Suarez, Rooney and Trap; Premier League five things to watch

All eyes on Suarez, Rooney turns 10 and a very tasty London derby. Welcome back Premier League.

After an international break we would probably all rather forget we can once again be distracted by the goings on across the water. There are some big games, so here’s five things to keep an eye out for.

Here’s looking at you Luis

Luis Suarez is usually the centre of attention in any Liverpool game these days but with putative strike partner Fabio Borini out with an injured foot for the next three months, the Uruguayan is THE Reds striker.

Considering his sporadic, and fitful, goal return, that has to be a huge worry for Brendan Rodgers. As we saw against Norwich, when he hits form he can be a clinical finisher but he can also be very wayward. Rodgers will need Steven Gerrard to support Suarez more than ever, while players like Sahin and Allen could do with chipping in more regularly. This weekend they play Reading at Anfield, and it could be trickier than many expect. Rodgers, and millions of Liverpool fans, will just be hoping Suarez doesn’t get injured or then they are in real trouble.

Happy Birthday Wayne

Yep, 10 years ago today, Wayne Rooney announced himself on the football world with this goal.

Since then he has won a host of awards and trophies with Manchester United as well as picking up a few controversies and some new hair. After a lacklustre game in Poland for England – even though he scored – Alex Ferguson will be hoping for Rooney to display a bit of that awesome skill and power against Stoke, just as he did at Goodison a decade ago.

Watching the Canaries

As we told you earlier, Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will be at Carrow Road this weekend. It shouldn’t be news but sadly it is. He could have picked a better game – the visit of Arsenal – to ponder the merits of Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington but we hope they do put on a show for Trap. They will have to if they want to get into his squad, you'd imagine.

AVB back at CFC with THFC

We like AVB. We couldn’t really tell you why exactly but he just seems like a very decent sort. Badly treated at Chelsea, and picked on mercilessly when he took the reins at Spurs, the sight of him celebrating Spurs’ 3-2 win at Old Trafford a fortnight ago was a joy to behold as the frustration poured out of him.

If he can beat his old employers in the early kick-off tomorrow, we expect to see a similar display of joy. With Gareth Bale in world-beating form again, and with one John Terry cooling his heels in the stand, AVB might just get his second treat in two games.

McClean back in action

After missing the two Ireland games, we’re looking forward to seeing James McClean back in action this weekend, as Newcastle visit the Stadium of Light. According to some reports today, the Derry man was fit for the Faroe game but Trap decided not to give him a call. Luckily Ireland won or else that would be a much bigger story.

Newcastle are not quite at the level they were last season but they should be well up for this local derby. Sadly for fans of red cards, Lee Cattermole is, unsurprisingly, suspended for this one, so it might just end 11-a-side for a change.