Preview: 3 things to look forward to this weekend

PREMIER LEAGUE Preview: 3 things to look forward to this weekend

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 14:42 - 03.02.2023

The Premier League returns this weekend with the title contenders facing fascinating tests and debut excitement for a host of new faces

Chelsea vs Fulham: New signings galore

Away from their extraordinary exploits in the transfer market that saw them splurge a reported £288 million, Chelsea manager Graham Potter has had a 13-day gap between fixtures to get to work on the training field to try and steady the ship. 

Chelsea boss Graham Potter
Chelsea boss Graham Potter

A lifeless 0-0 draw with Liverpool in their last outing made it just two wins from seven matches since the restart (D2, L3), leaving the Blues ten points adrift of the Premier League top-four. 

Chelsea new signing Mykhailo Mudryk
Chelsea new signing Mykhailo Mudryk

Chelsea lost the reverse fixture 2-1 and Potter will be hoping for a different outcome. There will be high expectations after the club splurged heavily on transfers and fans will be excited to see the likes of new signings Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and possibly Enzo Fernandez in action.

Everton vs Arsenal: Sean Dyche set for baptism of fire 

As the eighth permanent manager of the calamitous Farhad Moshiri era takes his bow at Everton, accompanied by further protests against a board who may or may not be present at Goodison Park.

Everton boss Sean Dyche
Everton boss Sean Dyche

However, the sight of Mikel Arteta patrolling the opposition technical area and leading a stylish Arsenal team with designs on the title will bring fresh torment for the home crowd. 

New boss Sean Dyche couldn't have asked for a worse opening fixture. Everton are in horrendous form and Arsenal are on the opposite end of the spectrum.  

Arsenal are in exceptional form
Arsenal are in exceptional form

Arsenal possess the patience, recruitment strategy and expertise needed for a manager to flourish. All are absent at Everton, and Dyche will face an uphill task in the coming months.

Tottenham vs Man City: Guardiola aims to keep the pressure on Arsenal

Just over two weeks on from playing out a six-goal thriller at the Etihad, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City renew hostilities in Sunday's Premier League clash in North London.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte

Thoughts will be spared for Antonio Conte this week, as the Tottenham boss cedes control of the reins to Cristian Stellini following an operation to remove his gallbladder, having experienced "severe abdominal pain" following last weekend's FA Cup win over Preston.

Guardiola tore into his players after their 4-2 win over Spurs in January and there seems to have been a response as his side have won their last two games since then without conceding.

With Arsenal looking stronger and stronger every week, City have to contine to win to give themselves a chance of capitalising on any Arsenal slip-ups.

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