Premier League. Game Week 5 – Copybet
The Premier League fixture computer has thrown up some mouth-watering games this weekend, with a derby contest and a clash between two expected title challengers among the many highlights.
Liverpool against Everton usually does not disappoint and the 247th Merseyside derby will get Game Week 5 up and running on Saturday lunchtime, while later that same day Manchester United and Chelsea will do battle at Old Trafford.
Sunday's highlight comes from the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal and Manchester City will clash in the latest instalment of their ever-growing rivalry.
Liverpool vs Everton
Defending champions Liverpool have made a perfect start to their title defence, registering four wins from as many matches, but they have tended to leave things late, scoring the decisive goals in the 83rd, 88th, 95th and 100th minutes of their top-flight games.
The Reds also needed a 92nd-minute Virgil van Dijk goal to beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League during the week and that 3-2 success represented the fourth time already this season that they have conceded twice in a game.
That should give Everton confidence they can get on the scoresheet at Anfield, especially as they have made a strong start to the season, collecting seven points from their opening four games and putting three past Wolves in their last away fixture.
However, scoring may be as good as it gets for the Toffees, who have only won once at the home of their city rivals this century, while boss David Moyes has never triumphed at Anfield in the league in 20 previous attempts as a manager.
Wolves vs Leeds United
Wolves are the only side yet to pick up a point this season, while Leeds have not scored a league goal since their opening match of the campaign and even that was a penalty against Everton.
Creating chances seems to be a problem for both these sides, as Wolves hold the lowest xG in the division (2.63) and have also fired off the fewest shots (23), while the Whites have only had one more effort and have managed just eight strikes on target since returning to the top-flight.
Whichever way you look at it, this Molineux match-up is unlikely to be a classic and supporters in attendance may be lucky to see one goal.
Bournemouth vs Newcastle United
Bournemouth have started the season in impressive fashion, winning three of their opening four league games, and they could be facing Newcastle at exactly the right time following the Magpies' midweek efforts against Barcelona in the Champions League.
The Cherries certainly have nothing to fear heading into this clash at the Vitality Stadium, as they are unbeaten in their last six top-flight meetings with Newcastle and claimed an impressive 4-1 win when the teams last locked horns at St James’ Park in January.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has not enjoyed recent meetings with his former club and this could be another tough trip to the south coast for the Magpies, who have just one league win to their name this season.
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Another low-scoring clash this weekend could come at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland entertain an Aston Villa side that are the only team yet to score a top-flight goal this season.
Villa did break their duck in their midweek EFL Cup clash with Brentford, but even then it was a goalkeeping error that allowed Harvey Elliott to get on the scoresheet.
Unai Emery's side ended up losing that game on penalties, further denting morale, and they may not get any change out of a Sunderland team that have won both their home matches in the league since returning to the top-flight.
The Black Cats also showed plenty of defensive resolve to draw 0-0 at Crystal Palace last time out and this could be another tight contest where goals are at a premium.