The Premier League returns this weekend after the international break and promises a lot of excitement with the top half presenting an interesting outlook.

The second international break of the campaign has come to an end and teams are ready to gear up as the Premier League resumes this weekend. Although we are just seven games into the season, a lot has happened since the league's commencement and the excitment is expected to contiue in the coming hours.

The last round of matches before the break saw Manchester United drop a couple of points in the 1-1 draw with Everton at Old Trafford. The result has since left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men two points off league leaders Chelsea who managed a 3-1 win against Southampton. Defending champions Manchester City played out a 2-2 draw with Liverpool in an enthralling encounter at Anfield but pair still find themselves occupying third and second place respectively.

The Premier Legaue table ahead of MD8

 

Top Premier League games to look forward to this weekend

Watford vs Liverpool: Saturday's early kick-off game will present Liverpool the opportunity to finally avenge the painful defeat they suffered against Watford in their Premier League title-winning season in 2020. The Hornet strolled to an emphatic 3-0 win at Vicarage Road to ruin the Reds' remarkable 18-game winning streak although they were relegated. The host approach Claudio Raneiri's first game in charge on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Leeds while the visitors were held to a 2-2 draw against Man City.

Leicester vs Manchester United: Manchester United will aim to get back on track in the Premier League when they go to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face an inconsistent Leicester City. The Red Devils are presently fourth in the rankings, with 14 points from their first seven games of the season, while Leicester are 13th, with only eight points from seven games this season.

Man City vs Burnley: Manchester City will try to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they face Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Last time out, the reigning champions played off a tense 2-2 draw with Liverpool, while Sean Dyche's side could only manage a point against Norwich City.

Brentford vs Chelsea: Chelsea will try to maintain their top spot in the Premier League standings this weekend, but they will have a tough test against a resurgent Brentford in Saturday's London derby. Before the international break, Thomas Tuchel's team cruised through Southampton, while the Bees defeated West Ham United 2-1.

Newcastle vs Tottenham Hotspur: On Sunday afternoon, Newcastle United's new chapter begins on the pitch at St James' Park, as the Magpies welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Tyneside in the Premier League. In the penultimate game of the Mike Ashley era, the hosts were defeated 2-1 by Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Spurs defeated Aston Villa 2-1.

Which Premier League players could be missing this weekend?

Due to the scheduling of CONMEBOL's World Cup Qualifying, up to 16 South American Premier League players could be absent this weekend. 

Arsenal: Granit Xhaka (Knee Injury), Gabriel Martinelli (foot).

Chelsea: Christian Pulisic (Ankle/Foot Injury), Thiago Silva (late reporting), Hakim Ziyech (ankle).

Leicester: Wesley Fofana (Ankle/Foot Injury), James Justin (knee), Wilfred Ndidi (thigh injury), Jonny Evans (Ankle/foot), Jannik Vestergaard (knock).

Liverpool: Curtis Jones (Groin/Hip/Pelvic Injury), Alisson Becker (late return from international duty), Fabinho (late return from international duty), Harvey Elliot (ankle injury), Thiago Alcantara (heel).

Man City: Ferran Torres Garci (ankle/foot Injury), Gabriel Jesus (late return from international duty), Ederson (late return from international duty), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf injury), Ilkay Gundogan (thigh injury), Benjamin Mendy (suspended).

Manchester United: Raphael Varane (Groin/Hip/Pelvic Injury), Amad Diallo Traore (Thigh Injury), Harry Maguire (Calf/Shin/Heel Injury), Fred (late return), Edinson Cavani Gomez (late return).

Full fixture list for MD8 in the Premier League