:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51364805/GettyImages-613163246.0.jpg)
Thankfully normal play has resumed and we can turn our attention back to the Premier League. Looks as if most fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief as players returned mostly in good shape. The other major frustration with international breaks are the doubts surrounding players with long distances to cross and little time to train. Player's like Alexis Sanchez usually have less time to recover and refocus after excursions with the national team.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
With the bulk of matches starting today, let's take a look at the fixtures:
Arsenal v Swansea
Bournemouth v Hull City
West Brom v Spurs
Crystal Palace v West Ham
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 8 serves up some interesting match ups with Chelsea taking on former manager and current champions Leicester City. This is quite a tricky fixture to predict given the ups and downs of both sides, but I expect a close and cagey match. Even though Leicester City have shipped 10 goals in 4 away matches, I expect things to be a bit more tight at the back for this one.
Our other big match for Saturday will see if Pep's Manchester City side can regain their momentum after a humbling trip to White Heart Lane last match week. But Everton are certainly no team to underestimate. New manager Ronald Koeman has the Toffees off to a solid start and always seem to make life difficult for the big teams on big occasions. Should be a real exciting match.
Elsewhere it will be very interesting to see what Bob Bradley, the new man in charge for Swansea and first ever American manager in the Premier League, can do with limited time before facing Arsenal away. The odds are surely not in his favor but I'm not sure what any other manager in the same position would be able to do, so I think it will be a few matches before we can see what Bradley has to offer. He certainly has the pedigree and international experience to lead a side like Swansea, and as a compatriot I do wish him well.
How did your teams turn out? Which matches do you think might garner an upset?
Cheers!
Kellz