LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 17, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers and AFC Bournemouth's manager Eddie Howe during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Premier League Preview: Gameweek 3 fixtures, key battles and impact on Liverpool

As we enter the third round of games for the 2015/16 Premier League season, here are full details of fixtures and how they impact Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 17, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers and AFC Bournemouth's manager Eddie Howe during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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With gameweek three of the 2015/16 Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, there is much on offer for Liverpool supporters ahead of Monday night’s clash away to Arsenal.

Last week saw the first in a new initiative of Friday night games for the Premier League, with Manchester United defeating Aston 1-0 at Villa Park.

The weekend also brought wins for Everton, Leicester City, Swansea City, Norwich City, Manchester City and the Reds, aswell as draws between Watford and West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City.

Joining Liverpool in joint-first with six points at this early stage are United, City and Leicester, while last season’s champions Chelsea languish just above the relegation zone.

Jose Mourinho’s side have taken just one point from their first two games.

How will the landscape of the Premier League change with this next round of fixtures? There are plenty of questions to be asked before the weekend kicks off.

 

Full Fixtures and TV Information

Manchester United vs. Newcastle United – Old Trafford – Saturday, 12:45pm, BT Sport 1

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa – Selhurst Park – Saturday, 3pm

Leicester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur – King Power Stadium – Saturday, 3pm

Norwich City vs. Stoke City – Carrow Road – Saturday, 3pm

Sunderland vs. Swansea City – Stadium of Light – Saturday, 3pm

West Ham United vs. AFC Bournemouth – Boleyn Ground – Saturday, 3pm

West Bromwich Albion vs. Chelsea – The Hawthorns – Sunday, 1:30pm, Sky Sports 1

Everton vs. Manchester City – Goodison Park – Sunday, 4pm, Sky Sports 1

Watford vs. Southampton – Vicarage Road – Sunday, 4pm

Arsenal vs. Liverpool – Emirates Stadium – Monday, 8pm

(All times BST)

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Key Fixtures and Players

Wayne Rooney has been in dismal form so far this season, and the England forward will be looking to improve as United take on Newcastle in the opening game of the weekend.

With Newcastle struggling to impose themselves in 2015/16 following the arrival of manager Steve McClaren, United could be looking at another easy victory at Old Trafford.

The midweek exploits of Memphis Depay, who scored two and made another as United beat Club Brugge 3-1 in the Champions League playoffs, point to a key role for the former Liverpool target.

Elsewhere fellow league-leaders Leicester face a tough challenge as they welcome Spurs to the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton have been in sensational form on either wing for Claudio Ranieri’s side, and will look to continue their dominance against a weak Spurs side.

Like Chelsea and Newcastle, Spurs have just one point so far this season, and with Mauricio Pochettino’s side looking thin on the ground at present, they could flounder here.

With two goals in two games so far, Ross Barkley will be hugely confident as his Everton side take on City at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The England midfielder’s combination play with Romelu Lukaku has been outstanding so far, but the Toffees come up against the Premier League‘s most formidable side in what will be a tough test of their credentials.

Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Raheem Sterling all stand in Barkley and Co.’s way.

 

What Should Liverpool Look Out For?

HELSINKI, FINLAND - Friday, July 31, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers and Nathaniel Clyne after a friendly match against HJK Helsinki at the Olympic Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While the Reds will be spending their weekend preparing for Monday night’s Emirates clash, Rodgers and his backroom staff would be wise to keep one eye on West Ham‘s home tie against Bournemouth.

The Hammers face a trip to Anfield next weekend, but first Eddie Howe’s side stand in their way.

Without first-choice goalkeeper Adrian, West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will hope that deputy stopper Darren Randolph proves his worth against the Cherries.

Bilic has enjoyed strong performances from new signings Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna so far this season, but has yet to see his side truly gel—a win against Bournemouth could swell their confidence ahead of their clash with Liverpool.

Elsewhere, wins for United and City will continue to put pressure on the Reds as top-four hopefuls, while another defeat for Spurs at Leicester could boost Rodgers’ chances this season.

It stands to be another mouthwatering weekend of football in the Premier League, with Monday night the true highlight.