3 things to watch this weekend: Mourinho can spoil Klopp's Saturday

The hype that surrounds a battle between Liverpool and Manchester United is preposterous, particularly given the mundane games they tend to produce. Just look at the scoreless draw they manufactured at Anfield last season. But, once in a while, supporters are treated to a wonderful spectacle that lives up to the match's exposure.

Liverpool and United will renew their rivalry in what is undoubtedly the Premier League's most talked about game this weekend. Elsewhere, there will be a first at Vicarage Road as Watford hosts Arsenal, while Stoke City will be praying for a miracle at Manchester City.

Klopp, Mourinho should deliver improvement on last season's snoozefest

As Jose Mourinho put it, "It's beautiful to play at Anfield." He's right. It's hard to find a stadium in the United Kingdom that matches its atmosphere. But, the last time Liverpool welcomed United to the iconic ground, it was anything but a beautiful game. It was a scrappy affair that ended without a goal.

Things should be different on Saturday. Liverpool is under pressure, while the pace of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial should cause no shortage of problems for Liverpool's shaky defence and guarantee at least one goal. A victory for United would also mark the Red Devils' most significant win of the season. There are plenty of reasons to believe the two clubs will provide entertainment, even if Sadio Mane, Marouane Fellaini, and Paul Pogba aren't on the pitch.

It's also worth noting Liverpool will fall 10 points behind United in the event the Reds suffer defeat.

Watford's supporters reflecting on 1986

Watford is yet to win at home this season. Arsenal is yet to win on the road this season. Barring a draw at Vicarage Road on Saturday, one streak will come to an end.

Watford's supporters will be conjuring up memories of 1986, when, in the spring, the Hornets beat Arsenal twice in two days, putting five goals past the Gunners in the process. Such a scenario is unthinkable in the Premier League - imagine the noise if a club was forced to play two consecutive days - but one victory in one day is certainly possible. Under Marco Silva, Watford is capable of beating any opponent on any day, and Richarlison's stoppage-time goals are becoming a weekly occurrence.

If Alexis Sanchez is missing after returning from international duty, Petr Cech's day will be a busy one.

Mark Hughes relying on Jack Butland at the Etihad Stadium

Mark Hughes knows a thing or two about getting points at the Etihad Stadium. The Welsh manager led Stoke to victory at the stadium in 2014, and ensured the Potters left the structure with a point in 2016. The tactician is an expert when it comes to shutting down City's attack.

Stoke will return to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, after an international break that did no favours for Hughes. Joe Allen was sandwiched during the Republic of Ireland's triumph in Wales and will miss the game, while Bruno Martins Indi and Ryan Shawcross aren't expected to play either. If the two centre-backs can't take the pitch, the Potters will have to find another solution to Sergio Aguero, who is in contention to play for the first time since he was involved in a car accident and suffered a broken rib.

Hughes will inevitably be relying on Jack Butland to compensate for the injuries at Stoke.