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Last weekend, the 2021-22 Premier League season marked its fourth gameweek with plenty of eye-catching moments. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the pitch in Manchester United colors for his re-debut against Newcastle United and scored a brace. Arsenal, who were without a win in their first three matches, celebrated their first goal and victory. Manchester City recorded a slender 1-0 win at Leicester City. Both Chelsea and Liverpool returned to winning ways with 3-0 wins over Aston Villa and Leeds United, respectively.
The fifth matchday of the English Premier League promises plenty of unpredictability and excitement. Today, we will evaluate the list of fixtures and give you our top five predictions for the upcoming weekend. Let's get started!
#5 Liverpool and Manchester City to register routine wins
Last week both Liverpool and Manchester City managed to secure maximum points away from home. While Liverpool won 3-0 against a 10-man Leeds United, City beat Leicester at the King Power Stadium. This week, too, we expect them to add three points to their respective tallies.
Manchester City, who won 6-3 against RB Leipzig in their Champions League fixture, are welcoming a struggling Southampton to town. The Saints have not yet registered a single win and are likely to have a hard time containing Pep Guardiola’s side. City, who have scored 10 goals and conceded only one in the 2021-22 Premier League season, have the best goal difference in the league (10).
Liverpool, on the other hand, will play Crystal Palace on Saturday at Anfield. Palace secured their first Premier League win of the season on the last matchday, beating leaders Tottenham Hotspur 3-0. However, we do not expect to see lightning strike twice.
#4 Manchester United to face stiff challenge from West Ham United
Courtesy of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard, Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 4-1 home win against Newcastle United on matchday four. Manchester United struggled a bit in the first half, but a Ronaldo goal right in the dying minutes of the half pulled them ahead. Newcastle did come back for a few minutes in the second 45, but did not have enough steel to keep the Red Devils contained.
United are making the trip to West Ham United this weekend but could find it difficult to play with the same ease. Manchester United also suffered a shock defeat to Young Boys in their midweek Champions League fixture, which has most certainly ruffled some feathers.
Unfortunately for the hosts, their top scorer Michail Antonio was sent off in the Premier League clash against Southampton. But even without Antonio, West Ham United have enough firepower to give Manchester United a fight. The clash between Paul Pogba and Declan Rice has the potential to become the focal point of Premier League gameweek 5.
#3 Arsenal to have another uncomfortable night at Burnley
Premier League matchday four finally brought some good news for Arsenal supporters. The Gunners, who were without a single goal and win in their first three league games, finally opened their account at home to Norwich City. Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang popped up with the goal, but Arsenal were far from convincing over the 90 minutes.
They will face Burnley at Turf Moor this week. The hosts for Saturday’s fixture have been horrendous in the Premier League so far, which, we believe, is a double-edged sword. As the Clarets have only picked up a single point in the league thus far, they will be desperate to make a statement against Arsenal.
The Gunners are overwhelming favorites for the fixture, but we are unsure whether they are ready for the pressure. We still expect Mikel Arteta’s team to bag maximum points, but we do not foresee them getting through it without a couple of scares.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo to maintain his goalscoring streak
Capping off weeks of anticipation, Cristiano Ronaldo marked his Premier League return against Newcastle United last weekend in front of a packed Old Trafford stadium. The "Theater of Dreams" was full of joy, optimism, and chants for their veteran goalscorer, who had returned to the club that created him. Ronaldo took a few minutes to adjust to the pace of the match and then scored Manchester United’s opener just before the half-time whistle.
He added another goal in the second half, which all but ensured maximum points for the hosts. Over the week, he featured for Manchester United in their Champions League group stage fixture against BSC Young Boys. The Portugal international got on the scoresheet but could not save United from a humiliating defeat away from home.
With three goals in two matches, Ronaldo is enjoying a hot streak at the moment. This weekend’s opponent, West Ham United, have a considerably better back-line and could make life a little more difficult for Ronaldo. However, given the form he is in, we are not willing to bet against the three-time Premier League winner.
#1 London derby to go down to the wire
A promising north London club going up against the west London giants - Sunday’s London derby has the potential to be this gameweek’s most exciting encounter. Chelsea, who won 3-0 against Aston Villa last weekend, are in better shape but it would be foolish to rule Tottenham Hotspur out.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were flying high until last weekend’s shock 3-0 Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace. The north London outfit even failed to win against Rennes in midweek’s Europa League fixture, settling for a 2-2 draw. Following two sub-par showings, Spurs will be desperate to return to form in the Premier League this week.
Spurs talisman Harry Kane has not been at his best so far, which will make him doubly determined to prove himself against the Blues. Chelsea, on the other hand, have an in-form Romelu Lukaku leading their charge and will fancy themselves bringing in three points from their trip to Tottenham.
All in all, this fixture has all the ingredients of being a nail-biter, and we cannot wait for the ball to roll this Sunday afternoon.
