FRIDAY 5IVER: Rashford’s redemption, Kane’s consistency and more from the Premier League!

It has been an action-packed return to league action post-Qatar.

Liverpool recorded a 2-1 victory over Leicester without any of their players finding the back of the net. Brentford went undefeated against Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool, scoring two or more goals on each occasion. Southampton have lost their previous six league outings, but sent Manchester City crashing out of the Carabao Cup!

I for one can’t wait to see what drama unfolds this weekend which sees two of the biggest derbies in the English game take place. Ahead of this round of fixtures, no topflight club is on a longer winning streak than Erik Ten Haag’s Manchester United (4). The Dutch tactician will have his work cut out for him, as Pep’s Citizens put six past their not-so-noisy neighbours in the reverse fixture.

A draw in that one will suit Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal just fine. The table-topping Gunners are currently unbeaten in their previous 5 fixtures, across all competitions, winning four of those.

If there’s one thing I know, form means nothing in these fixtures and it’s all to play for! Let’s get stuck in!

Wasteful Bailey must find shooting boots at Villa 

Leon Bailey is one half of an attacking duo that Unai Emery has put forth since assuming the reins at Aston Villa. In his new position, Bailey has attempted seven shots across his previous three league outings, missing 2 big chances (including a shocker against Wolves). During that period, he created three chances and attempted 31 ground duels. There is some history between these managers. Emery’s Villarreal outfit dispatched Marsch’s RB Salzburg team 4-1 over aggregate in the 2020/21 edition of the Europa League.