The Premier League is back after the international break. It’s that part of the season where the tough get going. The transfer window is done and dusted, and the first international break is out of the way. There are a lot of interesting stories waiting to unfold in the fourth matchweek of the season.
Premier League matchweek 4
Cristiano Ronaldo’s unveiling in front of Old Trafford crowd
Perhaps the biggest story of this weekend anywhere in Europe is the return of the golden boy. 12 years on since leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid, CR7 is back! United were already in a position better than any of the past seasons since Fergie’s departure, and the addition of Ronaldo is like the final cherry on top. Their unveiling of Raphael Varane was a huge success, so expect an even louder response when a club legend returns!
Romelu Lukaku to make his second Stamford Bridge debut?
Over in London, another club relishing the return of a former player is Chelsea. Record signing Romelu Lukaku has already hit the ground running, and has trained with the squad on Thursday, easing any injury concerns. Whether he will start or not is Thomas Tuchel’s decision but, expect a warm reception whenever Lukaku takes the field.
Battle of the basement sees Arsenal take on Norwich City
Few would have expected Arsenal to be level on points with Norwich after three games, much less level on zero points. The two teams have collectively scored one goal and conceded 19 after the first three weeks! As much as Arsenal see this as a chance to get back on track, Norwich must fancy their chances too. Arsenal have been the league’s highest spenders this time around. Norwich too have had a busy transfer window of incomings and outgoings. It’s time for the two teams to turn those efforts into something tangible.
Stuttering Leicester City take on the defending champions
Despite two wins from three, something doesn’t feel right about Leicester yet. They barely scraped past Norwich and Wolves, and were thrashed by West Ham. They have spent a good amount of money in the summer, and after narrowly missing out on Champion’s League twice, it’s pretty clear what the expectations are. They take on Manchester City, who have silenced critics with two five-star displays before the break. This fixture promises goals and entertainment and is perhaps the big match of the weekend.
Can faultless Spurs go marching on?
Three games, three wins, zero goals conceded. New manager settled in, Harry Kane retained, Spurs have enjoyed a successful summer. Their next assignment is a London derby, at Selhurst Park. Manager Patrick Vieira is still winless after three games and is an ex-Arsenal player. So, there’s plenty of incentive for him to get a win and disrupt Tottenham’s perfect start.