Ten things to keep an eye out for over this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
With the new Premier League season upon us, anticipation is at an all time high as the stars return from a highly entertaining World cup. It’s a weekend where literally anything could happen, as club’s deploy their new signings into systems they are unfamiliar with it will be a steep learning curve for everyone involved. Here are ten things to look out for as the Premier League returns.
10. Will Romelu Lukaku explode?
For the first time since he came to England, the Belgian striker now has himself as a regular home to operate from and given the chance to settle could become one of the league’s most devastating frontmen. With an opening day encounter against Leicester lined up, the scoreline could look like something more closely resembling a rugby score should the Toffees get off to a flier.
9. We’ll finally be able to see the vanishing spray
…But not for long.
8. Will Big Sam survive the day?
The managerial sack race is already in full swing and a ball hasn’t even been kicked yet. One manager seemingly in danger more than most is Big Sam, who is being reviled by both his own fans and his own bosses. Defeat against Spurs could spell the end of his tempestuous reign, despite the club having backed him financially over the summer.
7. Will the world end if Southampton beat Liverpool?
As Southampton come up against the side that robbed them of all their talent in the first game, questions need to be answered of both sides should the Saints come out victorious. However, prepare for a meltdown of epic proportions on Match of the Day should that happen as Savage, Shearer and whoever else they’ve roped in to replace Alan Hansen lose their heads at the ‘shock result’.
6. Roy Keane might eat somebody
Back on the touchline as Aston Villa’s number two, Keano has kept himself to himself in pre season, but we all know that he’s a ticking time bomb and it won’t be long before he bites someone’s head off and throws it into the crowd. The scary part is that it could be directed at anybody, whether they’re on his side or not.
5. Has Yaya gotten over his birthday blues?
Did they get him a cake, or just a wad of cash? After a weird summer of speculation surrounding the City star, there will be question marks hanging over his commitment to the cause following a dark cloud of speculation surrounding his future. How well he performs on the day will prove a likely indicator of where his head is at.
4. Watch Sanchez go…or not
Gunners fans everywhere will be waiting with baited breath as the Chilean winger makes his debut for the ambitious Gunners. Watch him do something spectacular, or more importantly when he doesn’t, watch Arsenal fans try to keep a lid on their criticism as they feel they can’t say anything for fear of being called ungrateful and not figuring out that not everything goes their way.
3. Sean Dyche losing his voice
Sean Dyche WILL lose his voice, turning him from a gruff east Midlander into the red headed Barry White, whose flaky vocals appear more like audible chocolate. But in all seriousness someone needs to buy him some throat sweets!
2. How long with LVG’s grace period last?
Manchester United may be a different prospect to what they were last season, but they’re not going to be unbeatable. How long will it be before they lose? What if they suffer defeat to at the hands of Swansea? Will the United ‘hardcore’ still stick around for the free prawn sandwiches, or will they leave to go and support a club nearer their own hometown?
1. Bojan Krkic, world beater
If Bojan scores, be prepared for everybody this side of Barcelona saying that he should still be at the Nou Camp and subsequently linking him with every big club aiming to bring the Champions League title to their respective homes. It’s inevitable that he will score at some point (or maybe not) but if he does get off the mark on the opening day, the platitudes and the superlatives will not only be premature, they’ll also be endless.
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