Manchester City have every reason to look forward to the resumption of club football having racked up five wins from their last five fixtures immediately after an international break.
There may be considerably more trepidation among London clubs, particularly at Chelsea and Tottenham, though, with only nine points from 15 available in games after an international break this season and last so far.
City hammered Liverpool 5-0 and Stoke 7-2 after last season’s first two breaks before adding the scalps of Leicester and Everton later in the campaign.
The 3-0 win over Fulham in September also left them with a goal difference of 17 from the five games, more than double that of their nearest challengers Arsenal. The Gunners have won four of the five games, only losing to Watford last October.
Manchester United are unbeaten in their five games following international fixtures and this Saturday face Chelsea, who have alternated between wins and defeats after a break from action. If the current pattern continues, then expect disappointment for Maurizio Sarri’s men.
Chelsea’s nine-point tally matches Tottenham and puts them one behind Liverpool, who face Huddersfield this time around but could be hampered after Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita all suffered injuries while away for African Nations Cup qualifiers.
West Ham, Watford and Burnley have also recorded impressive 10-point hauls while Bournemouth, Palace, Newcastle and Brighton have balanced win-loss records.