Manchester United v Arsenal
Key Battle: Arsenal’s old forward Robin van Persie faces his former club for the first time, and will have a tough battle against his friend Thomas Vermaelen.
Player to Watch: Santi Cazorla could revel in the space afforded to him by Manchester United’s midfield, which has looked open this season..
Talking Point: This game finished 8-2 last season, and there were 21 goals between the two sides’ midweek matches. So 0-0 it should be!
Prediction: 2-1
Fulham v Everton
Key Battle: This should be a fascinating encounter in which Dimitar Berbatov can cause Phil Jagielka all kinds of problems.
Player to Watch: If fit Kevin Mirallas can continue where he left off against Liverpool and cause havoc in the Fulham defence.
Talking Point: Two of the league’s better mid table sides, who both have good attacking weapons, should serve up an entertaining encounter.
Prediction: 1-2
Norwich v Stoke
Key Battle: Grant Holt can win this game for Norwich if he can get the better of Ryan Shawcross in the Stoke City defence
Player to Watch: Wes Hoolahan has been pivotal to Norwich’s recent revival with some superb performances
Talking Point: Stoke are one of the league’s draw specialists whilst Norwich are in need of the points.
Prediction: 2-1
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Key Battle: If John O’Shea can keep Christian Benteke quiet then Sunderland have a real chance of getting a win under their belts.
Player to Watch: Steven Fletcher, as usual, will be key, given that he is the player to have scored all of the home team’s goals in the league.
Talking Point: Martin O’Neill takes on his former team and will be determined to put one over on Randy Lerner and Villa.
Prediction: 0-2
Swansea v Chelsea
Key Battle: Key to Chelsea’s game is Branislav Ivanovic, so how his replacement Cesar Azpilicueta performs up against Wayne Routledge, one of the league’s underrated stars.
Player to Watch: Michu has been prolific since joining Swansea and can breach the Chelsea back line in this one.
Talking Point: Without Fernando Torres Chelsea may struggle, as they do not have a reliable focal point to base their attacks around.
Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham v Wigan
Key Battle: This game could come down to which playmaker has more influence, Shaun Maloney for Wigan or Tottenham’s Moussa Dembele.
Player to Watch: Jermain Defoe scored five against these opponents a few years ago and could run riot again if on form.
Talking Point: Wigan have had some good results in recent years at Tottenham, but it will be a tall ask to take anything from this one.
Prediction: 3-1
West Ham v Man City
Key Battle: This game will see West Ham launch high balls into the Man City penalty area, with Andy Carroll’s duel with Vincent Kompany an intriguing sub plot.
Player to Watch: Kevin Nolan latching onto loose balls in the area will be a key danger for the champions.
Talking Point: You would expect City to dominate this one and it would be hard to see West Ham being able to keep them at bay.
Prediction: 1-3
QPR v Reading
Key Battle: In the absence of Stephane M’Bia, Ryan Nelsen will have a tough task on his hands to keep Noel Hunt quiet.
Player to Watch: Esteban Granero may be the difference in this game and his ability to create something from nothing can be key.
Talking Point: The two teams without a win in the league, something has to give here. Whoever wins it will be energised, the loser demoralised.
Prediction: 1-0
Liverpool v Newcastle
Key Battle: Luis Suarez is Liverpool’s key threat of course, but Fabricio Collocini is one of the league’s best defenders and this should be a tight battle between the two.
Player to Watch: Hatem ben Arfa can be a huge threat and can produce a moment of inspiration for the visitors.
Talking Point: Newcastle have looked some way from the team who almost qualified for the Champions League last season, while Liverpool are finding their stride.
Prediction: 3-0
West Brom v Southampton
Key Battle: Shane Long could have a field day against this Southampton defence, which does not look too clever and players like Jose Fonte look more likely to score at the other end than keep their opponents out.
Player to Watch: Rickie Lambert is Southampton’s main danger man and he could cause West Brom problems.
Talking point: Southampton need to start getting points on the board but are up against one of the form teams of the season so far.
Prediction: 2-1
