Everton v Man Utd
Key Battle: The Man Utd defence has been shaky of late, and Nemanja Vidic will be called upon to stem the threat of the in form Louis Saha. If he can do that, United can get back on track.
Player to Watch: Javier Hernandez may return to the United side, and his goal poaching has been crucial to so many of their wins in the last year.
Talking Point: How much will the crushing defeat to Man City affect United?
Prediction: 1-2
Chelsea v Arsenal
Key Battle: Chelsea have been in fine form for much of the season so far, but Arsenal’s Ivorian left winger Gervinho will test whoever stands in at right back for Jose Bosingwa, most likely Paulo Ferreira.
Player to Watch: Raul Mereiles will be tasked with providing the ammunition for Juan Mata and Fernando Torres, and Arsenal must keep him muted.
Talking Point: Expect Chelsea to pressure Arsenal and try to force them back into uncomfortable defensive areas, but could Gervinho and Theo Walcott’s pace catch them on the break?
Prediction: 1-1
Man City v Wolves
Key Battle: Karl Henry was destroyed in the midweek Carling Cup clash between these two sides, and he’ll have a far harder task on Saturday against David Silva.
Player to Watch: David Silva has been absolutely pivotal for City this season and his form has been the key to theirs.
Talking Point: Having lost to a fully changed Man City team in the week at home, 5-2, do Wolves have any chance? Then again, the biggest surprises come when they are least expected.
Prediction: 0-0
Norwich v Blackburn
Key Battle: Norwich are in impressive form and enjoying their new surroundings, whilst Blackburn are deep in trouble at the bottom of the league.
Player to Watch: Junior Hoilett has been the one Blackburn player to come out of their start of the season with credit, can he continue his fine form?
Talking Point: Having gone to extra time in the week, will Rovers be too exhausted for this one?
Prediction: 2-2
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Nicklas Bendtner has become the focal presence up front for Sunderland, and his ability to hold up the ball and create space for his team mates will be key, Richard Dunne will have a tough job on his hands this weekend.
Player to Watch: Few players have played well for either of these sides this season, but Sebastien Larsson has been superb for Sunderland.
Talking Point: One team underachieving play one who have over achieved this season, but the former have been in improving form of late, whilst Villa have hit a wall.
Prediction: 2-0
Swansea v Bolton
Key Battle: Swansea were desperately close to a first away win of the season last weekend, and Danny Graham will hope to get the better of Gary Cahill this weekend.
Player to Watch: Joe Allen has been superb for Swansea this season, and was great last weekend, Bolton will have to watch his runs from midfield.
Talking Point: Bolton have been in dire form and a defeat to the newly promoted Welsh outfit will pile the pressure on Owen Coyle.
Prediction: 3-0
Wigan v Fulham
Key Battle: Fulham have been playing well but unable to turn possession into goals, and their defence has been leaky. Aaron Hughes will have to keep Marco di Santo at bay.
Player to Watch: Bryan Ruiz scored a sumptuous goal last weekend, and his ability going forward could be a key factor in Fulham’s play this weekend.
Talking Point: Two struggling attacking sides with a commitment to possession play; which will come out on top?
Prediction: 2-2
West Brom v Liverpool
Key Battle: Shane Long was forced off by a brutal assault from Luke Young last weekend at Aston Villa, placing more pressure on the creative shoulders of Chris Brunt, who will be up against the wily Brazilian Lucas.
Player to Watch: Peter Odemwingie has not been in the goalscoring form of last season but remains a threat. Profligacy from Liverpool for a second week in a row could be punished.
Talking Point: Roy Hodgson takes on his former club and the man who wanted his job, Kenny Dalglish. The two tactical minds will be in a mini battle of their own on Saturday.
Prediction: 0-0
Tottenham v QPR
Key Battle: Anton Ferdinand will be distracted from his case against John Terry’s alleged racism by the threat of Emmanuel Adebayor on Sunday, and he could cause the hapless QPR defender sleepless nights.
Player to Watch: Both Scott Parker and Luka Modric have been brilliant this season, and are sure to have a field day against the combative but limited Joey Barton and Shaun Derry.
Talking Point: It was glory for QPR in the derby against Chelsea last weekend after their horror show against Fulham. How will they do on their first trip back to North London in the league? Expect a lethal Spurs showing.
Prediction: 8-0
Stoke v Newcastle
Key Battle: Stoke rely upon their limited skills; the throwing of Rory Delap and long balls forward. Kenwyne Jones will therefore be crucial against Newcastle’s formidable defence and Steve Taylor.
Player to Watch: Yohan Cabaye has been superb for Newcastle since signing, and his passing and intelligent technical play could be too much for the limited midfield of Stoke.
Talking Point: The best defence in the league this season comes up against the division’s only long ball side. Who will come out on top?
Prediction: 0-1
