Games to watch as the BPL returns after the international break
Christian Ledek | Sports Writer | @sea_led
Orem, UT – The Barclays Premier League returns to action Saturday after the international break. Here are some previews of intriguing games that have plenty of storylines.
Arsenal at Watford
Arsenal seem to have found their stride as they’ve scored eight goals in their last two games thanks in large part to Alexis Sanchez finding his own stride in a big way. A hat trick against Leicester City and a brace against Manchester United for the Chilean international has Arsenal fans hopes high again to push for a title.
Watford are doing alright all things considered. Being a newly promoted team in the Barclays Premier League always brings challenges of whether or not you can compete with the “big boys.” Their 2-4-2 record is good enough for 12th place currently, and if that’s where they end up finishing at the end of the year, Watford supporters will rejoice.
Prediction: Arsenal win 3-0
Liverpool at Tottenham
Jurgen Klopp is finally a manager in the Barclays Premier League and has set aim to win at least one title in four years at Liverpool. One step at a time, Jurgen. He takes a depleted squad into White Hart Lane at Tottenham. Danny Ings is out for the season as well as their solid, young defender Joe Gomez. They need their talisman Daniel Sturridge to find his old form immediately to tread water before the transfer window in January as they currently reside in 10th place.
Tottenham still have their sights set at a top four finish. They’re in 8th place at the moment, only two points back of that goal, but Harry Kane will need to start finding the back of the net more consistently like he did last season if they have any hopes of cracking the top four. Their defense is still shaky, but Christian Eriksen is finding his best self again and that could prove deadly for Tottenham’s opponents.
Prediction: Draw 1-1
Manchester United at Everton
Despite the negativity surrounding the start to Manchester United’s season, they’re 5-2-1 and are in 3rd place in the table. They travel to Goodison Park on Saturday where they’ve been beaten by Everton the last three trips, including a 3-0 thrashing this past April. Everton are on a good run of form lately, sparked by contributions from Romalu Lukaku and Ross Barkley. They’re both healthy and deadly at the same time, which could push Everton in the top four conversations. Louis Van Gaal’s Red Devils hope that they can find a consistent run of form to push for a title. Anthony Martial will need to continue his scoring prowess and the defense of Daley Blind and Chris Smalling will need to sure up tighter at the back.
Prediction: Everton win 2-1
Stay tuned for more Barclays Premier League articles, previews, and recaps. The season is in full swing and it’s only going to get more exciting.
