Which Premier League teams fare the best after an international break?

| 19 October 2018

Premier League action resumes on Saturday following the October national team fixtures.

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 at Chelsea and Tottenham though, with only nine points from 15 available in games after an international break this season and last so far.

The statistics make pretty grim reading for Huddersfield, who have lost every match immediately after the last five international breaks.

Premier League clubs' record after international breaks — (PA Graphic)

David Wagner's team have not even mustered a goal in defeats against West Ham, Swansea, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Crystal Palace when returning from international action, leaving them adrift of Southampton and Everton at the bottom of the mini league table.

Pep Guardiola's side, meanwhile, 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.

Mohamed Salah, left, was injured while on Egypt duty (Owen Humphreys/PA)

West Ham, Watford and Burnley have also recorded impressive 10-point hauls while Bournemouth, Palace, Newcastle and Brighton have balanced win-loss records.

Leicester managed only one win and one draw after last season's internationals and lost to Bournemouth last month, while the Toffees and Saints have just two draws apiece to show for their efforts.

The figures include only the 17 teams present in the top flight for both seasons. Of last season's relegated trio, Swansea's only post-break points came in that win over Huddersfield while Stoke and West Brom earned two points apiece from the four games.

Promoted Wolves beat Burnley 1-0 after last month's internationals but Cardiff joined Fulham in defeat.

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