpool have only managed one clean sheet against the Irons in their last five meetings, it really will be a tough test for both Jurgen Klopps’ and David Moyes’ back lines.
Sat just two points apart in the Premier League table, whoever can come out on top of this fixture will be making a huge statement to the rest of the league.
CAN CONTE CURE SPURS?
This week’s Premier League headlines were well and truly stolen both by the departure of flailing Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo and his replacement, the highly regarded Antonio Conte.
Conte became Tottenham’s new manager on Tuesday afternoon and took charge of his new side’s European Conference game against Dutch side SBV Vitesse.
The £13-million-a-year head coach guided his side to a 3-2 victory, and it was as full of drama as you’d expect a game under the Italian to be.
Returning to the Premier League this weekend for the first time since losing 3-0 to Newcastle in his last game as Chelsea boss, all eyes will be on Conte and whether he can begin Tottenham’s resurgence when they face a dejected Everton side.
Despite a brilliant start to the campaign, the Toffees have dropped off the pace and face the North London side off the back of three straight defeats.
The high regarded Italian manager will need to take advantage of the struggling Evertonians, and Premier League fans will also be keen to see if Conte can reignite Harry Kane’s prolific goal scoring reputation.
But if Thursday night’s game is anything to go off, it won’t happen over night.
HOWAY HOWE
It’s only a matter of time now until Eddie Howe takes over as Newcastle United manager following the sacking of Steve Bruce over two weeks ago.
Reports emerged on Thursday confirming that the ex-Bournemouth man had agreed terms in principle with the newly-taken over club.
It’s understood that Howe will be at Saturday’s fixture against Brighton at the AMEX Stadium, watching on from the stands.
The 43-year-old will no doubt benefit from previously managing Magpies players Matt Ritchie, Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser during his time at Bournemouth.
And given that Newcastle’s short term goal is to remain in the Premier League, Eddie Howe has the credentials to do just that, previously steering the Cherries away from relegation from the top flight four times and even finishing 9th in 2016-17.
Newcastle’s game this weekend will be no easy feat given Brighton’s flying start to the campaign. But fans will be keen to see if the news of Howe’s arrival can kickstart the Geordies’ journey to safety.
GUNNERS BOYS TO SHOW SOUTHGATE WHAT HE’S MISSING
England manager Gareth Southgate announced his 26-man squad for England’s final 2022 World Cup Qualifiers this Thursday.
And Arsenal’s game against Watford this Sunday will see appearances from those who were snubbed for a spot in the Three Lions team who will face Albania and San Marino.
Two Gunners’ players, new boy Aaron Ramsdale and starlet Bukayo Saka were called up for the remaining two qualifying games.
But the in form Emile Smith-Rowe and Ben White were left out from Southgate’s selection – much to the surprise of many Premier League fans, not just the Arsenal faithful.
Emile Smith-Rowe was challenged by Arteta to step up to the plate this season, and the 21-year-old has done just that, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Premier League this campaign.
So fans across the league were shocked when struggling midfielders Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling were selected over the high flying youngster.
Ben White faces the same scenario when it comes to being snubbed, still falling below the under fire Harry Maguire and benched Tyrone Mings in the England centre back pecking order.
Premier League fans will be eager to see if the left-behind boys can further fuel the argument that they should’ve been given a call up when they face Ranieri’s Watford at the Emirates.
"Our players are giving selection problems to Gareth"
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) November 5, 2021
Mikel Arteta comments on Aaron Ramsdale's England recall and on Emile Smith-Rowe and Ben White missing out #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/eZTYDjkGoI