Liverpool have it all to do against Manchester United and incredible records in futility for Arsenal and Tottenham… seven things to look out for in the Premier League this weekend
Domestic football is finally back, with ten games spread across three days to look forward to... here's what to keep an eye on
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AFTER what feels like a lifetime, the Premier League is finally back.
Following two weeks of international action, domestic football returns to our screens with a hatful of exciting games to sink our teeth into.
Liverpool and Manchester United are set to get our weekend going with a bang in the Premier League curtain-raiser at 12.30pm on Saturday.
Six further games follow on the day, including games for Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, plus two Sunday games and one Monday night special.
With that in mind, here are seven incredible things to keep an eye on this weekend...
1. LIVER SHOT
LIVERPOOL go into their game with Manchester United with the odds stacked against them.
As well as losing star man Sadio Mane to injury, the Reds know they haven't beaten their fierce rivals in their last six Premier League games, losing FOUR.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho's men have won three and lost just one of their past five trips to Anfield in the league - keeping clean sheets in their last two.
While Jurgen Klopp is under increasing pressure at Liverpool, incredibly both clubs have earned 88 points since Mourinho took over in 2016.
In that span Liverpool have scored 16 more goals, but conceded an extra 23, so expect goals as the teams battle for North-West supremacy.
2. ROY'S RAGE
CRYSTAL PALACE have been utterly appalling this season, there can be no doubts about that.
However, things are only set to get worse as they host Premier League champions Chelsea on Saturday.
The Eagles are currently on the second-longest run in minutes without scoring from the start of the season in Football League history.
Their 630-minute drought is behind only Halifax in 1990-91 (730 minutes) in the fourth tier of English football.
Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson will be desperate to stop the losing run... having NEVER lost his opening four games in charge of a new team in the Premier League.
3. STERLING EFFORT
MANCHESTER CITY have been a truly unstoppable force so far this season, racking up monster win after monster win.
In fact, should they win by five or more goals against Stoke on Saturday, it would be their THIRD home thumping in a row.
The only other team to manage that astounding feat were Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea back in 2010.
While stars such as Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane take the plaudits, Raheem Sterling has arguably been the star man.
The English forward has netted five goals in his last five Premier League games... from just SEVEN shots on target in 2017-18.
4. KAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?
IT'S a mixed bag for Tottenham this weekend, with the good news being they've never lost to Bournemouth in the league.
However, they could set a new record for home futility at Wembley on Saturday...
Spurs could become the first team in the history of the Football League to win all four of their away games while failing to win in any of their first four at home.
Part of their struggles appear to rest on Harry Kane's shoulders too.
All 13 of the England man's last Premier League goals have come away from home, while failing score with any of his 22 shots at Wembley this season.
5. ROAD GUNNER
WHILE Spurs can't get it done at home, it's the exact opposite for North London rivals Arsenal, who are truly woeful on the road.
In their three away games this season, the Gunners have failed to score a single goal at Chelsea, Liverpool or Stoke.
Arsenal haven’t failed to score in their opening four away league games of a season since 1936-37.
In fact, the last time the Gunners failed to score in four consecutive away league games in the same season was in December 1992 under George Graham.
Meanwhile, Saturday's opponents Watford are enjoying their best-ever Premier League start with 12 points.
However, the Hornets are winless at home themselves... with all signs pointing to a draw at Vicarage Road.
6. TOFFEES' SWEET RELIEF
EVERTON have had a tough season so far... having spent around £150million this summer, Ronald Koeman's men sit a lowly 16th.
However, the Toffees have faced a host of tough teams, including Man United, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Now they have the chance to get a crucial win when they take on Brighton on Sunday.
Everton have only lost ONE of their last 19 games against newly-promoted clubs 0 against Burnley in 2016.
The game on the south coast will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since 1983... with the Merseysiders winning that one 2-1.
7. SAINTS SINGING IN TOON
IN Sunday's other game, Newcastle make the long trip to the St Mary's Stadium to take on Southampton... a journey they famously despise.
In fact, the Saints have won more Premier League games in total (15) and at home (12) against the Toon than against any other team.
On top of that, Newcastle have failed to keep an away clean sheet against Southampton in each of their last 26 GAMES.
While Rafa Benitez has enjoyed great success as a manager in his career, he has never picked up a single point at St Mary's.
The Spaniard has lost there with Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle...
