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With the international break finally behind us, it is time for another exciting round of Premier League matches. For the first time since the transfer window slammed shut, the teams will be in action and it promises to be a rousing round of games. So let us look at five things to look forward to, as the games are almost upon us.
How will Fellaini adapt?
Manchester United’s summer transfer window was littered with disappointment as they missed out on their main targets Fabregas and Alcantara early on and a final day farce them lose out on Ander Herrera as well. Fellaini was the only real recruit of the summer and only time will tell if it was the right move or not. But, Saturday’s lunch time clash at Old Trafford will certainly be one that most United fans will be looking forward to, with bated breath.
Fellaini, in all likelihood, will be partnering Carrick in a two man midfield and how he adapts to the United style of play will certainly to be worth looking out for.
Will Totttenham’s new signings be able to adapt right away?
Even with the loss of Gareth Bale, Tottenham certainly had a busy summer and one that was filled with a string of reinforcements to the squad, which certainly looks a lot stronger on paper, than it looked last time around. But, just before the international break, Spurs lost to Arsenal, in a game that many predicted them to win, and do so, quite comfortably in fact.
But the game showed the value of having a stable line up, where everyone is aware of each other’s style. Whilst the addition of Lamela and Eriksen will no doubt add a touch of creativity, that will help soothe the loss of Bale, it remains to be seen, if they will be able to fit right in and adapt to a new league straight away.
Can the Black Cats finally get their season started?
The summer has seen a sea of change at Sunderland. Di Canio’s first transfer window in charge of the Black Cats, has seen 13 new signings and a mass exodus from the club. With the likes of Adam Johnson and Emanuele Giaccherini on the wings and Ki Sung-Yueng in the middle, this certainly promises to be a season in which the black Cats won’t lack creativity. But just one point from three games, tell a completely different story. They have conceded at least a goal in all three games so far and an Arsenal side with the acquisition of Mesut Ozil is the last thing Di Canio would have wanted right now.
But, now might well be the best time to play the gunners as a grueling international week saw Rosicky join Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lukas Podolski, Abou Diaby and Yaya Sanogo on the club’s treatment table. If the Black Cats are looking to kick start their season, this looks like the perfect game to do so.
Will West Brom score their first goal of the season?
Three games in and West Bromwich Albion are the only team in the Premier League without even a single goal to their name so far and lie at the bottom of the table. After a high flying start last year, they might have expected to do the same this year. But, their attack doesn’t seem like one that would frighten any other team in the league, especially with the departure of Lukaku.
But deadline day saw the baggies go some way towards changing that, with capture of Stéphane Sessègnon and Victor Anichebe, who are certain to boost their attack in their quest of that elusive first goal that seems to elude. Steve Clark will be hoping that their game against Fulham, a side which doesn’t boast of a sound defense, changes that.
Can Martinez outsmart Mourinho and get his first win?
Three games into his tenure at Everton, Martinez has seen his side eke out only three draws, of which two have been goalless. As he looks to get his first victory as the Toffees manager, Mourinho would have been the last person he would have wanted to face. Especially, given the abundance of attacking talent on display at the London club.
But, Martinez might well relish the prospect of coming up against a Chelsea side, who, are firm favorites before kickoff. With the same underdog tag, Martinez did a brilliant job at Wigan, which also included a victory against Chelsea, and he would be hoping to continue his good run against the blues. And irrespective of whether they win or not, it might well be an interesting tactical battle between the two new men at the helm of both clubs.
