English Premier League football is all set to make a return as the FIFA World Cup 2022 has already come to an end. Argentina became 3-time World champions after beating defending champions France by 4-2 on penalties. After the conclusion of the biggest sporting event in the globe, club football will be back for business.
Among the top 5 Leagues, the English Premier League will start before any other league in Europe and all the clubs will play their matches from December 26th onwards. Due to the mid-season World cup, all the top European clubs had the time re-think their strategies and play friendlies around the world.
Several clubs will treat the mid-season break as another pre-season preparation and many players who were not in the World cup might have benefited as well. Some big names from the Premier League like Erling Haaland, Mohammed Salah, Martin Odegaard and Jorginho missed the tournament after their national teams failed to qualify for the World cup.
These players in particular will be rejuvenated and motivated to go for it once again. Before the Premier League resumes, there are 5 things you must remember before Brentford square off against Tottenham Hotspur for the first PL fixture after the World cup.
1. Can Erling Haaland continue his scoring spree? – One of the hottest strikers around Europe and World, Erling Haaland is also one of the most feared strikers. The 21-year-old is already the highest goal scorer in the league with 18 goals in just 13 appearances for the PL champions. He was looking in supreme form in England as well as in Europe. Although there are several areas that he will need to work upon, so that he can fully fit into Guardiola’s system. Before he arrived at the Etihad Stadium, City were playing without a recognized goal machine who can convert every single opportunity into goal. But they were still able to win the PL trophy and City looked even more dangerous ever since Haaland came in. He has already scored 3 hat-tricks and with Julian Alvarez joining the team in a few weeks after his well deserved vacation, Manchester City will be back for the title charge and hope to defend Premier League.
"Erling Haaland will end the season with ____ goals" 🎯#PLReturns pic.twitter.com/0Spmxq7Lum
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 20, 2022
2. Can Arsenal keep their form going? – Arsenal are looking like the only club at the moment which can challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title. They are currently leading the standings with 37 points, 5 more than the defending champions. Mikel Arteta’s side are having their best start of the season since 2013. Arteta has transformed Arsenal really well and the team has come a long way from missing out of the top 4 last season to leading the points table. They have lost only one fixture until now against Manchester United but other than that, the Gunners are looking bright. They signed Fabio Viera, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksander Zinchenko. Jesus alongside Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have formed a lethal attacking front with Jesus scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists. Bukayo Saka’s form will also be very crucial if the gunners are to challenge City for the title. Saka has the second highest (6) 3 behind Kevin De Bruyne (9). Emile Smith Rowe is also going to return after a lengthy injury recovery. It will be very simple for Arteta – go match by match and give their level best as they will look to reach the last stages of Europa League as well.
⚽️ | PL: Arsenal 🔴⚪️
Some stats from Arsenal’s record start:
🔢Points: 37/42
⚽️Goals: Odegaard (6)
🅰️Assists: Saka (6)
🥾Touches: Saliba (1 056)
🎯Shots on Target: Jesus (20)
⚔️Duels won: Jesus (108
🏃♂️Penalty Box Entries: Martinelli (84)#AFC #COYG pic.twitter.com/m4rKwIcmGt— Punch Drunk Sport (@PunchSport) December 21, 2022
3. Will Newcastle United finish within the Top 4? – Ever since Newcastle United were bought by their Saudi Owners, the team has under went massive transformation under Eddie Howe. Alongside Arsenal, Newcastle are the only side that has lost only once this season. The Magpies are currently 2 points behind the reigning champions and 5 points behind the league leaders at the 3rd spot with 30 points. Under Howe, Newcastle United were playing relentlessly well in terms of defense as well as attack. With most of their players not playing in the World cup other than Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimares, the team will be ready to go once again and challenge the monopoly set by the Big 6. Miguel Almiron was also looking in fine touch before the break and Eddie Howe will hope that his players come back fresh.
Also Read – FIFA World Cup 2022 : Combined XI of the Best performers
