Premier League Gameweek # 8 - Preview

And so after the long and tiresome international break, the Barclays Premier League resumes today. It has been two whole weeks since Adnan Januzaj stole the show and since Ravel Morrison and West Ham beat the living daylights out of Tottenham Hotspur.

Certain teams (like Man United and Crystal Palace) welcomed the international break for they were uninspiring and they needed a break. Certain teams (like Southampton and Arsenal) will see it as an unnecessary exercise which breaks up their momentum. How will the Premier League span out?

1. NEWCASTLE UNITED VS LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have been flying high early this season. Talk in Merseyside about a title challenge may be a tad pre mature but with the return of Luis Suarez, they look refreshed. The new SAS (Suarez and Sturridge) are looking sharp with Sturridge especially in fine nick scoring for England in the internationals. Last time they visited St. James’ Park , they scored six goals but the man of the match then - Phillipe Coutinho, is ruled out . Newcastle’s start to the season has been potrayed worse than it actually is. The Magpies picked up a vital away at Wales last time around. It is an intriguing clash to look forward in the early kick off.

Man To Look Out For - Loic Remy - the Frenchman scored two beauties in Cardiff and is in red hot form. Toure and Agger will have their hands full .

2. ARSENAL VS NORWICH CITY

The Gunners have been the success story of the season so far. They have been dealt a blow with Abou Diaby (the ever injured enigma) being ruled out till March. However, there is welcome news on the other front with Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott set to return to action. Walcott will have a point to prove with Townsend stealing his place in the national team. As for Norwich, they have not been spectacular but solid under Chris Hughton. The manager is under fire after spending a fortune in the summer and still spending less.

Man To Look Out For - Aaron Ramsey - The Welshman’s performances have been nothing short of remarkable. He will be the major threat bursting forward from that midfield in Lampard-like fashion.

3. CHELSEA VS CARDIFF CITY

Chelsea have not set the league on fire with a long winning streak like they did in Jose Mourinho’s first tenure. The self anointed Special One’s team have been uninspiring at times but sensational at other which is expected of a team filled with young players. Mourinho , however, has always relied on stability and experience in his various successful jobs and this is a new challenge for him. Nails were being bitten before Hazard scored in the eightieth minute to ensure victory over Norwich City. Cardiff , meanwhile, are enjoying a decent start to the league campaign. Malckay wanted Wales to become a fortress and that didn’t quite work out as they lost to struggling Newcastle and hence they will be looking to put up a strong away performance at Stamford Bridge

Man To Look Out For - Oscar - The Brazilian has been nominated by Mourinho as his talisman. Though the Stamford Bridge crowd were averse to Juan Mata being dropped in favour of the Brazilian , they are now growing to appreciate him. Another strong performance will only increase their affection for him

4. EVERTON VS HULL CITY

Everton have seamlessly transformed from Martinez to Moyes and though last week’s defeat to Manchester City would have been a bit hard to take, Martinez will be more than pleased with the start. Hull City have had a dream start to the season, sitting above Champions Manchester United after seven games . The return of former Manchester United man , Robbie Brady, Hull City’s star, will improve their chances in Goodison Park. The duel between the Irish duo - Seamus Coleman and Robbie Brady will be a treat to watch.

Man To Look Out For - Leighton Baines - The English full back was stellar in international duty this week, providing the cross for Wayne Rooney to score. His set pieces make him a dangerous prospect down the left hand side for Everton.

5. MANCHESTER UNITED VS SOUTHAMPTON

David Moyes will be under a lot of pressure (if he wasn’t already!) to avoid successive league defeats at home for the first time since 2002. With Sir Alex Ferguson’s book set to release soon, Moyes is desperate for a win. Youngster Adnan Januzaj’s contract talks are another headache but the kid looks set to start again on Saturday after his stellar showing two weeks ago. Southampton have been flying high with three straight victories and they won’t surprise many if they snatch a point at Old Trafford

Man To Look Out For - Marouane Fellaini - The Big bad Belgian looks set to start, with Cleverley being injured. He has been lukewarm since his £27.5 Million deadline day move and today would be a good day for him to grab his first Old Trafford goal.

6. STOKE CITY VS WEST BROMWICH ALBION

West Brom have been the surprise package in the last few weeks. After a bad start, they went to Old Trafford and came back with a victory and later held table topping Arsenal to a draw. Stoke on the other hand, after Tony Pulis’ departure, are looking for an expansive style of football. What would have been once considered a snorefest , is now actually an entertaining prospect.

Man To Look Out For - Bera Hino - The youngster after goals against Arsenal in the Cup and at Old Trafford, was stellar for England U21s this week. With his contract running out, Albion need him to sign one.

7. SWANSEA VS SUNDERLAND

Michael Laudrup’s men have the worst home record in the entire league. Sunderland , on the other hand, have the worst record in the whole league (rock bottom after seven games). Can Gus Poyet turn the tide? The signs were promising against Manchester United last time, when they took the lead and played brilliantly for sixty minutes. Just the get the feeling that something has got to give..will it be Michu or Altidore?

Man To Look Out For - Michu - When his manager wants goals, Michu gets them. It has been as simple as that for a year now. Big time for a hero in South Wales.

8. WEST HAM UNITED VS MANCHESTER CITY

West Ham shocked the whole world with their three goal victory at White Hart Lane. Manchester City have not won any of their away games this season, losing to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa while taking only a point at Stoke. But the Hammers’ striking problems (with hitman Andy Carroll ruled out uncertainly) , Man City might prove too strong for them and Pellegrini might walk away with his first away victory

Man To Look Out For - Ravel Morrison - The former Manchester United man is in super form this season and is being tipped for a surprise England World Cup call up.

9. ASTON VILLA VS TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

It’s been one step forward and a couple back for Paul Lambert’s men ever since the start of his regime. A victory against Man City was followed by a drab draw at Hull City. Tottenham , on the other hand, saw their great start to the season busted by Ravel Morrison and West Ham. The mark of a great side is to bounce right back after set backs and everyone’s favourite AVB will be looking forward to securing a vital victory

Man To Look Out For - Andros Townsend - The English winger has become the darling of the nation after shooting them through to the World Cup. A similar performance for his club would be welcome.

10. CRYSTAL PALACE VS FULHAM

A story of two sides struggling to make their mark. Crystal Palace have been finding their journey in the top flight a tough task while Fulham have been booed by their own fans. A victory last time was a much needed one for Fulham and they now sit four points above Crystal Palace. A loss for Crystal Palace is unimaginable as it would see Fulham cut seven points clear and though it is the early stages of the season, that would be a difficult lead to make up later

Man To Look Out For - Dwight Gayle. Crystal Palace’s diminutive forward will be key if they want a crucial victory at Selhurst Park.