The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThe Premier League returns this weekend with crucial ties up and down the country including the blockbuster Manchester United v Liverpool clash. After a successful week for the majority of home nations in international week, the stars regroup for another slice of Premier League action.
Here is the latest preview for all the upcoming action in this weekend’s Barclays Premier League.
Everton V Chelsea, 12:45, Goodison Park.
Everton host Chelsea in the Saturday lunchtime kick off. Chelsea are currently eight points off the pace and will be looking to record only their second win of the campaign while Everton will also be looking to record their second win of the campaign. Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Thibaut Courtois will be needing knee surgery that will most likely see him out for a few months, Oscar (knee) will also be missing for the trip. Tom Cleverley will be missing for Everton (knee). This fixture last year produced nine goals, with Chelsea coming out victorious 3-6.
Arsenal V Stoke, 15:00, Emirates Stadium.
Stoke travel to London to take on Arsenal in this Saturday afternoon encounter. Both teams have had slow starts to the season and will be looking to climb up the table with a win. Wilshere, Welbeck and Rosicky are missing for the Gunners and Charlie Adam, Ibrahim Afellay, Mame Diouf, Marko Arnautovic and Glen Johnson are all doubts for the visitors. Arsenal have won each of their last seven Premier league games against the Potters.
Crystal Palace V Manchester City, 15:00, Selhurst Park.
Manchester City travel to Palace hoping to maintain their 100% record to this season’s campaign. Palace will take great confidence in their last outing, picking up all three points away to last year’s champions, Chelsea. Palace will be without Joel Ward, Connor Wickham and Marouane Chamakh while City will be missing David Silva, Fabian Delph, Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy while Kevin De Bruyne could be making his debut for his new club. Manchester City have won their previous four league games in a row, they’ve not managed five since 1912.
Norwich City V Bournemouth, 15:00, Carrow Road.
The Cherries travel to Carrow Road to take on fellow Premier League new boys, Norwich City. Bournemouth have played some very exciting football so far this season and will be looking to record their second win of the campaign, while Norwich are looking to win their first home league of the season. Steven Whittaker misses out for Norwich through suspension while Lewis Grabban and Youssouf Mulumbu miss through injury. Bournemouth will be missing Harry Arter, Glenn Murray is expected to make his first appearance for the Cherries. Norwich have failed to beat Bournemouth at home since 1951, losing five times and drawing four.
Watford V Swansea City, 15:00, Vicarage Road.
Swansea travel to the capital to take on newly promoted Watford. Swansea have had a good strong start to the season, taking points of Chelsea and Manchester United and currently sit fourth in the league, Watford will be looking to record their first win of the campaign after three draws and a defeat. Miguel Britos and Joel Ekstrand are expected to miss this clash for Watford while Swansea City have a full squad to choose from following the recovery of Jefferson Montero. Bafetimbi Gomis could become only the third player in history to score in each of the first five games of the season.
