Players are returning to the Premier League after 14 days for World Cup Qualifier matches, and players will rejoin their respective clubs for weekend matches.

World Cup qualifier matches are over now. Some teams qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and others did not. That said, Barclays Premier League is returning next weekend with more action on the field. The top Manchester clubs will look forward to continuing their excellent form. Meanwhile, the teams struggling with consistency will look forward to making some adjustments to win the games.

Next weekend, Liverpool will be hosting their arch rivals, Man United, whereas Crystal Palace will be looking forward to halting the worst start in the Premier League. Here are five things to watch out in the eighth round of Barclays Premier League.

Can Man City unlock Stoke’s defense?

League leaders, Man City, will host Stoke City at Etihad Stadium. Man City is currently at the top of the points table with 19 points and six wins in seven games. City's local rivals, Man United is right behind them with same points, 19, but with less goal difference. Man City has to register a win against Stoke City to keep the pressure on their local rivals.

Stoke City is a team who performs defensively best against top teams.

They played a 2-2 draw a few weeks ago against Man United. They can do the same with Man City with their effective defensive game.

Will the Eagles stop Chelsea from making a record?

The Blues will play an away game at Crystal Palace. Chelsea is currently at the fourth spot on the points table with 13 points, behind their rivals Man City, Man United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea lost their last game against league leaders Man City, and it cost them in losing their third spot to Tottenham Hotspur. The game against the Eagles will play a vital role in their title chase, and if the Eagles succeed to halt the blues at a draw or if the Eagles win the game, then it’d be a significant loss to defending champions.

The game is must-win for the Eagles because they’re infamous right now in the Premier League for the worst start after failing to win any of their Premier League matches so far. The Eagles currently sit rock bottom on the points table with zero points after the seventh round of the Premier League. If the Blues beats the Eagles in the next round match, then it’ll be a new record for the worst start in the Premier League.

Man United will battle to win three points at Anfield

Liverpool will host their arch-rivals Man United at Anfield. The 2017/18 Premier League saga will continue with this cracking game. Liverpool is struggling this season so severely with their defense. Liverpool didn't sign any center-back in the summer transfer window and it's been costing them in the Premier League title race.

They are the seventh team with eight points on the points table and just three wins in seven games.

Liverpool has one of the most lethal attacks in the Premier League. Players like Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Philippe Coutinho are enough to unlock any defense. Man United, on the other hand, has been performing much better than they did last season. They are on the top alongside their local rivals Man City with 19 points each. Man City will face an easy side in the eighth round than Man United. United must thrash Liverpool to give a fierce competition to Man City for the title chase.

Man United are facing a crisis in their midfield as star midfielder, Paul Pogba was injured while playing against the Russian side, CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Another midfielder, Marouane Fellaini was injured while playing for his national team, Belgium, in World Cup qualifier match.

Will Tottenham snaffle their first win at Wembley stadium?

This season, Wembley stadium is home-ground of Tottenham Hotspur since their aboriginal stadium, White Hart Lane is being revamped.

The Sad fact is that Tottenham hasn't won any of their Premier League matches yet on Wembley stadium. A group of Tottenham fans believes that Wembley stadium is cursed and that’s the reason why their team hasn't won a match there.

Tottenham has only managed to take two points in three home games at Wembley. They’ll host Bournemouth at Wembley this weekend. Bournemouth has already been struggling to win matches and fighting to escape the relegation zone.

It’ll be exciting to see if Tottenham Hotspur manages to register their first win at Wembley against Bournemouth.

Struggling Southampton will host a promoted side

Southampton has won only two games so far this season. They are the twelfth team on the points table with eight points. Southampton performed decently last season and this not what their fans had expected before the start of the new season.

In the eighth round, they will host newly promoted side Newcastle United. Newcastle United played a 1-1 draw in their last game against Liverpool. Newcastle United’s boss, Rafa Benitez, has used his players efficiently this season after promoted from the Championship league.

It’ll be a tough task for both teams to grab all the three points from this fixture. Southampton has to play a cool and calm game against Rafa Benitez side to take all the three points to improve their bad run in the Premier League.
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