The Premier League, with its OTT sense of importance, is back in the spotlight this weekend.

We await another oppressive defensive masterclass from José Mourinho or another furious, jerky touchline performance from Jürgen Klopp.

Both will likely be followed by enjoyment-free, combative press conferences.

A killjoy? Maybe, but bear in mind that there was some football at its most joyous this week as Panama — yes, Panama — qualified for the World Cup.

Thanks to Trinidad & Tobago’s win over a bedraggled United States, Panama seized their chance. They will line up alongside the likes of Brazil and Germany in Russia next year, ready to be everyone’s favourite underdogs.

The nation celebrated, especially President Juan Carlos Varela. So delighted, in fact, was Varela that he declared the next day a national holiday ... and then presumably poured himself another glass of bubbly.

A prominent Panama paper, probably more used to charting the fortunes of the nation’s baseball players and the history of its canal, even got a little aggressive with the headline, “We are going to the World Cup, damn it!”

It’s a healthy reminder that beyond the bloated world of club football, the game can mean more than three points at Anfield.

Still, back to the Premier League, damn it!

11am kick offs unless stated

Tomorrow

Liverpool v Manchester United

8.30am

One win in seven for Klopp’s side does not bode well and neither does Sadio Mane’s hamstring injury. Form suggests a Liverpool win is unlikely but this is arguably United’s first big test of the season and history suggests a tight, cagey encounter.

Prediction: 1-1

Burnley v West Ham United

Burnley are unbeaten in their past five league matches and look like they know what they are doing a lot more than the ’Ammers. Prediction: 2-0

Crystal Palace v Chelsea

Roy Hodgson’s job doesn’t get any easier with the visit of the champions. No goals and no points so far ... and it will take a brave person to bet against that changing this weekend. Prediction: 0-2

Manchester City v Stoke City

City are flying and averaging 3.4 goals over the past eight games. Stoke have yet to win away from home so far. Close, then. Prediction: 3-0

Swansea City v Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield, after a bright start to life in the top flight, are really having to dig in now. This match-up should give them encouragement given Swansea’s lowly position.

That said, neither have offered up much in the striking department. Stalemate. Prediction: 0-0

Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth

Tottenham have struggled at Wembley this season, winning two of five competitive matches, but should get a comfortable three points here. Prediction: 3-0

Watford v Arsenal

1.30pm

Arsenal have got their act together since the hammering they got at Liverpool and appear a more together unit.

Alexandre Lacazette has been entrusted with leading the line, which is paying off nicely for the Gunners.

Watford, though, have been one of the stories of the season and have lost just once this season. Prediction: 1-1

Sunday

Brighton & Hove Albion v Everton

9.30am

The pressure is on Ronald Koeman, whose reputation is slowly diminishing along with Everton’s performance. They need a vibrant display here but Brighton will attempt to stifle the Toffees overcrowded midfield. Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v Newcastle United

Noon

The Toon’s revival under Rafa Benitez goes on, albeit in a grinding, third gear kind of way. Neither team has conceded more than a goal a game on average, so this promises to be a tight battle. Prediction: 1-0

Monday

Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion

4pm

Leicester have to turn excitement into points or be stuck down in the lower reaches of the league. Both teams are without a win in five. Prediction: 2-0