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With 11 games played, the Premier League table is starting to shape up and we can see which teams have exceeded expectations and which teams have not performed well so far. Liverpool currently leads the rest of the pack with 31 points, but they will be facing arch-rivals Manchester City at Anfield this Sunday in a game which could have title ramifications.
There are other exciting games lined up which include the underperforming Arsenal against the high flying Leicester City, and a London derby wherein Chelsea takes on Crystal Palace. With already a lot to play for every week, this Premier League weekend promises to be a highly intense one.
Here, we take a look at five players who could be key for their teams this weekend.
#5 Christian Pulisic - Chelsea
With 4 goals in his last two Premier League games which included a hat-trick against Burnley, Christian Pulisic has well and truly announced himself in England. There were doubts, and it did not help that he was expected by many to fill the void left by Eden Hazard.
Although initially not being featured as a starter by manager Frank Lampard, Pulisic has impressed the Chelsea faithful over the last two weeks, and he looks set to retain his place against Crystal Palace this weekend.
Currently sitting fourth on the table with as many points as Leicester City, and two behind Manchester City, Chelsea will host fellow London club Palace this weekend in a bid to strengthen their position in the top 4.
Palace has dropped points in their last two games and will be looking to improve their fortunes, which will make this an interesting fixture for a neutral. Therefore, Lampard will be looking towards his attack to get all 3 points in a week where Leicester and Man City could both drop points. Expect Pulisic to be in the thick of things as the Blues look to defeat Palace this Saturday.
Also check out: Premier League Table EPL fixtures Champions League table
#4 John Lundstram - Sheffield United
One of the stories of this Premier League season so far has been the emergence of Sheffield United which currently sits 6th on the table. Among their players, none has had more impact for the Blades than John Lundstram who has put in phenomenal performances against every opposition he has played against.
Lundstram has been the standout player for his team which has exceeded all expectations so far. Most recently, the English international netted a brace against Burnley in a game wherein he gave as much joy to the Sheffield fans as he did to Fantasy Premier League team owners who had him.
With three goals this season to go with five clean sheets, Lundstram has been a brilliant midfielder for his club, creating as well as defending. Facing an out of form Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, Sheffield will be looking to their man in-form to get all three points and retain their place amongst the top 6 for at least a week more.
#3 Sergio Aguero - Manchester City
Sergio Aguero will go down as one of the top three strikers in Premier League history by the time he is done here. Having won everything there is to win domestically, only one blemish stays on Aguero's perfect record in England - the lack of a goal at Anfield. The Argentine international has scored seven times against Liverpool in seven league appearances at the Etihad but is yet to score a goal for his club at Anfield.
In the past two seasons, Manchester City vs Liverpool has been the biggest rivalry in English football, and the stakes have never been higher than they are right now. With City six points behind the league leaders, they need at least a draw to keep the pressure-tight at the top.
Aguero was rested by Pep Guardiola for the Champions League game against Atalanta, and will be primed and ready to go at Anfield this Sunday. With Liverpool in top form, Pep will be hoping his striker can put his bad record at Anfield to bed by scoring a goal to give the Cityzens some much-needed points at a venue where they have struggled in the past.
#2 Richarlison - Everton
This weekend, Everton faces Southampton away in a game they are in dire need of all 3 points.
The fans will be looking at last season's top goalscorer, Richarlison, for inspiration. Having been a consistent starter for the club, the Brazilian has had a disappointing campaign so far, scoring only 2 goals in 11 appearances.
Now more than ever, his club needs him to step up to the plate, and a match against a wounded Southampton could be the perfect game for Marco Silva and his men to get back on track.
#1 Sadio Mane - Liverpool
A few seasons ago when Liverpool faced Manchester City at the Etihad, Sadio Mane was sent off for a high boot on Ederson. This weekend when the Cityzens come to Anfield, Mane will enter the pitch as Liverpool's most dominant player so far this season.
This latest instalment of the Premier League's most anticipated fixture could see the title race being blown wide open, as each point matters when these two heavyweights go up against each other.
City is without the presence of their best defender, Aymeric Laporte, and could also be without the services of goalkeeper Ederson who had to be subbed off in their Champions League game.
As such, the City defence is more exposed and vulnerable than ever before, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his front three can wreak some havoc - specifically the Senegalese international who has been tearing it up so far.
Mane recently netted the winner late on against a resilient Aston Villa side in the Premier League and was rested in his club's Champions League tie. He will be ready to go against City, and fans will be hoping his amazing run of form continues.
