The international break is finally over, and now we can get back to league play. The break that comes at the beginning of the season is cruel and annoying but nevertheless, since we’ve been deprived of EPL action for two weeks, let's take a look at some of the hottest matches coming up this weekend.
Arsenal vs. Manchester City
The game of the week. The Gunners will welcome the defending champions to the Emirates on Saturday. It will be the debut of former United player Danny Welbeck after his £16 million move to Arsenal, and he will surely play a key part in the Gunners' attack. Welbeck should be in his preferred role as striker, as opposed to winger where he played frequently at Old Trafford. Welbeck seems revitalized by the move, as he scored two goals for England in their Euro qualifier versus Switzerland earlier this week. Arsenal have yet to show their potential this season, while City had two good results against Liverpool and Newcastle before a loss to Stoke. City’s Stevan Jovetic could be out with an injury, but this clash should still be world class. Welbeck will be eager to get off to a good start, especially against the defending champs and former rival.
The18 Match Prediction: Arsenal 3 Manchester City 2
Mesut Ozil will have Alexis Sanchez and newly aquired Danny Welbeck at his disposal against Manchester City. (Photo:@Madzolly | Twitter)Mesut Ozil will have Alexis Sanchez and newly aquired Danny Welbeck at his disposal against Manchester City. (Photo:@Madzolly | Twitter)
Chelsea vs. Swansea City
Swansea will look to show they’re the real deal as they travel to Stamford Bridge to try to stay atop the league table in an interesting match up. Chelsea exploded out the gates, and we've seen acquisition Diego Costa score 4 goals in 3 games. Chelsea is cautiously optimistic about Costa’s availability this weekend after he said he had pain in his leg. Swansea has looked impressive this year, and they will be asked to do a lot to compete with the dangerous Blues. Chelsea showed weakness in their back line against Everton, which Swansea will try to exploit, but they’ll have to be careful as all it will take is one counter attack for Chelsea to punish you.
The18 Match Prediction: Chelsea 2, Swansea City 1
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa
Another pair of teams in the top five will clash this weekend. Liverpool have shown quality this season, getting wins against Southampton (2-1) and Tottenham (3-0), but showed massive holes against Manchester City (1-3). They’ll face an undefeated Aston Villa side, but one that hasn’t faced much quality this season. Villa will need to limit the freedom of Liverpool’s midfield stars and keep an organized back line. A tie would be a good result for The Claret and Blue, but the Reds shouldn’t have a problem in Anfield.
The18 Match Prediction: Liverpool 3, Aston Villa 1
Raheem Sterling had one assist and set up another goal in England's 2-0 win over Switzerland ealier this week in Euro qualifying. (Photo:@LFC | Twitter)Raheem Sterling had one assist and set up another goal in England's 2-0 win over Switzerland ealier this week in Euro qualifying. (Photo:@LFC | Twitter)
Manchester United vs. QPR
14th place Manchester United will host 12th place QPR, in what is probably a must-win for the Red Devils. A tie or loss at home to newly promoted QPR would be the second against a promoted team in this young season, and will only raise more questions for Louis van Gaal. Radamel Falcao said he hopes to make his debut Sunday. If that means he starts or comes in as a sub, he and Angel Di Maria will be in the spotlight and expected to produce. QPR opened the season poorly, but got a 1-0 victory against Sunderland before the break. They have a team that can beat a United in their current form. If QPR come out hot and find an opening goal on the road, anything could happen. They’ll need to pour constant pressure on United players and bring nerves to the ruckus crowd. This will be a good watch on Sunday but, with their backs against the wall, we’re guessing the Red Devils squeak out a victory.
The18 Match Prediction: Manchester United 2, QPR 1
