Premier League: Five things to look out for this weekend

A look ahead to another weekend of Premier League action

Claudio Ranieri and Mauricio Pochettino go head-to-head as their two sides meet at White Hart Lane on Saturday (Getty)

Benteke draws swords with old teammates

This will be the first time Christian Benteke lines up against his former teammates since leaving for Selhurst Park in the summer. If the Belgian’s recent form is anything to go by, the Liverpool backline could be in for quite an eventful match. Having endured a frustrating spell at Anfield, the forward has gone on to thrive at Crystal Palace, netting three times for the club in the new term. After being pushed to the periphery under Jurgen Klopp, Benteke now has the opportunity to get his own back.

Former adversaries face off

After the blood, sweat and tears that went into Leicester and Tottenham’s title race last season, the two sides now meet at White Hart Lane on relatively unceremonious ground. Little more than six months ago, Leicester and the Lillywhites were the fiercest of foes as both sides, rather unbelievably, chased down Premier League glory.

Six months later, the two sides face off on Saturday with the dramatic circumstances of their rivalry fading away. It’s a case of back to basics as Claudio Ranieri’s men attempt to steady the ship while Mauricio Pochettino’s team look for their first win in four. Although it may be hard to shake off the symbolism surrounding Saturday’s game, all those involved will be looking forward to what is to come while refusing to dwell on what has been.

Tottenham and Leicester go head-to-head on Saturday (Getty)

Can Everton stop the rot?

The Toffees are without a win in their last five games and are starting to show signs of cracking. Maarten Stekelenburg started the season brightly but a dip in form has suggested that the Dutchman might not be what the fans were after.

Elsewhere within the team, Ross Barkley continues to face criticism for failing to deliver on his potential. Ronald Koeman recently admitted that the Englishman is “no longer a young talent” while former Toffee man Leon Osman stated that the 22-year-old needs more ‘consistency’. Everton face West Ham on Sunday, who have now won their last three games, and a victory would certainly help alleviate mounting concerns.

Ronald Koeman's Everton are stuck in dire straits at the moment (Getty)

Chelsea can't get carried away

After the ecstasy of their 4-0 victory over Manchester United, Chelsea face an altogether different challenge on Sunday as they travel to St Mary’s. Southampton remain unbeaten in the league or cup in their last seven games, having conceded just one goal.

The Saints are proving notoriously difficult to break down, with Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk dominating in recent performances. Up front, Charlie Austin is enjoying a rich vein of form, with seven goals to his name in all competitions. Sunday won’t be easy for Antonio Conte’s players and after the dizzy success of last weekend, the Blues now need to tread carefully.

Chelsea must remain grounded for Sunday's clash with Southampton (Getty)

The gritty reality of English football is kicking in for Guardiola

After City were beaten 1-0 by United on Wednesday, Pep Guardiola slumped to his sixth game without a win – a new and rather unwelcome career for the game’s supposed greatest manager. After the side’s flashy start to the season, the gritty, dirty reality of English football is slowly starting to kick in. The Manchester side travel to West Brom on Saturday in search of their first victory since September but given the Baggies’ propensity for 1-1 draws, don’t be too surprised if all three points once again elude City.