• Personally, I am not a fan of the international break because you are forced to watch Eastern Europe teams playing in the Nations League which I must say is one of the worst inventions ever made by UEFA.
• Finally, Liverpool’s injury woes are easing and the squad will be more competitive.
Image: HANDOUT
The last ten days have been so difficult for many football lovers. In Kenya, it has been worse for months now.
There are no league matches while the national teams are banned from international competitions following the fallout between the national government and world football governing body Fifa.
Personally, I am not a fan of the international break because you are forced to watch Eastern Europe teams playing in the Nations League which I must say is one of the worst inventions ever made by UEFA.
But, thank heavens we are back for the major leagues just before the Fifa World Cup in November. As usual, we will try to give you some of the insights and titbits on the upcoming English Premier League matches.
This weekend someone must be heard shouting: “Murife don’t run! I am not talking about Manchester United by the way…
Arsenal versus Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday 2:30pm
Prediction 2-1
This is the first North London derby after the death of Queen Elizabeth and be rest assured of fireworks. The hosts are enjoying a good time at the top of the table and are expected to reign supreme in this tie.
Tottenham are already dealing with their own injury issues with attacker Dejan Kulusevski reportedly an injury doubt for Saturday’s encounter. The Swede has been instrumental to Spurs’ good start to the season but he has had to sit on the bench to accommodate Brazil international Richarlison in the starting XI.
Arsenal are also worried about the form of captain Martin Odegaard and will want the former Real Madrid star to be back to his best after a disastrous outing with his country during the international break. Expect Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus to be on the scoresheet.
Liverpool versus Brighton
Saturday 5pm
Prediction 3-1
Finally, Liverpool’s injury woes are easing and the squad will be more competitive. Centre-back Ibrahima Kounate and captain Jordan Henderson are the latest to return to full training. The Reds will be at home and they always run their socks out at their fortress.
Brighton, who have been immaculate this season, will be hoping that new manager Roberto De Zerbi will do the Italian job and grab a victory against the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp, on the other hand, knows that dropping more points means that their title contention will be over before the end of the year. Expect a proper match here... two exciting sides that will definitely not waste your afternoon.
Man City versus Man United
Sunday 4pm
Prediction 3-0
Manchester United beware, the Cytizens are coming for you! At the Etihad, City are unstoppable to say the least. They have a proven goal-scorer in Erling Haaland and his physical battle against United defender Lisandro Martinez should be very interesting.
Martinez has been backed by Manchester United legend Jaap Stam and this might be the dose he just needs ahead of Sunday’s epic duel. This is a game I expect leadership from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes but all the same, it will be back to the drawing board for Erik Ten Hag at the final whistle.