Week 4 in the English Premier League and the European Games along with Capital One Cup ties will ensure that a lot of teams will have been playing midweek.  The transfer window saga continues with John Stones and Saido Berahino making the headlines as transfer requests are rejected by both of their clubs. However, we still expect them both to be at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur by the end of the month as how do you get a player, who doesn't want to play for you, to play? You can't. Therefore, you sell.

Here we review the more exciting encounters we can look forward to this weekend, before the break for the Euro 2016 International matches.

Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about the English Premier League (EPL, BPL) fantasy analysis and European football news

Newcastle United v Arsenal

Our Prediction: Newcastle United 1 v Arsenal 3

Arsenal have shown a more resolute approach away from home and despite Newcastle having more attacking flair than last season, their defense continues to elicit concern.  However, keep an eye on Florian Thauvin, who was exceptional in midweek, and can impress if given the opportunity to start on Saturday.  He could be a steal in fantasy soccer teams this season.

Star Performers : Florian Thauvin (Midfield), Aaron Ramsey (Midfield)

Aston Villa v Sunderland AFC

Our Prediction : Aston Villa 1 v Sunderland AFC 1

It is fair to say this could be seen as an early relegation scrap. Sunderland scored 6 goals in midweek including a Jermaine Defoe hat trick and secured a decent draw with Swansea last Saturday. However, we still feel that they are unlikely to secure three points.  Unsurprisingly, after signing 10 new recruits Villa look a little disjointed.  Jack Grealish is returning to full fitness and, as a result, to improving form, but expect the points to be shared.

Star Performers: Jack Grealish (Midfield), Jermaine Defoe (Attacker)

Bournemouth v Leicester City

Our Prediction: AFC Bournemouth 3 v Leicester City 2

WOW! What a game this could be and it's possible we could get ANY score! We said last week that as soon as Bournemouth scored a goal the floodgates would open, and so it proved.  Our predicted Star Performer, Callum Wilson, bagged the first hat trick of the EPL season and they followed up with 4 more goals in midweek in the Capital One Cup, whilst playing a completely different line up.  Leicester scored 4 goals too and this game will be a contrast of passing and movement from the home team versus a more direct approach that relies on pace and power. Riyad Mahrez has scored four goals in three matches and is rapidly becoming the fantasy soccer bargain of the season.

Star Performers: Callum Wilson (Attacker),  Riyad Mahrez (Midfield)

Chelsea v Crystal Palace

Our Prediction: Chelsea 2 v Crystal Palace 0

Jose Mourinho will still be furious with his side's defensive displays so far this season and will be determined to, not only secure all three points, but a long overdue clean sheet.  Crystal Palace will be a serious test for the Champions, but we expect that Thibault Courtois will ensure that the manager will get his wish.

Star Performers: Thibault Courtois (Goalkeeper), Diego Costa (Attacker)

Liverpool v West Ham United

Our Prediction: Liverpool 2 v West Ham United 0

There was much to like about Liverpool, especially in the first half, in their game this week at Arsenal.  Christian Benteke was exceptional and offers them a completely new dimension.  It will be fascinating to see how Daniel Sturridge fits into this new Liverpool once he returns from injury. West Ham flattered to deceive with their opening day win at Arsenal and this season is going to be a struggle with the added pressure of the Olympic Stadium move in the background.  Liverpool will take a second home victory and keep another clean sheet.

Star Performers : Martin Skrtel (Defender) Nathaniel Clyne (Defender)

Manchester City v Watford

Our prediction: Manchester City 4 v Watford 1

Manchester City have strengthened their squad yet again with Nicolas Otamendi whilst Pablo Zabaleta faces a lengthy absence through injury.  On paper they should be a different class to Watford, who have not scored in their last three matches and went out to lower league opposition in the Capital One Cup in midweek.  We think that Watford's gung ho style will be easy pickings for City and a comfortable win is inevitable.

Star Performers: Raheem Sterling (Attacker)  David Silva (Midfield)

Stoke City v West Browmwich Albion

Our prediction: Stoke City 1 v West Bromwich Albion 2

Both sides have started poorly and both sides are in need of all three points.  Stoke are missing Ryan Shawcross and are still a work in progress, as they continue to bed in their new signings. West Bromwich Albion improved markedly against Chelsea, despite the defeat, and in Salomon Rondon they have a striker who scored 33 goals in his last 55 matches prior to his transfer and surely will hit the ground running in the near future. Tony Pulis returns to the Britannia Stadium for the first time since he left Stoke City and the club and their supporters owe everything to him for their development into a regular EPL side.  In what we are sure will be an emotional return he may leave with all three points.

Star Performers : Craig Dawson (Defender) Salomon Rondon (Attacker)

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Our prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1 v Everton 2

Tottenham are desperate to conduct more transfer business, but Daniel Levy always leaves it to the last minute, believing this secures best value. However  in Jeremy Peace and WBA he may have met his match.  Harry Kane has yet to get off the mark for the season and his confidence may start to ebb away as a result.  Everton were fabulous on the road at Southampton and something similar could rattle the home team.  Romelu Lukaku has yet to score against Spurs but we expect that to change this weekend.

Star Performers:  Seamus Coleman (Defender, Romelu Lukaku (Attacker)

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