5 things we can’t wait to find out as the Premier League returns

After a week away, the Premier League returns to action, with a whole host of big games taking place up and down the table.

But with a fortnight gone since the last top flight contests, there are some things that we are looking forward to finding out.

Has Raheem Sterling overcome his tiredness?

Much has been made about Roy Hodgson’s decision to go public on Sterling’s request to be rested during the international break, and it will be interesting to see whether the Liverpool man is raring to go against QPR.

He is 9/5 to score anytime against his former club, and will be keen to silence any critics he may have had for his fatigue complaint.

How will the international break have affect sides?

Going further from Tired-gate, it will be intriguing to see how much of a difference the international break was for certain sides.

For example, ahead of their trip to London rivals Crystal Palace, 10 of Chelsea’s 11 starters in their last Premier League tie were away representing their nations last week, while just three Palace regulars jetted off around the world. Could this be a weekend for shocks?

Can anyone stop Mo Diame scoring?

Since his switch from West Ham, Diame has been on fire for Hull, netting three times in his four appearances for the Tigers.

The Senegalese has spoken about how he is enjoying his new-found freedom on the pitch and can be backed to score anytime at 13/2 when Steve Bruce takes his side to the Emirates.

Dont expect tap-ins though….

Does defeat for Leicester spell the end for Alan Pardew?

With plenty of money coming for Harry Redknapp to be the next Premier League manager out the door, Pardew’s position at the head of the market was reliquinshed.

However, the pressure that the former Reading and West Ham gaffer is under is still telling, and defeat at the King Power Stadium, could be the straw that broke the camel’s back, with it 5/2 that Newcastle’s disposal of his services is the next managerial casualty of the campaign.

Is Southampton’s impressive start a flash in the pan?

Both boss Ronald Koeman and striker Graziano Pelle picked up the Manager and Player of the Month awards this month, with the Saints flying high in third place, but can that run continue?

Well for the time being, it looks like the South Coast side will continue to occupying a heady berth, with five or six winnable games next up on their fixture list. The 7/2 on them finishing in the top six could be a wise investment.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing