Saturday, 14 September 2013

10 Things to Look Forward to This Weekend of Premier League

Glad, the Premier League is back this weekend after the International break. The Round 4 of the league promises to be as exciting as ever. Liverpool on top of the league, Mesut Ozil to make debut, and a new midfielder to start for Manchester United – there is never a shortage of plot, and sub plot in the Premier League.  

No so-called big teams in action
The last round was a block-buster. We had Liverpool-Manchester United derby at Anfield and the North London derby, one after another. This week, apart from Chelsea travelling to Goodison Park to face Everton, all the other top teams have easy fixtures to deal with. On Paper. And there lies the chance of an upset.
Reds juggernaut
Will Liverpool’s juggernaut roll on? It is obvious that at some point of the season, their winning streak will halt. The question is – how long will their good run continue? Can Brendan Rodgers guide his team to fourth consecutive victory against his former club? A victory at Liberty Stadium will take their confidence to a different level.
Benteke magic
Aston Villa have been handed a tough schedule to deal with. Already the Villans have faced the big guns in Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, where they managed a deserved victory in their opening match against the Gunners. Can Christian Benteke fire all cylinders at Villa Park to earn Paul Lambert’s side a full three points against Newcastle United?
Ozil-mania
Reports emerged yesterday that Arsenal’s new record signing Mesut Ozil will be given a starting line-up berth against Sunderland (yet to win a game) at the Stadium of Light. Will the German maestro make a strong debut and help Arsenal earn yet another victory?
Beware City, another away game
Manuel Pellegrini claimed early this summer that he possesses the best squad in the league. So far, City have earned victories on their home soil only. They were humiliated away to Cardiff City and now face a tough test against Stoke City (away to Britannia) who are not doing badly as many had predicted earlier.
Battle of the newly promoted sides
Usually these types of matches catch the eye-balls towards the end of the season, where survival becomes the main mantra, but never-the-less Hull City v Cardiff will be a fascinating tie for the fans.
Lamela, Eriksen to make home debut?
Spurs lost their 100% winning streak in the last match against Arsenal and would be looking to bounce back sharply against Norwich City. New signing Erik Lamela came on as substitute against the Gunners and would likely to start on Saturday. A home debut for another new-comer Christian Eriksen cannot be ruled out either.
Will Juan Mata start against Everton?
Eden Hazard probably won’t start for the Blues after he missed out the World cup qualifier matches for Belgium with injury. Will Juan Mata get a chance in his place? Chelsea have an avalanche of midfield options to pick from, so fingers crossed.
Shinji Kagawa to warm bench again
Shinji Kagawa is not getting ample playing time under Moyes. The fans are perplexed. The player himself is confused. Will the dimunitive Japansese star be left to rot on the bench again? Only, Moyes knows.
And Finally a new midfielder beside Michael Carrick
Marouane Fellaini, the new summer signing of Manchester United could make his debut against Ian Holloway’s Crystal Palace this weekend. Had Sir Alex Ferguson made the signing, people would have hailed the deal as master-stroke for rightly addressing the need. Similar sort of logic doesn’t go with Moyes. No pressure at all, Marouane…

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