The last international break of 2023 is over.
This means we will see a stretch of Premier League matches until March at least.
The English top flight returns with a clash at the top – Manchester City vs Liverpool.
While this heavyweight clash may be too close a call, there are a few other fixtures we could see surprising results.
1. Newcastle vs Chelsea: Mauricio Pochettino’s men delivered two of the most stunning football games in Match Day 12. Chelsea hammered nine-men Tottenham 4-1, before playing out a thrilling 4-4 draw with City. However, do not expect a high-scoring affair at St James Park, as the Magpies are usually a different animal in front of their loud supporters.
2. Brentford vs Arsenal: With either or both City and Liverpool set to drop points in the early kick-off, Arsenal would need a win at Brentford to solidify their title ambitions. However, the Bees are no pushovers and have already won at Stamford Bridge this season. Another professional performance from Mikel Arteta’s men is the barest minimum. Or else a shock result could be in the works.
3. Everton vs Man Utd: Goodison Park is not the best place for a visiting team right now. During the break, the Premier League imposed an immediate 10-point deduction on Everton for breaching financial rules. The Toffees are now likely to adopt a siege mentality and their first opponents will be Manchester United, who have not won any game convincingly this term.
4. Tottenham vs Aston Villa: This is a fixture in which both sides will be looking to make an emphatic statement of intent. Spurs have lost their last two matches to Chelsea and Wolves, having begun the season with a 10-game unbeaten run. Villa, on the other hand, are in imperious form especially at home and sit in fifth place. However, they need to start picking up results at away grounds.
EPL: Four matches we could see shock results this weekend
