Expectations are high as the English Premier League enters its day four this weekend.
Fans and followers of the English top flight have undoubtedly received some shocks of their lives from some matches played so far.
It is widely believed that the Premier League is full of surprises and the 2022-23 season has not disappointed.
For instance, we have watched as league giants Manchester United suffer heavy defeat in the hands of Brentford, which was a follow up to the opening day defeat to Brighton. A 4-0 defeat to Brentford was indeed shocking to Red Devils’ supporters.
Also very shocking was Chelsea’s 3-0 mauling in the hands of Leeds United. The Blues had expected to win this game to go second in the table, but it ended up a shocking result with Chelsea falling at Elland Road with Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo Moreno and Jack Harrison getting the goals.
Manchester City also had to come from behind to manage a 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, having fallen 3-1 in the early minutes of the game, while Liverpool, who were widely tipped to beat struggling Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were shocked at Old Trafford.
These results tell how unpredictable the Premier League has become and fans should expect more of these shocks and surprises as the season progresses.
The weekend begins with early kick-off between Southampton and Manchester United so let’s takes a look at some Day-Four matches that could spring surprises to fans.
Southampton take on Manchester United, Chelsea go up against Leicester City at home, Brighton welcome Leeds United, Manchester City tackle Crystal Palace at the Etihad, it’s Liverpool against Bournemouth, Brentford and Everton throw tackles, while Arsenal welcome Fulham at the Emirates in a London derby.
Other matches are Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Newcastle United, Aston Villa vs West Ham United and Nottingham Forest’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The five matches that could prove shocking this weekend include Manchester United’s clash away to Southampton, Chelsea’s home game against Leicester City, Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham, Liverpool game against Bournemouth and Arsenal vs Fulham.
Arsenal vs Fulham:
Arsenal have started the season brightly, winning all three matches to stay top of the Premier League table with nine points. But Premier League new comers, Fulham could spring surprises.
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham:
While Spurs is expected to run away with all three points from this one, Nottingham Forest have shown that they want to remain in the top-flight at the end of the season. After losing their first game to Newcastle United, they have been able to win one and drew one of their last two matches.
Chelsea vs Leicester City:
Chelsea were defeated 3-0 in their last weekend game against Leeds United and may not have recovered fully to face Leicester City who are also seeking for their win of the season. Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester may see this as an opportunity to shock Thomas Tuchel’s Blues this weekend.
Liverpool vs Bournemouth:
Supporters of the Reds have already seen the game against Bournemouth as an opportunity for their team to win their first league game of the season. The Premier League new comers may also want to begin their fight for survival with this game. Liverpool have not started the season as title contenders, drawing with Fulham and Crystal Palace before losing 2-1 to Manchester United.
Southampton vs Manchester United:
Manchester United bounced back from their previous poor results to beat Liverpool on Monday night and while their fans may wait for the lunch time kick-off with excitement, thinking the turn-around has begun, Southampton could spoil the show. After their 4-1 defeat to Tottenham, the Saints drew 2-2 with Leeds and beat Leicester City 2-1 at the King Power.
