West Ham VS Middlesbrough
West Ham is in relegation zone sitting rather surprisingly in 18th place and Dimitri Payet failing to replicate anything close to last season’s awesome performance. The Hammers were taunted by Southampton supporters last weekend who sang ‘You should have remained at Boleyn Ground’ an apparent reference to the fact that they have yet to settle into the London Stadium, winning just a league game on home soil and all season.
Middlesbrough is not too far from their host on the Premier League table, despite a better start to the season. Aitor Karanka knows his team must begin to do better especially away from home. This particular fixtures represents one in which Boro could create an upset with Alvaro Negredo in particular an obvious source of worry for the lacklustre Hammers defence.
Manchester United VS Stoke City
Former United hero, Mark Hughes returns to Old Trafford and should not be expecting any favours as his battered Stoke City side confronts a resurgent Manchester United team in Sunday’s early kick-off. Manchester United dominated the entire proceedings in their last home game against the champions and it’s only natural to expect an even better performance against a lesser opposition on paper although Stoke City on their day could prove a tough nut to crack.
Paul Pogba gave a commanding display on Saturday while Daley Blind and Juan Mata weighed in with assists and goals. Wayne Rooney surely looks to continue on the bench as his continuous inclusion has altered the balance and rhythm of the side. Rumours have surfaced of Mark Hughes displeasure regarding the attitude and contributions of Wilfried Bony but 'Sparky' has quickly denied those insinuations insisting the Ivorian forward works well behind the scene. Perhaps a surgical change is needed in the Stoke City line-up if they are to mount any sustained pressure on Sunday.
Tottenham Hotspur VS Manchester City
A game involving the only teams yet to lose a game this season; first versus second, though Tottenham have dropped 4 points while the well-oiled Manchester City machine has won all games comfortably in the Premier League. Often times last season, Tottenham was accused of going to sleep during the big games though they recorded a resounding victory over Manchester City at home under a different manager and system. The attack of Spurs might prove to be their greatest undoing in this encounter as Vincent Janssen hasn’t got the ball rolling in the likely absence of Harry Kane while Son Heung-Min for all his obvious talent and recent scoring form has consistently failed to deliver the goals in the big matches.
Sergio Aguero is on-fire at the moment netting twice on his return from suspension. The Argentine has a good scoring record against Spurs and with his current form and confidence nothing short of at least a goal should be expected from him. A real test for Pep Guardiola as he confronts another young, brilliant Spanish speaking manager in the last big Premier League encounter before the international break.
Leicester City VS Southampton
The champions are broken and just as predicted before the season started they are struggling to combine the pressure and demands of champions and playing mid-week in Europe. Claudio Ranieri has looked clueless at times this season as his team has been torn apart with reckless abandon. The defence has looked a shadow of itself from last season, leaking goals like it’s going out of fashion. Demarai Gray came on Saturday to net a fantastic goal from range and his performance was one of the bright spots as the young English man looks to finally push for a starting spot in the team.
Super Eagles vice-captain, Ahmed Musa’s lack of Premier League action must be a source of worry as he has failed to make the match day squad in the last few Premier League outings. Southampton is confident heading into this following a win on the road last weekend as Claude Puel finally has something to cheer about. The Saints have won 4 games consecutively in all competitions and they travel to the home of the champions with the intention of making that five wins in a row.
Burnley VS Arsenal
Burnley is gradually making their home ground a fortress following surprise and impressive performances in home wins against Liverpool and Watford this season. They press opponents from the front, showing good tactical organisation whenever they are not with the ball. Jeff Hendrick was instrumental to their Monday night victory and he will once again need the support of the other attacking cast.
Alex Iwobi has developed this season into Arsenal’s key man, gradually becoming the key man for assists and through which most of the Gunners productive attacks are initiated through. Alexis Sanchez has found his scoring form this season and his pace should be a good test for Michael Keane. Arsene Wenger will want to outwit Sean Dyche in this encounter to prove his 20 years in the top flight is no fluke against a relatively inexperienced opposition manager.
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