Premier League: Standout fixtures in week Four

With the international break approaching a conclusion, English top-flight football returns for week four of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

While those wanting a closer look at the North London Derby on Sunday can click here for analysis, here’s a look at the other standout fixtures across the weekend.

United need a response

. What: Southampton v Manchester United
. Where: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
. When: 21:30 (AEST), Saturday 14th September
. How to watch: Optus Sport
. Odds: Southampton 4.50, Manchester United 1.70

After a 3-0 thrashing on home soil at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, the spotlight is firmly on manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Saturday’s tricky trip to Southampton.

Losing two of their first three Premier League games of the season against the Merseysiders and Brighton, while only just scraping past Fulham, all is not well with the Red Devils.

Southampton will be hoping to add to United’s woes on Saturday, with a Saints win or draw in the double chance market available at 2.10.

United are still favourites at 1.70 to claim the three points and a win would relieve pressure on Ten Hag for at least a week.

Anything other than a win on the south coast and the noise surrounding the Dutcman’s future at Old Trafford will continue to grow.

Pressure mounting on Dyche

. What: Aston Villa v Everton
. Where: Villa Park, Birmingham
. When: 02:30 (AEST), Sunday 15th September
. How to watch: Optus Sport
. Odds: Aston Villa 1.50, Everton 6.50

Losing all of their three games in the Premier League so far this season, things don’t get any easier for Sean Dyche’s Everton as they head to Aston Villa in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Along with Southampton, Everton are one of two clubs yet to register a single point after their opening three games.

Toffees’s supporters will still be wondering how their side did not claim all three points on home soil when leading Bournemouth 2-0 at Goodison Park going into the 87th minute.

A truly stunning comeback from the Cherries earned a famous 3-2 win on Merseyside and piled even more pressure on Everton boss Dyche.

Sunday’s trip to Villa Park will be a tough test for an Everton side who will have taken a serious blow to their confidence after crumbling against Bournemouth in the space of a few minutes.

The Toffees have not won any of their last 10 Premier League games against Aston Villa, with their last success against the West Midlands outfit coming back in March 2016.

Everton are 6.50 to end that winless run with victory on Sunday, a draw is available at 4.20, while Villa are 1.50 favourites to claim the three points.