Warne: English Premier League Storms Back After International Break

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Thank goodness the international break is over. As the EPL returns after a weekend break we see players returning from near and far after representing their various countries.

Clubs will be assessing fitness and the added concern of players testing positive for COVID-19. There are some reports that a few players have unfortunately tested positive, and as they self isolate, it’s an opportunity for others to step in and make their mark.

Catch Man City take on Arsenal on Saturday, live on KSL 5 with a 10:30 a.m. kick-off.

𝗠𝗪𝟱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? 👇

Everton ❓-❓ Liverpool
Chelsea ❓-❓ Southampton
Man City ❓-❓ Arsenal
Newcastle ❓-❓ Man Utd

Sheff Utd ❓-❓ Fulham
Crystal Palace ❓-❓ Brighton
Spurs ❓-❓ West Ham
Leicester ❓-❓ Aston Villa

West Brom ❓-❓ Burnley
Leeds ❓-❓ Wolves

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 16, 2020

As the transfer window slammed shut on October 5, I should remind you that clubs can still bring in and move players on between EFL and EPL clubs until this coming Friday the 16.

We were left in awe of Spurs thumping 6-1 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, only to be upstaged a couple of hours later by Aston Villa, who absolutely throttled reigning champions, Liverpool, 7-2 at Villa Park.

And with that…

Everton v. Liverpool

Absolutely the match of the weekend that you can catch for the early kickoff on Saturday morning, a 5:30 a.m. kick off on NBCSN. The Merseyside Derby with a different feel to the build up in this one.

For years Evertonians have dreaded this fixture, such was the gap in expectations but a blistering start by the Toffee’s, sees them sit top of the league after four wins from four games.

Everton look good in all areas for the most part. Carlo Ancellotti has instilled a belief and discipline that we haven’t seen, dare I say, since the mid-’80s and they’re doing it whilst playing some really attractive soccer.

'The return of Sadio Mane is a timely and very welcome boost'@adrianjclarke casts a watchful eye over the @LFC attacker 👉 https://t.co/fUWtNoWI3g pic.twitter.com/esEChpBkIQ

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 16, 2020

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, Everton spent really well in the transfer market, acquiring James Rodriguez from Real Madrid. I said it was a risk, but a calculated one. The risk is not connected to questions about his ability, but more to do with a severe lack of playing soccer recently, and moving to a new country, where the game moves a little quicker. He has been fantastic and a delight to watch. He, along with Richarlison, have provided England new boy (scored on his England debut against Wales), Dominic Calvert-Lewin the platform to help his and Everton’s blistering start, sitting joint top in the scoring charts with six goals through the first four rounds.

They have been slick and powerful and thoroughly deserve to be where they are but they come up against the champions and neighbors, Liverpool, who will be looking to right the ship after a horrendous performance last time around. In that last game against Villa, Thiago and Sadio Mane were absent after testing positive for COVID-19 (they’ll be missing Shaqiri and Keita who tested positive on international duty) but they are back in full training as of Monday.

It’s a welcome return, Liverpool are adjusting to the media hype on them as champions and it’s been a so-so start in defending their crown. The once solid backline has struggled, not just this season; there were signs towards season’s end of their championship run and they’re coming up against a very good frontline who will prey on any hesitation. What they do have though, is a front line that is, for the most part, still the envy of the EPL. Sadio Mane was in fine form with three goals and Mo Salah leading the LFC scoring charts with five.

This is going to be a good one, you’ll see a little more frantic soccer, as both teams will be looking for bragging rights in the city. Carlo against Jurgen. We all deserve this, and at Goodison Park, behind closed doors, there won’t be as much pressure for the Blues.

Prediction: This will most likely end in a draw, but however the score falls, it will be well worth setting an early Saturday morning alarm. Thunderous tackling and anything less than 100 percent effort won’t be tolerated.

Tottenham Hotspur v. West Ham United

This match is also a cracker to look forward to at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 9:30 a.m. with NBCSN your channel of choice.

Spurs were great in their 6-1 victory against Man United two weeks ago, and after a turgid opening match of the season, have looked anything but since. The attacking talent and squad depth on show has been in full force, scoring 12 goals in their opening four matches and conceding just five and this is unlikely to let up, as the news of loan signing, Gareth Bale, back in full training in his second spell at the club.

Welcome to Spurs, Joe Rodon! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿#WelcomeRodon ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/dtDgj0Ju0b

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 16, 2020

The speed of this team is incredible and the options they have with regards to depth is amazing. Kane, Son, Lamela, Alli, Bale, Moura and Bergwijn. All of whom can interchange. You’ll be hard pressed to see so many impressive attacking options anywhere else in the EPL. Jose Mourinho’s team is taking shape, with their defensive shape is equally impressive.

West Ham will come to Spurs on a high themselves. The opening two losses made you think that this was going to be another long old season for the Hammers, but really impressive wins against Wolves, and then two weeks ago another impressive display on the road against Leicester City, resulting in a 3-0 win. West Ham have relied on converted (usually a winger) #9, Michail Antonio.

The Hammers have adopted a 5-4-1 formation this season to help stifle the number of goals they’ve shipped in over the years, and after the opening four games, they’ve only let in four, scoring eight. One plus is that Jarrod Bowen, the right-winger who arrived in January from Championship side Hull City, continues to impress and grow into a well established EPL player. He is a goal threat, and from the right-hand side, has caused all manner of problems for the left-hand side of opposing teams’ defenses. His pace and trickery will be ones to watch out for.

Seeing as this is an all London affair, much like the other game in this article, there should be plenty of thumping challenges and yellow cards. The frantic pace will be enjoyable, as we kick back and watch Spurs and the Hammers kick lumps out of each other. Whilst both teams are in impressive form, I’ll give the edge to the home side, as Mourinho seems to see the starting fruits of his labors and his style is starting to shine.

Prediction: It’ll be a closely contested match, but Spurs will run out winners.

Until next week…Keep an eye out for any late arrivals personnel-wise. Looking at you West Ham and Tottenham fans.