RADIO
Week 6 of the EPL and the first week of fixtures that includes the additional complexity of midweek Champion's League games for some of the top tier's teams. Historically, teams that play in the Champion's League often struggle the following Saturday, so this adds yet another variable of complexity to the puzzle when evaluating the matches ahead.
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Chelsea 1 v Arsenal 2
Look out for a full evaluation of this fixture in Dan Steele's match of the week column, but we think Arsenal can, at last, break their hoodoo with Chelsea and Arsene Wenger can secure his first ever EPL victory over Jose Mourinho.
Star Performers: Petr Cech (GK), Theo Walcott (Forward)Aston Villa 1 v West Bromwich Albion 1
A local derby with added spice after the FA Cup fixture won by the home team and the ensuing crowd disturbances during and after the game. Villa will have been shell shocked by their dramatic defeat to Leicester when they were in a seemingly unassailable position with just 18 minutes left in the game. Meantime, WBA plod on with their cautious approach looking to ensure that they do not concede and hoping to pick up scraps in the offensive side of the game. Saido Berahino seems to have retained much of his attitude as expressed in his twitter feed and until we see evidence to the contrary he is one to avoid in fantasy terms. Don't be surprised if ex Albion Defender Joleon Lescott steps up with a rare set piece goal.
Star Performers: Joleon Lescott (Defender), Craig Dawson (Defender)
AFC Bournemouth 3 v Sunderland AFC 1
A long trip for Sunderland and we think they will be heading back home again with nothing to show for their efforts. Sunderland's defensive frailties are all too evident and the attacking flare and quick passing and movement of Bournemouth is bound to unsettle them. Deadline day signing Glenn Murray is expected to make his home debut and will be his usual disruptive self. Sunderland do look better offensively, with Jermaine Defoe always capable of grabbing a goal, but Bournemouth will have too much over the ninety minutes we feel.
Star Performers: Glenn Murray (Forward), Steve Cook (Defender)
Newcastle United 1 v Watford 0
Newcastle were abject on Monday against West Ham United, but the Geordie fans will not accept a similar performance at home in what is a very important game for the Toon Army. There were worrying signs with both Florain Thauvin and Georginio Wijnaldum failing to chase back to support their defence and if this is a sign of things to come, it could be a very long season. However, we fancy them to scrap it out with Watford and just get across the line to secure all three points. Look out for Darly Janmatt, who was excellent on Monday, and proved to be Newcastle's most potent attacking threat.
Star Performers: Tim Krul (GK) , Daryl Janmatt (Defender)
Stoke City 2 v Leicester City 0
So far this season, the two teams have performed absolutely opposite to what we had anticipated. Leicester were inspired in the final 15 minutes to turn a two goal deficit into an ultimate victory against Villa. Stoke on the other hand can't buy a win, however hard they try, and there has been no lack of effort from Mark Hughes' team. This cannot go on much longer and Stoke are taken to secure their first win of the season and to keep a clean sheet in the process.
Star Performers Mame Biram Diuof (Forward), Bojan Krkic (Forward)
Swansea City 2 v Everton 2
An entertaining contest awaits. Everton will be buoyed by their fabulous win over Chelsea whilst Swansea will want to forget their loss away to Watford. Roberto Martinez returns to his former club and both teams style of play compliment each other. We think there will be goals, chances galore and, ultimately, a share of the points.
Star Performers: Jonjo Shelvey (Midfield), Ross Barkley (Midfield)
Manchester City 1 West Ham United 2
City face a difficult task after losing at home to Juventus midweek. West Ham United will, unlike in previous seasons, come to the Etihaad Stadium and look to attack as opposed to a more conservative approach adopted by Sam Allardyce. In Dmitri Payet they have a player high on confidence and full of flare and imagination. Victor Moses has impressed too with his power and pace and they can be a real threat to City if they have a Champions League hangover. We think a shock might be possible.
Star Performers: Aaron Cresswell (Defender), Dmitri Payet (Forward)
