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English Premier League clubs have the good fortune of fielding some of the best players in the world. These talented individuals step on the grass, week in, week out, hoping to earn their outlandish pay-cheques. Not all are successful, of course. But those who are, generally, go down as Premier League greats.
Every player participating in the 2021-22 Premier League wishes to attain greatness, and for that, they are required to match or even exceed expectations. Every week there are standout Premier League fixtures where the stakes are higher than usual, and gameweek six is no exception.
Today we will be taking a look at five players who could stamp their authority on matchday six and help their respective teams. Without further ado, let's check out the top five players to keep an eye on this weekend.
#5 Jack Grealish - Manchester City
Defending champions Manchester City triggered Jack Grealish’s €117.5million release clause to sign him from Aston Villa in the summer. Pep Guardiola already had a plethora of options in midfield and wide positions, and Grealish’s addition has only made things better.
The England international has started every Premier League game for the Sky Blues this season, registering one goal and an assist. Grealish’s performances have not been shabby by any means, but he is yet to justify his record-breaking transfer. Grealish will have the opportunity to prove his mettle against Chelsea on Saturday and City would love for him to be successful.
Playing and making a valuable contribution against an in-form Chelsea side will be no joke, but Grealish possesses the ability to make a tangible impact. So far, Grealish has played six Premier League games against Chelsea, failing to score or assist in any of those matches. It will be interesting to see if he manages to open his account this Saturday.
#4 Martin Odegaard - Arsenal
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, failing to score or win in their first three games. They have turned over a new leaf from matchday four, picking up two wins in their last two fixtures.
Former Real Madrid man Martin Odegaard has been one of the brightest spots in the often-depressing Arsenal unit. The Norwegian international has upped the ante, especially in the last two league games, and is expected to play an important role against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Arsenal’s fate depends heavily on Odegaard’s performance on Sunday, and the Gunners will be praying for him to be at his creative best. Last week, his curling free-kick sealed three points for Arsenal at Burnley. It would be interesting to see if Odegaard manages to strike lightning twice.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Premier League shortly after the commencement of the 2021-22 campaign. As a consequence, the Manchester United number 7 missed the opening three Premier League matches.
He made his second Premier League debut against Newcastle United on matchday four and marked the occasion by netting a brace. He got on the scoresheet last Sunday as well, this time in the 2-1 win at West Ham United.
Without the mercurial Portuguese, United failed to overcome West Ham in the third round of the EFL Cup. Shocked by the defeat, the Red Devils are desperate to bounce back against Aston Villa this Saturday. If all goes according to plan, Ronaldo could once again be the star of the show and get his name on the scoresheet.
#2 Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea
Despite winning the Champions League last season, Chelsea were not satisfied with their performances in front of goal. With Timo Werner failing to hit the ground running, they brought Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan. Lukaku will face one of his biggest challenges in a Chelsea shirt yet when Manchester City come to town on Saturday.
Lukaku scored 24 goals and provided 10 assists in Serie A last season, emerging as Inter Milan’s trump card in their league triumph. Chelsea, who spent €115million to get his services, want him to have a similar impact in England. The Belgium international has enjoyed a hopeful start to his second Chelsea spell, scoring three goals in four Premier League games this season.
Against an injury-stricken Manchester City, Lukaku might have some joy down the middle, and the former Evertonian must make the chances count. During his time with Everton, Lukaku played 16 matches against City, registering only five goals and an assist.
#1 Harry Kane - Tottenham Hotspur
England and Tottenham Hotspur skipper Harry Kane was determined to leave the club during the summer transfer window. Manchester City were in pole position to secure his services, but Spurs refused to sell their talisman to a direct rival. Out of options, Kane has decided to stay put at the north London club, but his performances so far have been far from satisfactory.
The Tottenham striker has not scored a single goal in the Premier League this season despite making four appearances. His only goal of the campaign came in the EFL Cup, in the third round fixture against Wolves.
Tottenham were comprehensively beaten by Crystal Palace (3-0) and Chelsea (3-0) on matchday four and five, respectively. Hoping to bounce back, Spurs will make the short trip to north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday. The Gunners are three points behind Tottenham at the moment, but they look determined to extend their winning run to three.
Kane, who happens to be one of the best strikers in the league, should be an important player for Tottenham against Arsenal. If he can keep calm and exploit Arsenal’s defensive lapses, Spurs could finally be able to break their losing streak in the division. Kane has played Arsenal 15 times in the league so far, registering 11 goals and three assists.
Also Read: Top 5 predictions for GW 6 of the Premier League
