RADIO
Week 1 demonstrated all the unpredictability of the English Premier League. There were unexpected outcomes, and the will surely be more of the same as we continue through the season.
Here is RotoBaller's preview of the fixtures on Saturday, including match predictions, for Week 2 of the new EPL season.
Editor’s Note: be sure to check out all of our articles, and read more about English Premier League (EPL, BPL) fantasy analysis and European football news.
Southampton v Everton
Southampton give very little away defensively and appear to have retained their creativity in attack. Everton have lost England international Leighton Baines for 12 weeks or so due to injury and having spent next to nothing in the transfer window, the natives are restless and this will not get any better after Saturday. Graziano Pelle is off and running again and last season he scored his goals in bunches. Expect him to make the difference again.
Prediction: Southampton 3 Everton 1
Star Performer: Graziano Pelle
AFC Sunderland v Norwich City
Two teams who both lost on opening day. At least Sunderland showed more attacking intent than last season and this potentially has the makings of a decent game. Jermaine Defoe is always dangerous and having already opened his account expect him to be more prolific this season. Norwich are a side better suited, in our opinion, to playing away from home, as they have pace on the counter attack with Nathan Redmond a constant attacking threat. If they can be a bit more clinical in front of goal their supporters will have valid hope of getting a result from their journey to the North East.
Prediction: Sunderland 2 Norwich 2
Star Performers: Jermaine Defoe; Nathan Redmond
Swansea City v Newcastle United
A great start for Swansea as they secured an unexpected draw against reigning champions Chelsea. John-Jo Shelvey was outstanding and seems to have returned this season in better physical condition. He is very focused and now has the potential to push for a recall to the England squad. It will be interesting to see how resilient Newcastle are away from home this season, especially given that our expectation is that Swansea will have the bulk of possession. The pace of Moussa Sissoko and Gabriel Obertan will be critical to their counter attacking threat.
Prediction: Swansea City 2 Newcastle United 1
Star Performer: John-Jo Shelvey
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City
Both sides lost on opening day, but each remain positive about their prospects this season and with good reason, especially for Spurs who were unlucky not to get something at Old Trafford. They hope to have Hugo Lloris back in goal and with their defensive reinforcements, look for them to improve on the one shut out that they managed last season in home league games.
Stoke have been boosted by the amazing signing of Xherdan Shaqiri from Inter Milan, who is available to make his debut. He has the ability to change matches and, when playing regularly, will only enhance his potency. This week perhaps may be a little too soon for that impact to be realized. Ryan Shawcross has had back surgery this week, whilst Bojan also misses out this weekend.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2 Stoke City 0
Star Performers: Toby Alderweireld; Christian Eriksen
Watford v West Bromwich Albion
Watford were a surprise package on opening day. They will take confidence from their performance at Everton and it is at home where they will have to be prolific if they have any chance of survival. West Bromwich Albion were, quite frankly, appalling. Ricky Lambert aside, they lacked the commitment that sides managed by Tony Pulis are usually renowned for. The manager took responsibility for his tactical errors, but this cannot disguise an abject display. Expect a different outcome on Saturday in what even now can be seen as a 'six pointer'.
Prediction: Watford 0 West Bromwich Albion 2
Star Performer: Ricky Lambert
West Ham United v Leicester City
What a start for both these clubs. West Ham produced the shock of the weekend beating Arsenal and in Reece Oxford they have found a gem! The sixteen year old central defender was more worried about his exam results from High School than the Arsenal forward line last week, and his performance was incredible for one so young. Dimitri Payet was also outstanding and looks to be a quality addition to their ranks, although the jury is still out as to whether he can perform at this level on a cold January evening in Sunderland.
Diafro Sakho was arrested last week on assault charges but is available for selection. Morgan Amalfitano has been told he is no longer in the first team and will, therefore, be looking for a new club.
Leicester hit the ground running with four goals. Riyad Mahrez scored twice, including a penalty, and the Leicester threat will be because of his pace along with Jamie Vardy. Both sides will have attacking intent and a decent match awaits.
Prediction: West Ham United 2 Leicester City 2
Star Performers: Dimitri Payet; Riyad Mahrez
