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Sunderland vs. Liverpool
This is the early game of the weekend, and I am staying away. Which Liverpool team will show up is anyone's guess, but I am certain that Sunderland will defend, defend, defend.
Burnley vs. Queens Park Rangers
Burnley has not lost in 3, scoring 6 goals, while QPR has not won in 4, scoring just 2 goals. What gives? I like Burnley's chances of continuing their unbeaten streak.
We may see a very angry Chelsea team playing with a "us against the world" mentality as Jose Mourinho has been complaining about some biased treatment against his team, and a team looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, its then first of the season. Having a number of Chelsea players is a sound idea.
I have seen the expression kicked around that "Everton has been playing like a pub team" and I could not agree more. What happened to Roberto Martinez's squad is beyond any reasonable explanation, but I still do not think that this will be a "walk in the park" for Manchester City. A blow-out loss and, I have a feeling, the Spaniard may be looking for a new club to coach. Expect a very physical and low scoring affair with plenty of fouls committed.
Leicester City vs. Aston Villa
Leicester City is on quite a run, undefeated in their last 3 games. With Aston Villa coming to town, however, the question that remains to be answered is: who will provide the offensive spark of the departed Ryad Mahrez? My gut feeling tells me that the Villains will get a clean sheet, so those holding on to Jores Okore at £1, should start the youngster and hope for big returns.
Swansea vs. West Ham United
West Ham United is experiencing somewhat of a "slide" having lost and tied two games from their last four. With Wilfried Bony out of the Swansea line-up playing for Ivory Coast, the Swans will attempt to use the home field to their advantage. What gives? I would not be surprised if the team from London wins this one 1-0.
West Bromwich Albion vs. Hull City
Tony Pulis takes over the West Bromwich Albion team in need of a spark and I have a feeling he will provide that spark, and lead his new team to victory over Hull City. I picked Stephane Sessegnon as a "hunch" pick earlier in the week and I think he will be given the role to roam free and create plenty of chances for himself as well as his teammates. It would also be interesting to see if Pulis gives Saido Berahino's penalty taking duties to Sessegnon as the gaffer likes to give more responsibility to his senior players.
Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham
Alan Pardew takes the reins as the manager of Crystal Palace but how will the team play without its two biggest stars, Mile Jedinak and Yannick Bolasie, both away on national team duties, is anyone's guess. Tottenham, on the other hand, will not lack confidence after dismantling Chelsea and should continue its winning form. Having a few Tottenham attacking players (Eriksen and Kane, in particular) is a sound idea.
Arsenal vs. Stoke
Arsenal will be looking to avenge the 3-2 defeat suffered at the Britannia. Olivier Giroud is back from suspension and should earn a spot back in the starting 11, which would mean that Alexis Sanchez reverts back to a wide role. Aaron Ramsey is healthy and should send Francis Coquelin to the bench. I see this one being a high scoring affair and thinking about having both Ramsey and Sanchez.
Manchester United vs. Southampton
He is back! As I mentioned multiple times, there is only one player worth picking up from Manchester United and Angel Di Maria is that man. Back on the scoresheet against Yeovil, Di Maria will be in United's starting 11 at home against Southampton; both teams are separated by only 1 point and a win for United could create a more comfortable, breathing distance between the two.
My current team is: Courtois, Cresswell, Trippier, Okore, Sessegnon, Fabregas, Hazard, Di Maria, Kane, Sanchez, Costa, with Hamer, Kelly, Gardos, Sinclair on the bench. It will most likely stay this way.
Good luck to everyone. Let's chat!
Sani.