With the international fixtures behind us we can focus, once again, on the most competitive soccer league on the planet. The English Premier League is back with some alluring match ups and here are our match predictions and players to watch this week.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about the EPL and Spanish La Liga at; http://www.rotoballer.com/category/premier-league-bpl-epl-soccer

Everton  v  Chelsea

Chelsea will have their squad returning from various far flung places around the globe, which is not necessarily the ideal preparation for an early Saturday morning kick off. Goodison Park is never an easy place to secure an away victory and Chelsea will struggle to do just that. Everton have their share of international players too but their English contingent had a stress free outing with their national team and they looked a far more cohesive unit last time out. We expect a tight game and the spoils to be shared.

Prediction; Everton 1 Chelsea 1 

Star Performers:  Eden Hazard (Midfield), Romelu Lukaku (Forward)

Crystal Palace  v Manchester City

Crystal Palace will take on Manchester City and will not allow the league leaders to play their comfortable passing game without putting them under intense pressure. Selhurst Park is a cauldron of noise on days like this and we can see "the Eagles" using their pace from midfield to exploit any defensive frailties that City may have.

Prediction; Crystal Palace 2 Manchester City 1

Star Performers Scott Dann (Defense), Yannick Bolaise (Midfield)

Arsenal  v Stoke City

Arsenal will want to secure their first home win of the season and whilst Stoke have been, at least  historically, a nemesis for them. The new Stoke City outfit currently seems a little frail mentally and this is mainly because of the absence of Ryan Shawcross. Arsenal expect their regular defensive partnership to be ready to go, and they should just have enough to get the job done.

Prediction; Arsenal 2 Stoke City 1

Star Performers: Aaron Ramsey (Midfield), Alexis Sanchez (Forward)

Watford  v Swansea

This should be an entertaining match to watch as both sides like to play the ball on the ground and exploit space through quality passing and movement. Watford have a very attacking philosophy and know they need to earn points at home if they have any chance of survival in the EPL. Swansea are, probably, the team best designed to exploit this and we think this one might provide a goal fest on Saturday.

Prediction; Watford 2 Swansea 4

Star Performers: Gylfi Sigurdsson (Midfield), Troy Deeney (Striker)

West Bromwich Albion v Southampton

The story since the transfer deadline has been the relationship between Saido Berahino and his team mates and supporters. His ill advised use of  social media has turned a club hero into a villain with supporters returning Berahino shirts to the club shop. However, he needs to be on the team and thus a substitute appearance seems the most likely scenario this weekend. Southampton have disappointed defensively so far and a set piece might be the difference in what will likely be a drab affair at the Hawthorns.

Prediction; WBA 1 Southampton 0

Star Performers: Craig Dawson (Defense), Callum McManaman (Midfield)

Norwich v Bournemouth

A match up between two of the promoted teams which makes this an automatic six pointer.  Bournemouth have started the better and in Callum Wilson have a goal scorer with enormous levels of  confidence. Norwich have been up and down, but it is at Carrow Road where they really need to secure points.  Nathan Redmond is in good form and we expect an open match and, ultimately, a point each.

Prediction; Norwich 2 Bournemouth 2 

Star Performers: Nathan Redmond (Midfield), Callum Wilson (Forward)

Manchester United v Liverpool

For many, this is still the biggest game of the season.  The first meeting of the year comes with both teams needing to bounce back from defeats. Liverpool's loss was particularly strange having started out so strongly from a defensive perspective. Philippe Coutinho will be a bad loss for Liverpool as they currently have very little craft in midfield in his absence. Manchester United have very little craft in midfield either, but in Wayne Rooney they have a player whose confidence has surely been boosted by him becoming England's all time record goal scorer. Therefore, we think, he will be the difference.  David De Gea is expected to return to the side with the on/off transfer debacle to Real Madrid off - at least for now.

Prediction; Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1 

Star Performers: Wayne Rooney (Forward), David De Gea (Goalkeeper)

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