Why we excited for EPL return: Man City vs Liverpool & Everton against Man Utd

The final international break of the 2023 interrupted a pulsating Premier League campaign, exemplified by the thrilling send off that was Chelsea's 4-4 with Manchester City.

This weekend's action kicks-off with an equally reverting match-up, regardless of the strange timing, as the defending champions welcome Liverpool to the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.

There's also the clash between Everton and Manchester United on Sunday afternoon that has taken on greater significance following the Toffees' 10-point deduction last week.

Elsewhere, Bramall Lane hosts a relegation six-pointer and Tottenham attempt to avoid the ignominy of a third-straight defeat when their host Unai Emery's Aston Villa.

Mail Sport takes a look at ten reasons to be excited or the return of the Premier League.

The promise of a title race

Three points separate the top five teams in the Premier League after 12 games. That scenario has happened on just three previous occasions, with two resulting in a three-horse race going into May.

While many will still expect Aston Villa and Tottenham - in fifth and fourth respectively - to eventually fall away, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City look well equipped to maintain a title charge for the whole campaign.

Pep Guardiola's side remain the overwhelming favourites and can assert their dominance against their old foes Liverpool on Saturday, but the fragility they showed against Chelsea before the break will give the front runners hope of getting their hands of the title this year.

Adding to the intrigue is this weekend's fixture list that, as well as Liverpool's trip to City, sees Spurs welcome Villa.

Not since 2001 have so many teams been so close at this stage of the campaign and time will ultimately tell whether the sides