As the English Premier League enters Gameweek 4, fans have gathered enough knowledge to figure out what to expect going forward. Only Liverpool, Everton and Leicester City have won maximum points from the first three games, and judging by the look of things, it is expected to be a similar story this weekend too. The new week, meanwhile, brings another round of exciting league fixtures and here, we pick out two games that are worth keeping a close eye on.
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United taking on Tottenham Hotspur has always been a close affair, to say the least. The two teams always try to get at each other's neck, and if history is anything to go by, the spectators are on the verge of yet another spectacular contest. The two teams are evenly poised in their last five Premier League encounters, with both winning two apiece and drawing one. Since 2013, however, Tottenham have registered just two victories at Old Trafford, which includes a 3-0 routing in 2018 when Jose Mourinho was in charge of the Red Devils.
Both teams have endured a difficult start to the 2020/21 season, and United especially, who conceded five in just two games already. Tottenham, on the other hand, have shipped four in three, but they have also scored six in the process (five of them came against Southampton).
Watch out for:
Harry Kane: Tottenham striker Harry Kane hasn't enjoyed a great run of form against Manchester United, scoring a solitary goal in his last five outings, but judging by his returns in the 2020/21 season, expect United defenders to have a hard time. The England striker has assisted five times this season; a figure that he previously matched in his last 55 league appearances. Only in 2016-17 (7) had he assisted more in any full season. Expect another important contribution from the England skipper.
Leeds United vs Manchester City
It's the guru against the prodigy on Saturday.
The last time Manchester City crossed swords with Leeds United in the Premier League, the blue half of Manchester were defeated 2-1 following Mark Viduka's late penalty in 2004. A lot has changed since. A LOT! City have won 11 major trophies since. All that, however, will be put to rest when Pep Guardiola will line his team against Marcelo Bielsa, the man he grew up idolising. City, who defeated Wolves 3-1 in the opening weekend, were thrashed by Leicester City 5-2 on Tuesday and judging by how Leeds have been so far, expect it to be another close encounter.
In their three Premier League fixtures so far, Leeds have scored eight goals. And while their attacking unit has been superb, their defence has been breached seven times already, meaning that City are highly tipped to score at least once.
Watch out for:
Patrick Bamford: A goal against Sheffield United last Sunday made Leeds striker Patrick Bamford the first player in Leeds United's history to score in his first three top-flight appearances for the club. The 27-year-old marksman has been an absolute poacher and his form is rightly expected to hit City at one point of time. If Leeds are to take anything positive from the game, Bamford will have to be at his best.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Glyn Kirk
