Chelsea and Liverpool make it five in a row as Jose Mourinho ends Watford's run: Premier League predictions

The Premier League is back after a two-week hiatus. It is Liverpool, Chelsea and Watford who lead the way on 12 points apiece, with West Ham United at the bottom on no points. Here is a look at what to expect from the fifth round of games that run from Saturday until Monday. Why? Tottenham's defeat to Watford before the international break was a shock, but manager Mauricio Pochettino felt he had seen the setback coming after they struggled initially before going on to beat Manchester United. A number of Tottenham's leading players, including Harry Kane and Dele Alli look off the pace after the rigours of the summer. Liverpool, while sometimes flattering to deceive, have got off to a flier and with Sadio Mane in great form they can get a get their first away win at Tottenham since 2014 on Saturday. _____________ Read more Mourinho and Manchester United will have to be on guard against Javier Gracia's flying Watford Liverpool face challenge to maintain perfect start: Premier League talking points Tale of two keepers: Arsenal's Cech stuck in past, Alisson's future promising at Liverpool _____________ Why? Both teams seem set for mid-table this season, but Bournemouth's only loss so far has been to Chelsea, and they made the London side work for their result. Callum Wilson and Josh King are a good combination upfront and they should give Eddie Howe's side the edge, especially with Jamie Vardy still suspended for Leicester. Why? Chelsea have started well under Maurizio Sarri with 12 points out of 12 to their name. With Eden Hazard, Jorginho and Marcos Alonso gelling well together they should be too strong for Cardiff City. Neil Warnock's side are not lacking in commitment, but despite their best efforts are short in quality and they will not trouble Sarri's men. Why? Huddersfield recovered from a difficult start that saw them beaten 3-0 and 6-1 respectively by Chelsea and Manchester City to earn draws with Cardiff and Everton. But David Wagner's side do look set to suffer second season syndrome in the top flight, and Palace, with Wilfried Zaha and James Tomkin expected to be back fit for Palace, should just have the edge to nick this. Why? Fulham have shown enough so far in their return to the Premier League to demonstrate they should be competitive at this level. But facing champions Manchester City is a completely different challenge and Pep Guardiola's side have goal threats across the pitch, led by Sergio Aguero, that should mean they take all three points here. Why? Rafa Benitez did a great job keeping Newcastle up so comfortably last season but it is looking a tall order to repeat that feat this time around. Arsenal have a lot of issues, but goalscoring is not one of them with five goals scored on their travels already and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will expect a successful day on Tyneside. Why? Watford have a 100 per cent record and come into this game full of momentum. But Jose Mourinho is a wily strategist and will have seen how Watford defeated Tottenham and will be aware not to make the mistakes. Expect United to pack the midfield to pressurise Watford and look to starve the service to Troy Deeney and Andre Gray. A tight encounter with United taking the points thanks to have a little more experience. Why? Wolves may have had to wait until their fourth game for their first win but they have been very impressive so far. New signing Adama Traore was the match-winner against West Ham and Wolves will look for more from him to pile the misery on Burnley, who have yet to win this season. Why? It has been a pointless start for West Ham under Manuel Pellegrini and it is unlikely to get any better at Goodison Park. Everton should have more points then the six they currently have, but Marco Silva's side are an entertaining side and they should have too much for West Ham, even with Richarlison being suspended. Why? Southampton won when the two sides met in the League Cup last month, with Charlie Austin's lone strike being the difference maker. This could be a similar story. Southampton did well to win at Crystal Palace earlier in September and Mark Hughes will want to build on that against a side who have not won away from home in the top flight since October 2017.

Chelsea and Liverpool make it five in a row as Jose Mourinho ends Watford's run: Premier League predictions

Manchester City too good for Fulham and victories for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Everton are among the forecasts for the return of England's top flight after the international break