Premier League players often change their clubs within the league to revitalize their stuck-up careers. Rarely such transfers are accepted fairly by the fans while mostly, the player is greeted with boos and jeers when he returns to play against his former club.
While it charges the fans to take a Mickey out of their former star, it also motivates the player to play his best game of the season and shut those boo-boys. It guarantees excitement and some intense football while the prodigal hero turned villain remains on the pitch.
Ahead of the action from Premier League gameweek 34, we take a look at five such players who will play against their former clubs this weekend.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City vs Chelsea)
This is one battle I am eagerly looking forward to this weekend. Jose Mourinho decided to sell Kevin De Bruyne back in 2014 after not being impressed by the Belgian. Since then , De Bruyne has gone on to achieve huge success with Wolfsburg and lately with Manchester City.
De Bruyne has been one of the best players this season after managing 6 goals and 9 assists in just 21 league appearances. De Bruyne will return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his Chelsea exit and will be eager to show the Blues fans what they are missing out on.
Emanuel Adebayor (Crystal Palace vs Arsenal)
Needless to say we can expect some explosive work whenever former Arsenal striker Emanuel Adebayor steps out on the pitch. His Emirates exit did not go as per striker’s plans and somehow he still has a grudge against his former side.
His wild celebration against Arsenal after scoring a goal for Manchester City is still seen as one of the craziest moment in Premier League history. Will we see a 75-meter sprint and a celebration in front of the Arsenal fans once again from Adebayor this weekend? We never know.
Ashley Young (Manchester United vs Aston Villa)
Ashley Young has suffered some vile boos at Villa Park in recent seasons, thankfully for the player if he does start this weekend he will be playing at Old Trafford.
Young pushed for a move to Manchester United during his Villa days and midlands fans have still not forgotten that. Despite Aston Villa getting relegated this season, Young will not be spared from loud boos this weekend even if the game will be played at Old Trafford.
Peter Crouch (Stoke vs Tottenham)
Peter Crouch fought many top-4 battles with Tottenham while his White Hart Lane days, but Spurs are now fighting for the title and Crouch could once again be a key figure.
The lanky striker looks set to start on Monday against his former team and if Crouch can somehow score or take some points off Tottenham, title race would be as good as over. Leicester would be banking on Crouch to deliver the goods against his former side.
Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle vs Swansea)
English midfield made his move from Liberty Stadium to St. James Park back in January. Only 3 months later, he will face his former side and teammates in the most vital game for Newcastle United.
Shelvey and Benitez will be desperate for 3 points this weekend. Swansea have already guaranteed their safety and Shelvey would be keen to play a good game for Newcastle and lead them out from their relegation battle.
Image Credit: Getty
