Premier League: Game week 8 preview

Game Week 8: Preview

Action returns back to the Premier League, after a week of International friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. Those who didn’t have the services of Sony Six will be relieved to see some footballing action this weekend. There are plenty of compelling matches and some exciting battles to look forward to.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool

High flying Liverpool travel to St. James’s Park and Rodgers will be expecting a full kitty of three points. Fabricio Coloccini will be missing in action as the 31 year old has been struggling with a thigh injury. Alan Pardew will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year; however that is easier said than done. Liverpool are expecting defender Glen Johnson back from injury but he is unlikely to start. Daniel Sturridge is in sensational form and is likely to continue the scoring form, with Suarez making the customary appearance on the score-sheet.

The expectations are high for a Liverpool win, however Newcastle are however likely to find the net.

Key Players: Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Loic Remy

Result: Newcastle 1 – Liverpool 3

Arsenal vs. Norwich

The Gunners will entertain the Canaries this Saturday and if all goes according to plan, Arsenal will top the table for a third consecutive week. Major injury concerns include Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott. The German midfielder limped off against Sweden in the World Cup qualifier. He has been the major source of renaissance for Wenger and his presence will be missed in the central creative role. Santi Cazrola is likely to make a comeback after having been sidelined for over two months. The Spaniard will come in as a direct swap for Ozil; that is if Wenger’s worst nightmare materializes. Norwich on the other hand will be quietly confident of stealing a few points after keeping Chelsea at bay for 85 minutes.

Key Players: Mesut Ozil, Oliver Giroud, Anthony Pilkington

Result: Arsenal 2 – Norwich 1

Chelsea vs. Cardiff City:

Mourinho has finally settled in and Chelsea are on a decent run of form. After back to back defeats against Everton and Basel, the Blues have sprung back to reinstate order at the bridge. An entertaining draw against Spurs, a destruction of Steau Bucharest and wins over Fulham, Norwich and Swindon has restored parity at the Bridge. Chelsea will miss Fernando Torres, who suffered an injury during the Champions League clash against Bucharest. Ashley Cole is also doubtful after suffering a rib injury against Norwich. Ba and Bertrand will deputize for the above absentees. Eden Hazard is expected to return to the starting XI and Andre Schurrle, fresh off the hattrick against Sweden will wrestle Mata for a starting berth.

Key Players: Oscar, Fraizer Campbell

Result: Chelsea 2 – Cardiff City 0

Manchester United vs. Southampton

All the newspapers have featured the new Belgian wonder kid, Adnan Januzaj. A lot of talk about him getting £60,000-per-week deal, a monumental increase from his current meagerly wages of £4,900-per-week has made all the headlines. He was handed a first premier League start and repaid Moyes with a match saving brace, sending the United fans into Ga-Ga land. The visiting saints are in rampant form and placed fifth in the table. Saints have relied on a very staunch defence along with a clinical bunch of midfielders and forwards. Boruc has managed 5 clean sheets in 7 outings and Saints will be expecting a similar turn of events. I am counting on an upset in this one.

Some respite for Moyes will be the hattrick from Robin Van Persie against Hungary. Although it was an 8-1 rout, the goals will do Persie’s confidence a world of good.

Key Players: Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Ricky Lambert

Result: Manchester United 0 – Southampton 1

Other teams likely to cause an upset are West Ham and Aston Villa. Tottenham were ‘Un-Ravel-ed ‘ by West Ham last week. Although Big Sam has to pay Manchester United every time Morrison starts a game, this is one lump of money West Ham won’t mind paying. Manchester City must be aware of a possible banana peel at Upton Park. Tottenham will try to redeem themselves after the 3-0 humiliation, but that is easier said than done. Aston Villa have shown incredible form against the top 4 sides. They beat the Gunners 3-1 and City 3-2. The game against Chelsea was also pretty close. Major injury concern for Villa is the Hip injury to Christian Benteke. The Belgian is unlikely to start against Spurs.

Result: West Ham 1 – Manchester City 2

Aston Villa 3 - Tottenham Hotspurs 2

Other Predictions:

Everton 2 – Hull City 0

Stoke City 1 – West Brom 2

Swansea 1 – Sunderland 1

Crystal Palace 0 – Fulham 1

The game week 8 offers some mouthwatering clashes and prospective shuffles in the Premier League table. As always the Premier League platter is bound to offer goals, tense finishes and potential upsets.