Liverpool v Manchester United
Key Battle: Luis Suarez has been in superb form for Liverpool this season whilst question marks have been raised over Phil Jones’ defensive abilities. He will have his toughest test of the season on Saturday against the Uruguayan.
Player to Watch: With both teams playing more traditional 4-4-2 systems this season, the midfield battle is there to be won. Darren Fletcher’s all action style will be crucial to United’s hopes.
Talking Point: United’s defence has been under scrutiny lately, but will it be good enough to preserve their unbeaten record?
Prediction: 2-0
Manchester City v Aston Villa
Key Battle: Richard Dunne arrives back from international duty to face Edin Dzeko. It will be a crucial battle between one of the Premier League’s best attacks and defences so far this season.
Player to Watch: David Silva has been the man who has made things happen for City so far this season; will he keep up his superb work after the international break?
Talking Point: Villa have taken a predictably defensive approach under Alex McLeish, and this will represent a key test of City’s ability to break down a stubborn defence
Prediction: 0-0
Norwich v Swansea
Key Battle: Joe Allen and Wes Hoolahan will face each other in the middle of the park this weekend. With their home fans behind them, Swansea and Allen will have to work hard to ensure Hoolahan doesn’t have the space to cause havoc.
Player to Watch: Scott Sinclair was Swansea’s dangerman last season as they won promotion to the Premier League and Norwich will have to be careful of his ability on the break.
Talking Point: Swansea have pace in abundance, but will Norwich’s fervent home crowd win the day?
Prediction: 1-3
QPR v Blackburn
Key Battle: It was an awful time last time for QPR’s defence and Anton Ferdinand won’t look forward to a meeting with Junior Hoilett, Blackburn’s talented young striker
Player to Watch: Adel Taraabt endured a miserable afternoon at Fulham and QPR will be hoping their star man is in the mood to break down a leaky Blackburn defence
Talking Point: Two of the Premier League’s main relegation candidates, and with Steve Kean under pressure it is a crucial game for his side.
Prediction: 0-1
Stoke v Fulham
Key Battle: Martin Jol’s cultured Fulham side will be in for a battle against a Stoke team whose brand of football is more closely related to rugby. Can they handle the physical approach?
Player to Watch: There was some lovely football from Fulham last time against QPR and Andy Johnson was on fire. Can he keep up the goalscoring streak?
Talking Point: Danny Murphy criticised Stoke’s ridiculously aggressive approach last season, but there are few signs they have calmed down, and they may target the Fulham midfielder.
Prediction: 1-1
Wigan v Bolton
Key Battle: It has been a dire start to the season for Bolton but they have played some of the league’s best sides already. Gary Cahill will have to be at his best and on form against Wigan’s Fabio di Santo, who has been superb this season.
Player to Watch: Bolton’s performances have been disjointed and Fabrice Muamba’s form is crucial to their ability to link their play.
Talking Point: Can Bolton end the poor form? It will be crucial to do so against a side considered a relegation favourite.
Prediction: 2-2
Chelsea v Everton
Key Battle: Ramires has been important for Chelsea as they look to play a more expansive style, and his runs from midfield will have to be tracked by Marouane Fellaini.
Player to Watch: Raul Mereiles has been crucial for Chelsea’s change of style; if he plays in defensive midfield he will have to prevent Leon Osman finding space.
Talking Point: Both sides like to play the ball on the floor and it will be a fascinating tactical tussle between the two.
Prediction: 0-0
Arsenal v Sunderland
Key Battle: Sunderland have struggled so far this season but Arsenal’s defence is notoriously shaky. Per Mertesacker will have his eye on Nicklas Bendtner if he plays against his parent club.
Player to Watch: Mikel Arteta’s ability to dictate the play was limited last time against Tottenham, and will be crucial to Arsenal’s chances.
Talking Point: Two of the Premier League’s biggest disappointments so far this season, but Arsenal will be heavy favourites for this one.
Prediction: 2-0
West Brom v Wolves
Key Battle: West Brom’s Shane Long has been their main goalscoring threat this season, and Roger Johnson will have to be marshalling his defence well to keep him quiet.
Player to Watch: Matt Jarvis has been Wolves’ most creative player in recent seasons, and they will look to him to carve out chances for their forwards.
Talking Point: Two well organised teams who have struggled to put the ball in the net often this year. Will either be able to break the other down?
Prediction: 0-0
Newcastle v Tottenham
Key Battle: Scott Parker has been crucial for Spurs this season and Check Tiote will have a tough task on to keep him and Luka Modric quiet.
Player to Watch: Emmanuel Adebayor has been superb for Spurs so far since joining from Man City and Newcastle arguably haven’t faced a player with the physical strength as well as technique up front to make life difficult for them defensively this season.
Talking Point: Newcastle will look to keep their unbeaten run going but Tottenham are likely to be technically too good for them.
Prediction: 1-2
