Thank god league football is back!
Premier League
Tottenham vs. Liverpool
After an interesting International break, Prem football returns with vengeance as Liverpool travel to London to play Spurs. It was thought that Spurs would inaugurate their new stadium with this fixture but in classic Spurs fashion the Stadium is far from completion. Spurs lost in the last gameweek to Watford and will hope to bounce back with a point or more. Liverpool have thundered into the lead at the beginning of the seasons but Spurs is their first major test. Spurs will be without Dele Alli who is injured and Kane looks a little jaded and in need of a rest. It will be an interesting game and while a draw or a loss for Liverpool would be preferred, Mane, Salah, and Firmino should edge Liverpool into a victory.
Bournemouth vs. Leicester
Bournemouth and Leicester have both enjoyed decent starts to the season as they sit 6th and 8th respectively. Bournemouth lost last gameweek to Chelsea but put in a strong defensive performance up till the last 20 minutes. Leicester lost to Liverpool but played well for parts of the game and fell short by the odd goal. Bournemouth have found goals this season to add to their defensive strength while Leicester should have Vardy back from suspension. This should be an interesting game that could go either way.
Huddersfield vs. Crystal Palace
Huddersfield had a tough start to the season and have still not managed to win a game this season but they have shown improvement in the last few weeks having managed to draw their last two games. Crystal Palace had a brilliant start to the season but have lost their last three and go to Huddersfield in need of a win or at least a point. Huddersfield are strong defensively and if they can hold on and manage to score they could see their first win. Palace should have Zaha back and the international break may have been important in helping Hodgson work with his team. An interesting game which could go Palace’s way.
Man City vs. Fulham
Man City got back to winning ways two weeks ago as they beat Newcastle although just by the solitary goal. Fulham had a slow start to their season but have won one and drawn one in the last two gameweeks. Fulham have a similar philosophy to Wolves and if they play without fear as Wolves did then they could cause problems to Man City. City are home and on paper they should add another three points but I have a feeling they could drop points in what would be a major boost to Fulham. With players like Mitrovic, Schurrle, Seri this should be a very interesting game.
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
Newcastle have not won a game this season and sit 17th as Arsenal visit them this gameweek. Arsenal had a tough start to the season with two defeats but have won their last two and their are signs that Emery’s philosophy is finally beginning to gel with the team. Newcastle need the win and Benitez having had the international break to prepare could cause Arsenal problems. The most likely scenario though will be that Newcastle will set up to play on the counter. Arsenal have been brilliant going forward but lack solidity in defence and that is where Newcastle’s pace could be a cause for concern. A game in all honesty that could go either way although Arsenal might edge it.
Watford vs. Man United
Saturday night ends with a spicy game as high flyers Watford meet a struggling United side, a sentence I thought I would never say. Watford have started the season with four wins out of four and while the first three were against equal opponents their win against Spurs last gameweek seems to have increased their credibility. Man United have struggled to start off with the same pace and sit 10th in the table. They did manage to win against Burnley last time out but the Burnley side was one that had played just three days ago. On paper this should be a win for United but with classic third season vibes emanating from Old Trafford I fancy a win for Watford.
Wolverhampton vs. Burnley
Wolves have started of slowly but they seem to be gaining momentum as they get used to the Premier League. Their draw against City at home boosted the whole fan base and they did it playing attacking football and sticking to what they knew. Burnley are still searching for their first win of the season and sit 19th in the table. With Europa League out of the way and an International Break in between their season should start this weekend. This should be a game of attack vs. defence and one that could end up in a draw or a win for Wolves.
Everton vs. West Ham
A tale of two managers, on one side you have Marcos Silva who has started the season of undefeated as Everton sit 7th while on the the other side their is Pellegrini who has last all four games and sits bottom. Everton seem a new team and up for the challenge with players like Richarlison adding a much needed goal scoring threat while their have been improvements in defence and the midfield. West Ham brought in a league winning manager, and purchased several star players but the team has not gelled and Pellegrini will be hoping that the International break brings him new fortune. Based on form this should be a win for Everton and on paper this should be an interesting game to watch.
Southampton vs. Brighton
Southampton were expected to struggle this season but they have had a decent start as they sit 12th with played like Ings fitting right into the team. Brighton have also had a decent start to the season and sit 14th. Southampton are usually strong at home while Brighton tend to struggle away from home, this should be an open game that could go either way.
La Liga
La Liga returns for GW 4 with tough games for most teams concerned. Atletico face Eibar at home in what should be a simple win for the Madrid side. Barcelona travel to Real Sociedad for a tricky fixture, Valencia face off against Real Betis, Real travel to Bilbao in another tricky fixture while Sevilla entertain Getafe. Atletico should get three points while Real and Barcelona should struggle for their wins.
Serie A
GW 4 in Italy sees a mixture of tough and simple fixtures. Inter entertain Parma in an interesting game while Napoli entertain Fiorentina. Roma play host to Chievo in what should be a simple win while Juventus welcome Sassuolo as Ronaldo aims to score his first goal for the home team. Milan travel to Cagliari in what on paper should be three points for the team.
Bundesliga
A brilliant weekend in Germany as Dortmund face off against Frankfurt in an interesting game. Bayern Munich play against Leverkusen in a tough game for the table topping side. Monchengladbach play host to Schalke while Leipzig welcome Hannover 96. Several interesting games in the Bundesliga which could go either way.
Ligue 1
Simple wins in France should be expected as Nice entertain Rennes, PSG welcome St.Etienne, Lyon travel to Caen, and Marseille entertain Guingamp. PSG are run away leaders at the moment and all teams concerned need to win their games to keep up pace with the Parisien side.
Park The Bus 