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Four things to look out for this weekend

By on September 12, 2014

For better or worse, International break happened.
Excuse me, let me re-phrase that: for the worse, international break happened. They were already bad, especially everybody had just settled into the weekend routine of Premier League football again, but the release of the new Euro 2016 qualifying and finals format kind of made the whole entire thing kind of pointless anyway. Yes, we’ve been moaning on and on about it, but you have my word the minute Arsenal-Manchester City kicks off this weekend we’ll shut up about it. Then, you’ll have to tune into Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City’s fans grieve about the whole thing because Diego Costa, Aaron Ramsey, Daniel Sturridge, and Steven Jovetic all picked up minor knocks while away and won’t be able to participate in the action this weekend. And yes, three of those are their respective team’s top scorers.

At least it gave teams not affected by the break a few extra days to settle into their new sides following the close of the transfer window, or those nursing injuries some time to recover without the rush of deciding if they are fit to play every weekend. Humph. Fine, it wasn’t that bad, and at least we saw some interesting matches – a replay of the World Cup final and France beat Spain 1-0.

Never fear, Balotelli is here!
For while Brendan Rodgers himself has been complaining about Sturridge’s knock, it is somewhat shadowed by the fact that Mario Balotelli will now be able to shine by himself up front in his highly anticipated home debut this weekend. Liverpool fans can at least thank the break for allowing Balotelli, not included in Italy’s squad, an extra week-and-a-half to settle back into life back in Northern England. It will probably be no time before he goes back to his old habits of setting his house on fire, throwing darts at youth players, and randomly driving up to schools to use their restrooms. Oh, and hopefully scoring some goals, too.

Meanwhile, a few more injuries will also leave Liverpool new boys Rickie Lambert, Lazar Markovic, and Adam Lallana chances to shine as they face Aston Villa.

Welbeck still on Manchester United’s side.
Danny Welbeck left Manchester United for Arsenal in a controversial deadline day signing, which people from both parties seem to, and have even admitted in some cases, about having second thoughts about the deal. If Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger weren’t away on holiday he confirmed that the deal probably wouldn’t have gone through, while basically everybody who supports the English national team is criticizing United for selling. And while Welbeck only just left, he will still be rooted for by his former club as Arsenal face Manchester City in a game that is expected to be his debut in Arsenal colors.

It is make or break time for Manchester United, Burnley, and more.
Manchester United have only played three league games so far this season, facing Swansea City, Sunderland, and Burnley, three easily win-able games, but have already dropped seven points. Now, with two weeks to regain their composure and get back on track, beating Queens Park Rangers at home will be crucial for any remaining hopes of Champions League football. Marcos Rojo and deadline day signings Daley Blind and Falcao will finally be able to debut alongside Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Pesie, and Juan Mata – a win against a QPR side who lost 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in their last match on the road will be critical for club morale. With a win, maybe their outlook will change, considering their squad is considerably better than it was the last time they played.

For everybody, really, it will be a big tell-tale sign of their season to come, with the transfer window now closed and any start-of-the-season jitters out. Burnley, for instance, will finally be able to play a win-able match, having faced both of the league’s current two leaders as well as Manchester United in their first three matches. Facing Crystal Palace, who have had a nearly identical start to Burnley (and currently tied with The Clarets on points at the bottom of the table), and with deadline day signing George Boyd to boost their attack that has yet to score (their only goal so far has come from a midfielder), a result is a must. And if they care to think about their start to the season on a bright note, it is almost as good as Manchester United’s.

Seriously, though, this weekend poses must wins of not just those two, but Palace, Newcastle United, Everton, and more. It could be a season defining weekend for everybody – with another win Chelsea could further widen their gap over all of their title opponents as Manchester City face Arsenal.

About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.