The international hiatus is over and that means the English Premier League is back! And while the 4th Gameweek throws up some interesting ties, there’s still a few players who would like to prove a point on the pitch.
Michael Owen, Maicon, Dimitar Berbatov, Gaston Ramirez, César Azpilicueta and a few other players are raring to go after making their moves in the transfer market. Whether we’ll see them play is another question, but it’s surely another incentive to watch the EPL this weekend.
Here are the top games on Saturday and Sunday (We will bring you live updates of all the Saturday matches).
ARSENAL vs SOUTHAMPTON
Kick-off: 15th September 7.30 PM
Arsenal, after a slow start to the season were incisive and dangerous against Liverpool. Arsene Wenger‘s bold counter-attacking tactics worked wonders as they looked a more inventive and lively. With Southampton still reeling from the last-minute blow against Manchester United last time out, this could be the perfect time for Wenger’s men to retain the momentum.
Van Persie should be fit for selection against Wigan. AP
As for team news, Arsenal have Wojciech Szczesny available. Theo Walcott remains a slight doubt after a virus and Abou Diaby is certainly ruled out. For Southampton, it seems likely Ramirez will make a start. He’s one to keep an eye on.
MAN UNITED vs WIGAN
Kick-off: 15th September 7.30 PM
The good news is that Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa are available for selection. The new signings had niggles they complained about during the international break but it looks like they should be fine. RVP also scored during midweek so his match sharpness is unquestionable. Wigan come at the back of a 2-2 draw in this match and their attacking looks less threatening without Victor Moses. This one should be easy for United— they have scored 24 times in seven home matches against the Latics.
The major team news is the availability of Darren Fletcher. After a 10 month lay off because of a serious bowel problem, the midfielder should be in the squad.
QPR vs CHELSEA
Kick-off: 15th September 7.30 PM
This should be an interesting one. Anton Ferdinand has reportedly refused to shake hands with John Terry after the Chelsea captain was accused of racially abusing him (he has been acquitted for that, but faces a separate FA charge). There might not be any handshakes at all in the pre-match ceremony. QPR have signed a host of players but the team hasn’t come together as yet. Expect them to take some time to do so though, and Chelsea might prove too good to start a winning run. But statistically there is good news— Chelsea have failed to win 15 out of 17 matches at Loftus Road.
For Chelsea, new signing Azpilicueta could get a go on the pitch. The attacking right-back is an exciting prospect.
STOKE CITY vs MAN CITY
Kick-off: 15th September 7.30 PM
This could be tricky. Roberto Mancini is still not happy with his squad and came away a bit lucky against QPR last gameweek. And against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, things always get rough for the visitors. Moreover, Stoke have never lost at home to Man City in the EPL.
Team news sounds exciting for this match. Charlie Adam, Steve N’zonzi and Michael Owen are all available for Stoke while Sergio Aguero (back from injury), Mario Balotelli (back after eye surgery) and deadline day signings Maicon, Matija Nastasic, Javi Garcia and Scott Sinclair could also get some minutes under their belt.
SUNDERLAND vs LIVERPOOL
Kick-off: 16th September 10 PM
Liverpool have lost two of their last three visits to the Stadium of Light and their form is depressing. Though things link up in midfield, their finishing has been woeful and there’s a lot of pressure on Luis Suarez up front. But Sunderland are without a win in their last 10 EPL game… and they quickly need to bring that run to an end.
Adam Johnson playing will be a last minute decision for Sunderland but Liverpool’s best player so far– Joe Allen, is available for selection.
