DANNY MURPHY’S PREDICTIONS: Everton will have to dig deep against relentless Liverpool

The Premier League is well and truly back after four more games took place on Saturday but there are still some teams waiting to make their return.

Frank Lampard‘s Chelsea are back in action with a trip to Villa Park while Liverpool head to Goodison looking to take one step closer to the Premier League title.

Sportsmail’s Danny Murphy assess each fixture and gives his verdict and score predictions.

Liverpool will make their return to action on Sunday when they take on Everton at Goodison

NEWCASTLE VS SHEFFIELD UNITED

Danny Murphy’s verdict: Sheffield United will have benefited from having got a game under their belts on Wednesday, they will have a little bit more rhythm on the ball and sharpness in their legs.

I thought they looked composed and organised at Villa Park, not a million miles from their normal selves, and will progress from there.

Newcastle struggle to score goals at the best of times and I think they’ll find it difficult coming from a long lay-off against a team full of confidence.

Murphy’s Prediction: 0-1

Sheffield United will have benefitted from having got a game under their belts on Wednesday

ASTON VILLA VS CHELSEA

Danny Murphy’s verdict: Like Sheffield United, Villa have already played, which will help them physically.

But I think Chelsea are superior in other areas to over-ride that.

If Villa go toe-to-toe and press Chelsea, they’ll get hammered, so I think they’ll play like an away side, and Chelsea are good enough technically to pick them off.

Chelsea have already done transfer business for next season which I think will do players like Tammy Abraham a world of good with Timo Werner coming into the club.

Murphy’s Prediction: 0-3

If Aston Villa go toe-to-toe with Chelsea they could get hammered if the Blues pick them off

EVERTON VS LIVERPOOL

Danny Murphy’s verdict: This is the game where an empty stadium will have most impact. A Merseyside derby at Goodison was the most electric atmosphere I played in and without the home fans driving on Everton, they’ve lost their biggest asset.

Liverpool will find it easier to dominate the ball and dictate play.

Everton don’t have a great deal to play for so they’ll have to dig deep and find their own energy because the fans won’t be there to drive them on. We know about Liverpool’s fitness levels, they will be relentless.

Murphy’s Prediction: 1-2

Everton will have to dig deep against a relentless Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Sunday

MANCHESTER CITY VS BURNLEY

Danny Murphy’s verdict: I wasn’t surprised to see Manchester City start with a comfortable win.

I think we’ll see more of the same against Burnley. Sean Dyche’s side are defensively organised but after a long break it’ll be hard to maintain their concentration for the full 90 minutes.

The strength of City’s squad means Pep Guardiola had Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane on the bench against Arsenal. No manager in the Premier League has better rotation options.

Murphy’s Prediction: 3-1