The Barclays Premier League returns this weekend and once more the Champions League/Europa League fixtures will likely impact the potential outcomes of the weekend fixtures.  Saturday has some intriguing match ups especially at the lower end of the table.

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Aston Villa v Swansea

Tim Sherwood is under intense pressure.  Only one point since the opening day win at Bournemouth is relegation form and despite the sale of Delph and Benteke they should be capable of better.  All over the field they lack confidence and the 'cockier' Sherwood seems to become, the worse his side seems to play. You can fool all of the people some of the time, but not for long!  Swansea are out of form but we still feel they have enough technical ability to beat a poor Villa side.  Jonjo Shelvey can orchestrate a much needed three points for the Welsh side.

Prediction; Aston Villa o Swansea City 2

Star Performer; Jonjo Shelvey (Midfield)

Leicester City v Crystal Palace

We have been astonished by the performances of Leicester City to date and great credit goes to the playing staff for their never say die attitude epitomized by Jamie Vardy. It shows the value of pace, the biggest threat to any defensive player. Crystal Palace are dangerous opponents and we expect them to shrug off their recent defeat following on from Dwight Gayle's red card.  This should be end to end stuff and we are sitting on the fence by predicting an exciting draw.

Prediction; Leicester City 2 Crystal Palace 2

Star Performer; Jamie Vardy (Forward)

Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion

The 6-2 defeat at the hands of Newcastle was a terrible result for Norwich. It wasn't just the extent of the loss, but the fact that it was against a previously anemic attack. It will be a big blow to their confidence in a home match they will feel they must win.  On the other hand, WBA have a habit of winning the games they need to win against the teams around them. Last week's tricky game against Sunderland under their new manager Sam Allardyce was a prime example of Albion doing what is needed to remain in the top flight of English soccer.  This is a game where we can see them securing a set piece goal and shutting down their opponents to secure the three points.  As ever it won't be pretty,  but it will be effective.

Prediction; Norwich City 0 West Bromwich Albion 1

Star Performer; Craig Dawson (Defender)

Stoke City v Watford

Stoke are starting to hit their stride and never really looked in any serious danger once they took the early lead at Swansea. Ryan Shawcross is close to returning to the starting line up and that will only add to their defensive strength.  We expect they will take care of Watford, who after a decent start are now starting to come under the sort of pressure most promoted clubs face when the season gets in to full swing. It will be a long winter for the Hornets.

Prediction; Stoke City 2 Watford 0

Star Performer; Charlie Adam (Midfield)

West Ham United v Chelsea

This is the most intriguing game of the day.  West Ham are continuing to perform at a high level.  Chelsea return from a Champions League stalemate and a win over feeble Aston Villa does little to cover over the cracks.  Chelsea are the same team as last season on paper, but are light years short of it on the field.  Whatever the reason, they do not have the potency in attack and they look much more vulnerable in defense. In a Champions League week West Ham have a great chance to win this game, but we ultimately think Chelsea will secure a point, probably via a set piece.

Prediction; West Ham United 1 Chelsea 1

Star Performer; Gary Cahill (Defence)

Arsenal  v Everton

Arsenal will be delighted by their midweek win over Bayern Munich and showed the kind of resilience that could still make them Champions.  Aaron Ramsey is out with a hamstring injury, but they still have an abundance of talent in midfield.  They seem to be making a positive decision to play Walcott as the main forward for an hour or so and then allow Giroud to benefit from his work rate late on in matches. Everton usually perform well against Manchester United and so a 3-0 reversal at home will be a blow to their confidence. We think Arsenal will come out quickly and take an early lead that they will not relinquish.

Prediction; Arsenal 3 Everton 1 

Star Performer; Santi Carzorla (Midfield)

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