The best and worst of this weekend’s EPL schedule

The English Premier League returns to action this weekend after the international window, and all 20 teams will be out on the field as we head into Week 5 with a full 10 games to be played over a 3-day span.

Best of Week 5

Everton v. Liverpool

Saturday, October 17, 7:30AM ET
Goodison Park, Liverpool
Watch on NBCSN

This one’s a no-brainer when hailing the best match-up of the weekend. Undefeated Everton take on last season’s EPL Champions in the Merseyside derby — one of the fiercest rivalries in the league. The Toffees are off to a blazing start as they’ve won all 4 of their matches this season, knocking off Tottenham, West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Brighton through the first 4 weeks of play. Now they’ll clash with last year’s champions who started off with a similar run of form, winning their first 3, but then suffering a humiliating 7-2 loss to Aston Villa in their last outing. Rising star Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in all four of Everton’s matches so far, and has proven to be a vital piece of the Toffees’ attack. Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from that devastating loss at Villa, as a result this weekend would make it 23 straight unbeaten games against Everton in all competitions. Both Thiago and speedster Sadio Mane are expected to be back in action this weekend after returning to training for the first time since they tested positive for COVID-19. Whatever you do, don’t miss this match because there’s no doubt it’ll be one of the best all weekend.

Worst of Week 5

Sheffield United v. Fulham

Sunday, October 18, 7:00AM ET
Bramall Lane, Sheffield
Watch on Peacock

The only two teams who have lost all 4 games this season will battle it out at the absolute bottom of the table. Sheffield sits in 19th while Fulham occupies the 20th and last spot, the two teams only separated by 3 goals. These sides haven’t met at Bramall Lane in EPL play since 2007, though Fulham won both of the last meetings with a 5-4 win at Bramall Lane and a 3-0 win at home in the 2017-18 Championship season. Between the two sides, they’ve conceded 17 goals (Fulham with 11) and only scored a collective 4 (Sheffield with 1) through their first 4 games. New signing Joachim Anderson, who was set to make a debut for the Blades, came up with an ankle injury in training and will now have to wait to make an appearance for his new club.

Week 5 Sleeper

Newcastle United v. Manchester United

Saturday, October 18, 3:00PM ET
St. James’ Park, Newcastle
Watch on Peacock

Man U, 16th place in the table, has had a surprisingly rough start to the season with only 1 win and 2 losses through their first 3 matches played. The losses came at the hands of Crystal Palace (3-1) to start off the season, and then United suffered a 6-1 humiliation thanks to Tottenham in their last league contest. Their one win was a narrow 3-2 victory over Brighton, and now they’ll look to gain some more ground in the table as they head on the road to take on 9th-place Newcastle. The Magpies are coming off a 3-1 win at home over Burnley in their last outing, and they’ll look to build on that momentum as they host the long-time EPL giants. Man U will most likely be without center back Harry Maguire as he’s listed as doubtful, and they’ll also be without Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial to make matters worse. New signing Alex Telles could be set to make his debut as he made his way to England from Portuguese side Porto FC. This match has all the makings it needs to be great, and whether it ends in a win for either side, will most definitely be entertaining to watch.

This Weekend’s Full Schedule

All times listed are Eastern.

Saturday, October 17th

7:30AM - Everton v. Liverpool - NBCSN
10:00AM - Chelsea v. Southampton - NBCSN
12:30PM - Manchester City v. Arsenal - NBC
3:00PM - Newcastle v. Manchester United - Peacock

Sunday, October 18th

7:00AM - Sheffield United v. Fulham FC - Peacock
9:00AM - Crystal Palace v. Brighton - Peacock
11:30AM - Tottenham v. West Ham - NBCSN, Telemundo
2:15PM - Leicester City v. Aston Villa - Peacock

Monday, October 19th

12:30PM - West Bromwich Albion v. Burnley - NBCSN
3:00PM - Leeds United v. Wolverhampton - NBCSN