Wan-Bissaka return and Sterling’s Golden Boot credentials - What to watch out for this weekend

As we look ahead to gameweek three of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign we’ve picked out a talking point in each match as the top two go head-to-head and four teams aim to earn their first points.

Aston Villa vs Everton - When does Smith ring the changes?

Two games into their top-flight return and without a point on the board it’s hardly time for panic stations at Aston Villa but Dean Smith must decide when to make further changes to his lineup, starting with the visit of Everton. The coach made just one change against Bournemouth, with summer signing Douglas Luiz replacing Conor Hourihane and having an eventful debut having been culpable for one of the Cherries goals before scoring a screamer himself.

The home fans will hope to see some more new faces in the starting XI on Friday night, with the likes of Frederic Guilbert, Matt Targett, Ezri Konsa and Marvelous Nakamba all yet to feature whatsoever thus far. Meanwhile record signing Wesley will be aiming to open his account for the season against the only side yet to concede in their opening two league matches. 

Norwich vs Chelsea - Can Lampard get a 90 minute performance?

Frank Lampard takes his Chelsea side to face a team in high spirits in Norwich City and knows all too well the threat that the Canaries can pose to his side having faced the Championship winners with Derby last season. His last trip to Carrow Road was a dramatic one as the Rams came from 3-2 down with three minutes to spare to win 4-3 and the Blues coach needs to install that sort of longevity into his new team.

That said, even at Derby Lampard’s high intensity approach generally led to fast starts - no Championship side scored more first half goals last season - before tiring in the second half and that has certainly been true of Chelsea thus far. Up against a Norwich side renowned for scoring late on en route back to the top-flight - with a whopping 31 goals in the final 15 minutes of matches last season - winless Lampard can’t afford for that trend to continue.

Brighton vs Southampton - Former Championship strikers aiming to impress

In different ways it has been a somewhat frustrating start to life in the Premier League for both Neal Maupay and Che Adams. The former hit the ground running for Brighton with a fine goal on debut but is yet to start a match under Graham Potter, while Adams has got the nod in both Southampton matches but is yet to muster as much as a shot on target.

Both players are just 23 and two games into life in their new surroundings but, having scored 47 league goals combined last season (Maupay 25, Adams 22), they will be keen to make their mark on Saturday. With Saints without a point to now, it’s Adams that needs to step up after a strong pre-season and show what he’s really made of.

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace - Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s biggest test to come against former club?

All eyes will be on Aaron Wan-Bissaka up against his old employers following a big money move and he will certainly need to be on top of his game to keep a familiar face quiet. The young full-back has already made a greater impression at Old Trafford than Wilfried Zaha did in an unsuccessful stint in Manchester but he’ll be keen to prove a point and get one over on his former teammate.

Back in the lineup having been dropped to the bench for the opener with Everton, Zaha made his intention to leave Crystal Palace clear in the summer but needs to refocus in order to trouble Wan-Bissaka. He may not always offer the desired end product but Zaha is a nightmare for opposition full-backs and the one tricky winger that the new United defender is yet to face.

Sheffield United vs Leicester - Foxes need to find feet in front of goal

While taking two points from matches against Wolves and Chelsea won’t concern Brendan Rodgers his side’s efficiency in front of goal will have to now. No side has had fewer shots on target than the Foxes this season (four) and they will want to make a faster start than they have to now. It took until the 58th minute for Leicester to hit the target against Chelsea and the 83rd against Wolves, but the fans will expect better against newly promoted Sheffield United.

The Blades have made an impressive start to life back in the Premier League but after meetings with Bournemouth and Palace this will be their toughest assignment back in the big time.

Watford vs West Ham - Will goalless Watford call on Ismaila Sarr?

One of four sides on no points heading into gameweek three, Watford fans will be desperate to see their new club record signing in action against West Ham. The winger returned late from Africa Cup of Nations duty over the summer and didn’t get a pre-season with his new club having arrived on deadline day.

It may be a case of needs must for Javi Gracia, however, with captain Troy Deeney sidelined and his side without a single goal after two matches. Up against the league’s leakiest defence to now - albeit with the Hammers conceding five of six goals against to the champions - something has to give at Vicarage Road and boy would the home fans love to see Sarr on the scoresheet.

Liverpool vs Arsenal - Expect another goal fest at Anfield

There’s little doubt as to the game of the weekend in England as the Premier League’s only remaining teams with faultless records go head-to-head at Anfield. Recent meetings between the two on Merseyside in particular have certainly lived up to the hype, with Liverpool earning the bragging rights of late following three convincing wins.

In fact, the Reds are unbeaten in six home games against Arsenal, winning four and scoring a whopping 22 goals in that time. With Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all already off the mark the hosts will be confident of doing more damage, but the same can also be said of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, who could be joined in the starting XI for the first time by Nicolas Pepe. *Rubs hands*

Bournemouth vs Manchester City - Sterling’s bid for Golden Boot continues against favourite foe

Two games down and four goals into the new Premier League season, Raheem Sterling has started as he’ll mean to go on and this weekend’s opponents will have the England international licking his lips.The City star has scored more times against Bournemouth - ten in eight appearances - than any other team in his career and will be aiming to move clear in the early running for the Golden Boot.

With Pep Guardiola already seeming more likely to offer Gabriel Jesus more game time in rotation with Sergio Aguero this season, Sterling will fancy his chances of ending the campaign as the champions top scorer. After a lightning fast start a player who was often criticised for a lack of composure in front of goal has a real shot at silencing any remaining detractors once and for all.

Wolves vs Burnley - Can Wolves succeed where Clarets couldn’t

Up to now, with solid draws against tough opposition in Leicester and Manchester United, Wolves have coped admirably to juggle their Europa League qualifying commitments. With one tough double header remaining against Torino - the first leg of which is played ahead of the visit of Burnley - to negotiate, Nuno will be keen to get a first league win on the board between said meetings with the Italian outfit.

It’s fitting that the clash in question is against a Burnley side that fell at the final hurdle of qualifying for the same tournament this time last year, with Wolves unquestionably better equipped for the schedule that may await them. It will, therefore, be interesting to see where the coach’s priorities lie this week and whether the hosts might rest players this Sunday.

Tottenham vs Newcastle - Welcome back, Son!

While Tottenham will have been delighted to take a point from the champions on their turf last weekend, it’s been clear in both of their matches to date that the team has not been at its best, particularly in attack. It took 73 minutes to break Aston Villa’s resolve in their opener while Spurs had only three shots as they somehow escaped from the Etihad with a draw.

The return, then, of Son Heung-Min from suspension is a huge boost to Mauricio Pochettino, who must now decide who will miss out on a place in the lineup assuming the South Korean comes straight into the starting XI as expect. It was Son that scored a late winner in this fixture last season, while both Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura were on the scoresheet last week.