What to look for as the Premier League returns from the international break

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.

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…

Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/premier-league/premier-league-what-to-look-out-for/

Author : Cian Cheesbrough

Publish date : 2024-09-11 19:19:28

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