By Ryan Moran
- The Blues welcome Arsenal on the back of opposite Champions League results.
- Tottenham face tough Crystal Palace test.
- Everton face Swansea on the back of their 3-1 victory over the champions.
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Jose Mourinho will be looking for revenge as Arsenal face the home side for the first time since the Community Shield. In the Champions League, Mourinho made six changes from the defeat at Everton, many of those considered key players. The suggestion is this was done with Saturday’s lunchtime fixture in mind. Arsene Wenger will want a positive reaction following Wednesday’s defeat, as will the Stamford Bridge outfit, considering their league form this season.
Manchester City vs West Ham
Manchester City will be hoping Sergio Aguero will be fit for Saturday following seven minutes of European action in midweek. The striker is a crucial part of City’s side and Manuel Pellegrini can’t expect last week’s hero, Kelechi Iheanacho to have the same effect every game, being only a tender 18 years of age. Vincent Kompany is also a doubt giving West Ham a real chance given Andy Carroll is back with the squad after months out with injury.
Southampton vs Manchester United
A mention goes to both sides for the respect by everyone at Southampton for the supportive messages given to Luke Shaw after his double leg fracture, followed up by Shaw’s gratitude for the encouragement given via social media – sportsmanship at its best. Following a disappointing midweek result and the blow of losing one of their star players for this season, this could be a fight or flight weekend for the Red Devils. On the contrary, Ronald Koeman’s side will move one point behind their visitors with a win, a victory for United keeps them on Manchester City’s radar even with a five point separation this early on in the season.
Liverpool vs Norwich
The mixed fortune of Liverpool this season give any opposition a chance to take points. On the back of a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, confidence will be high in the Norwich camp, a win will take them three points above their opponents. A loss will mount more unneeded pressure on Brendan Rodgers following another summer of spending and no instant impact, Christian Benteke being the best of their summer acquisitions.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
After picking up their first win last week, Tottenham face the task of Crystal Palace. The Eagles have caused problems for the best in the league, taking three points from Chelsea and narrowly losing in the last few minutes to Manchester City. While Palace have had a week off, Tottenham faced a midweek Europa League game, and fatigue may play a part with key players such as Dele Alli and Son Heung-min having featured in Thursday’s competition.
Swansea City vs Everton
We at Britwatch Sports think will these two teams will be finishing close in the table. The six points they fight for are crucial in deciding who finishes above who. The summer signing of Andre Ayew and the way the Frenchman links with Bafetimbi Gomis provides a constant threat, while Romelu Lukaku and Steven Naismith have provided the goal threat for the Toffees this season. Both sides sit on eight points leaving this game nicely poised for Everton’s visit to the Liberty Stadium.
Stoke City vs Leicester City
Leicester’s progress has been overlooked, waiting for their dip in form. While Stoke City will envy the Foxes start, as the sides switch from last year’s fortunes. The Potters are yet to pick up a win and with large sums of money spent over the summer, results are desired. Claudio Ranieri’s side sit second while Mark Hughes’ side sit at the other end of the table.
In the weekend’s other fixtures:
Aston Villa vs West Bromwich Albion
Bournemouth vs Sunderland
Newcastle United vs Watford
Tottenham face Manchester City in the next round of fixtures for the lunchtime kick off next Saturday 26th September.
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