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Premier League questions: Arsenal to end Chelsea hoodoo? Harry Kane's replacement?

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel (L) and Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (2nd R) are separated by Arsenal's Czech goalkeeper Petr

The Premier League is only five games in but we have seen plenty of thrills and spills already, and this weekend's fixtures look likely to continue to entertain.

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Watch a preview of Saturday's Premier League fixtures

There is a bumper selection of the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-offs, including Manchester City's second trip to Swansea in a week, a battle between two England internationals keen to improve at the Vitality Stadium, while Liverpool will be looking to continue their fine form in front of goal against Hull.

Arsenal complete Saturday's action when they welcome Chelsea to the Emirates in the day's late encounter, before West Ham take on Southampton in the Super Sunday clash. Burnley against Watford sees off the weekend in the Monday Night Football.

We take a look at nine questions that could be answered over the weekend...

Can the Hammers keep a much-needed clean sheet against the Saints? (West Ham v SouthamptonSuper Sunday from 3.30pm, Sky Sports 1 HD)

Michail Antonio reacts as West Ham concede one of four goals at West Brom
Image: Michail Antonio reacts as West Ham concede one of four goals at West Brom

West Ham take on Southampton at London Stadium on Super Sunday languishing in the relegation zone after a disappointing start to the season.

The Hammers face the Saints having lost three consecutive Premier League games for the first time under boss Slaven Bilic, while they have not lost four in a row since April 2014.

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Perhaps more worryingly for Bilic, his leaky defence have also shipped four goals in consecutive league matches for the first time since March 2008 - when they conceded four goals in three straight contests - meaning a clean sheet and three points will be top of the Croat's wish list this weekend.

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West Brom 4-2 West Ham highlights

Will Troy Deeney bring up his Hornets century at Turf Moor? (Burnley v Watford - Monday Night Football from 7pm, Sky Sports 1 HD)

Watford captain Deeney arrives at Turf Moor for Monday night's game with Burnley on 98 goals for the club in all competitions, with the striker hoping to join the likes of Luther Blissett, Tommy Barnett, Ross Jenkins and Cliff Holton on the 100-goal mark for the Hornets.

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And the omens are good for Deeney, with the 28-year-old - who has netted twice so far this season - having scored in three of his last five matches against Burnley.

Jack Wilshere v Ross Barkley - who will come out on top? (Bournemouth v Everton - Saturday, 3pm)

They have been England's great young hopes in the heart of midfield for some time, but both Wilshere and Barkley have failed to fulfil their vast potential so far in their stop-start careers.

Jack Wilshere in action for AFC Bournemouth
Image: Jack Wilshere is looking to boost his career on the south coast

Everton boss Ronald Koeman was recently critical of Barkley after hauling him off at half-time during Everton's 3-0 win at Sunderland, insisting the 22-year-old "needs to improve".

Things haven't gone much better for Wilshere, with him deemed surplus to requirements for this season by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Both are blessed with natural talent that is the envy of many an opponent, but it is time that this pair of England internationals produced the goods, and what better way to do so than overshadowing a player of the same ilk.

Can Liverpool keep Anfield a fortress? (Liverpool v Hull - Saturday, 3pm)

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Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool highlights

Liverpool host newly promoted Hull City at Anfield on Saturday in good shape having won 2-1 at Chelsea on Friday Night Football.

However, it is their home form that has really caught the eye this year, with Jurgen Klopp's side having lost just once in 14 Premier League matches so far at Anfield in 2016.

That defeat, against rivals Manchester United back in January, was also the only home league game in which the Reds have failed to score since the German took over, meaning the Tigers could be in for a long afternoon on Merseyside.

Who starts instead of Harry Kane? Different system? (Middlesbrough v Tottenham - Saturday, 3pm)

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is put onto a stretcher after coming off injured during the Premier League match against Sunderland
Image: Harry Kane will be missing for Spurs

This will be the first league match in 73 that Tottenham will take to the field without their talisman Kane.

The ankle ligament injury that will keep Kane on the sidelines for some time has the potential to be seriously detrimental to Spurs, but this is a stronger Tottenham squad so boss Mauricio Pochettino has options at his disposal.

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While Vincent Janssen is still finding his feet, Son Heung-min is looking like he is settled in north London, Erik Lamela has produced flashes of his best work while Dele Alli will be boosted by his improved contract that he penned last week - potential for goals from plenty of other sources.

However, it is no easy start to life without Kane. Middlesbrough have beaten Spurs nine times in Premier League history - only against Manchester City have Boro picked up more victories. Pochettino has plenty of thinking to do.

Will the Potters end their losing streak? (Stoke v West Brom - Saturday, 3pm)

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Highlights from Crystal Palace's 4-1 win over Stoke

Stoke City head into Saturday's clash at home to West Brom bottom of the league having collected just a point so far from their opening five league games.

That solitary draw came in Stoke's first match of the campaign at Middlesbrough, but they have lost their subsequent four encounters, two of which came at the normally formidable Bet365 Stadium.

What's wrong with Stoke?
What's wrong with Stoke?

Mark Hughes under pressure at Stoke but what's gone wrong?

However, looking ahead to the visit of the Baggies this weekend, the omens are good for Potters fans, with Stoke having never lost their first three home fixtures of a league season in their history.

Indeed, Stoke haven't lost five consecutive league contests since January 2005, while Mark Hughes has never lost five league fixtures in a row as a manager.

Time for Sunderland to break their August and September jinx? (Sunderland v Crystal Palace - Saturday, 3pm)

David Moyes looks on at White Hart Lane
Image: David Moyes has plenty to ponder

Remarkably, Sunderland haven't won any of their last 24 Premier League matches contested in either August or September, and they cannot keep relying on another 'Great Escape' to seal Premier League safety at the end of the season.

All is not well on Wearside. The mystery and confusion surrounding Patrick van Aanholt's withdrawal has overshadowed preparations for the visit of Crystal Palace, and with just one point on the board, the Black Cats need to get up and running with a win.

History casts further doubt over the Black Cats credentials, though - Sunderland have not won in three home matches against Palace - time to start a fresh for David Moyes' men.

Can Kelechi Iheanacho continue to look the part in south Wales? (Swansea v Manchester City - Saturday, 3pm)

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Highlights from Man City's 4-0 win over Bournemouth

While Marcus Rashford continues to draw plaudits for his exploits since bursting onto the scene at Manchester United last season, Iheanacho has quietly gone about his business in a ruthless manner, and has quickly become a key figure for Manchester City.

The 19-year-old is already in double figures for league goals for City, having found the net twice so far this campaign. What is so impressive about the Nigeria international is that his 10 goals have come from just 14 shots on target.

Iheanacho scored in both fixtures against Swansea last season, but with Sergio Aguero returning after serving his three-game suspension, will the youngster get any game time? If he gets a chance, the goal is more than likely to ripple.

Will Arsenal finally end their Blues hoodoo? (Arsenal v Chelsea - Saturday, 5.30pm)

LONDON - MARCH 23:  Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Image: Didier Drogba has been the architect of the Gunners' downfall
LONDON - MARCH 23:  Didier Drogba of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Image: Didier Drogba has been the architect of the Gunners' downfall

Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates on Saturday evening hoping to get one over on their London rivals for the first time in 10 Premier League games - a winless run stretching back to a 5-3 victory at Stamford Bridge in October 2011.

In fact, the Gunners have not even found the back of the net in any of their last six league encounters against the Blues, so the home side will be desperate to finally score against and beat Chelsea this weekend.

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