Man United take on Swansea while Arsenal face Stoke City on Saturday.
The Premier League has entered its second week and there are plenty of interesting clashes on the card. Current league toppers Manchester United take on Swansea City while Arsenal face Stoke City on Saturday. Here is a look at some of the most important matches of matchweek 2 in the league:
Liverpool v/s Crystal Palace
Date: August 19, 2017
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Anfield
TV: Star Sports Select
Live Stream: hotstar.com
Liverpool will play their first game at Anfield as they host Frank De Boer's Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp will be eager to start Liverpool’s home campaign with a win, but it would not be easy- specially against a Crystal Palace side who are looking to become the first side to win four consecutive top-flight games versus Liverpool at Anfield since Arsenal in December 1935.
Liverpool need a emphatic victory to kick start their campaign after a dismal show of defence that resulted in a 3-3 draw against Watford in their opening game. Crystal Palace, on the other hand will look to comeback after being humiliated by new boys Huddersfield.
Recent encounters between the two teams have been high scoring with both teams finding the back of the net in each of the last 10 meetings in all competitions, averaging 3.9 goals per game. Liverpool haven’t kept a clean sheet against Crystal Palace in 13 competitive matches.
Liverpool's weakness in set plays and corners can cost them dearly- specially with players like Christian Benteke and Scott Dann luring in the box. Benteke has scored five goals in his previous three Premier League games at Anfield as an opposition player, more than he has at any other away ground in the competition.
However, this still looks like Liverpool's best chance to beat the London side comprehensively.
Palace were a different side under former bosses Alan Pardew and Sam Allardyce. New manager Frank De Boer has attempted to introduce a new exciting philosophy to South London, however his plans did not work out in the game against Huddersfield. The Dutchman might take time to settle at the club and it may well be the best time for any opposition to play them.
Philippe Coutinho is out and Liverpool will have to show that they can survive without the playmaker. Nathaniel Clyne and Daniel Sturridge are also likely miss the game, although they are available following injury. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah will lead the attack while Klopp would be hoping to improve the defending side. The Eagles are also missing a key player, Wilfred Zaha picked up an injury last Saturday.
Tottenham Hotspurs v/s Chelsea
Date: August 20, 2017
Time: 8:30 PM IST
Venue: Wembley stadium, London
TV: Star Sports Select
Live Stream: hotstar.com
Spurs vs Chelsea has always been one of English football’s great rivalries, but it has assumed a new relevance recently with both teams vying for the top spot in the league. They were last season’s main title contenders. Antonio Conte's side came out on top then, but much has changed over the course of a difficult summer for both clubs.
Mauricio Pochettino's side will look to continue their winning run as they host the Blues at Wembley. Spurs got their season off to a winning start last Sunday with a 2-0 win over 10-man Newcastle. Chelsea did not have the same fortune and were beaten 3-2 by Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will be keen to improve from their home defeat but it would not be easy- they will be missing the services of Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas who picked up red cards in the match against Burnley. Eden Hazard's return to fitness is great news but it remains to be seen whether he will play on Sunday. Diego Costa is not going to make it (obviously).
Alvaro Morata should start the game- he scored one and assisted another goal in the loss against Burnley but it still remains to be seen whether he will be able to shake off a bad start and carry the weight of the team on his shoulders.
Tottenham look like the stronger side on Sunday. They may not have done any buying in this summer transfer window but they still have a good young side. With the likes of Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Delle Ali and Christian Eriksen they may prove to be too much for a Chelsea side that is embattling its own demons.
It's the first ever Premier League game to be played at Wembley Stadium.
Everton v/s Manchester City
Date: August 22, 2017
Time: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Etihad stadium, Manchester
TV: Star Sports Select
Live Stream: hotstar.com
Wayne Rooney will return to Manchester on Monday (Tuesday in India), although it would be the blue side of the city that he will be visiting. The former Manchester United striker has wasted no time in proving his mantle at Everton- scoring in the opening game and then providing an assist in the Europa League play off. He will be the key if Everton were to succeed in achieving their dream of becoming the best team in Mercyside.
Manchester City were ruthless in their first game against Brighton and Hove Albion taking a 2-0 victory. Pep Guardiola's side is undoubtedly the most dangerous PL team on paper.
Manchester City are still without new signing Benjamin Mendy and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Fabian Delph is also out with an unspecified knock.
Everton's record signing Gylfi Sigurdsson is expected to make his debut when the Toffees travel to Manchester City. Ross Barkley is out with a hamstring injury while James McCarthy is also injured. Sandro Ramirez could return after missing Thursday's win over Hajduk Split with a heel problem.
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