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Football not the only issue as Premier League returns

October 19, 2012

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Ah, the international break. The chance for Sir Alex Ferguson to vent his spleen about the inanities of playing for your nation, Brendan Rodgers to chew his fingernails down to the quick and Mark Hughes to work with a near-full squad for two straight weeks.

The Premier League is back with a bang this weekend, although not without controversy amid reports of a boycott of the Kick Racism Out Of Football campaign.

On the pitch, thoughts already turn to the likely first managerial sacking of the season. Bad results for Queens Park Rangers or Reading could spell the end for Brian McDermott or Hughes. There is also Stoke's bid to defy history at Old Trafford, a ding-dong London derby between Chelsea and Spurs, a Tyne-Wear showdown and a trip for Arsenal to Norwich.

For talking points and predictions for every fixture this weekend, check out ESPN's take on the forthcoming action.

Saturday

Norwich v Arsenal - LIVE ON ESPN

Form: Times are tough at Carrow Road. A 5-0 drubbing from Fulham on the first day of the season spelt out just how tough a season Norwich were in for since Paul Lambert left for pastures new, and it hasn't got much better since: on their last two Premier League outings they were hit for five by Liverpool and four by Chelsea. After a tough end to September, Arsenal got back to winning ways against West Ham before the international break.
Key battle: Few managers respond to going 4-1 behind to a side by taking off a defender, but such is the importance of Sebastien Bassong to Chris Hughton's plans that is exactly what he did. Bassong has now had two weeks to recover from a hamstring problem and Hughton will hope the former Newcastle defender has one of his better days up against Lukas Podolski and Co.
Player to watch: Despite a first league goal for the club against West Ham and a last-gasp equaliser for France against Spain in midweek, Olivier Giroud still has much to prove to win over the Arsenal faithful. Thierry Henry's boots have proved too big to fill for a string of Arsene Wenger signings since the Frenchman left in 2006; if his countryman really is the player to step out of his shadow, he should relish the chance to grab a hatful against the likes of Norwich.
Talking point: Jack Wilshere came through a full 90 minutes for the first time during the week in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Chelsea at the Gunners' Colney training ground. Arsene Wenger didn't feel the need to replace Alex Song after his move to Barcelona, suggesting Wilshere's return would be as good as a new signing to Arsenal - but will the Frenchman be able to resist reintroducing the English dynamo too soon?
Bet of the day: Podolski has quickly adjusted to Premier League football and will be keen to keep himself among the goals. Back the German to score in a 3-1 win at 35/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-3

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Tottenham v Chelsea

Form: Between them, Spurs and Chelsea have lost just once this season. Tottenham were caught cold by Newcastle on the opening day, but have bounced back in emphatic fashion with four wins in their last four games, a run that included a 3-2 victory against Man Utd at Old Trafford. As for Chelsea, their results have been virtually flawless, even if the manner of their victories has flitted between the sublime and the substandard for a team with the talent at their disposal.
Key battle: Gareth Bale's brace against Scotland on Friday night capped a mesmerising performance from the Welshman who is fast reaching the peak of his powers once more. Ashley Cole may be rated by some as the best left-back in the world, but he faces a tough task to keep the flying Spurs winger in check when he shifts to the right flank.
Player to watch: While both sides' England internationals have been denied a day's rest ahead of Saturday's early kick-off, Eden Hazard ought to be fresh. Chelsea's pocket playmaker came off the bench to help Belgium beat Scotland on Tuesday night and has been a revelation for the Blues so far this season.
Talking point: Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas faces his former side for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge under a cloud in January. He has certainly made a better start to life at White Hart Lane, and Spurs fans would love nothing more than to deal Chelsea their first league defeat of the season after missing out on a place in the Champions League to the European champions.
Bet of the day: A Chelsea defence shorn of the suspended John Terry is always going to be suspect, particularly against Spurs' swarming attack. Both sides have goals in them, but Chelsea are yet to taste defeat in the league. A 2-2 draw is available at 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

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Fulham v Aston Villa

Form: Erratic is probably the best word for Fulham's start to the season. While they were hard pressed to match their opening-day blitz of Norwich, two wins and two losses in September has to count as an underwhelming return, as was their 2-2 draw with Southampton last time out. Paul Lambert would probably settle for erratic. The Villa manager is still trying to instil belief in his side; the signs of recovery in a 2-0 win against Swansea in September were nixed by a 4-1 defeat to the Saints, followed by a hard-fought draw with West Brom and a plucky defeat against Spurs.
Key battle: For all the doom and gloom around Villa Park, Ron Vlaar has emerged as a cause for optimism. The Dutchman is cast in the same mould as the likes of Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen and will be a key figure in Villa's bid for a respectable season. Former Tottenham and Man Utd striker Dimitar Berbatov will offer the former Feyenoord man a different challenge at Craven Cottage.
Player to watch: Since retiring from international football in the summer, Damien Duff has enjoyed something of an Indian summer in the autumn of his career, scoring three goals in five Premier League games to date. The Irishman could have a field day against Villa's skittish defence.
Talking point: Martin Jol may have dismissed Bobby Zamora's claims of disharmony in the Fulham dressing room as "sour grapes" earlier in October, but that draw with Southampton will hardly have lightened the mood. Will they put on a united front and bounce back in front of their own fans?
Bet of the day: Fulham would be seventh but for late goals conceded against Manchester City, Arsenal and Southampton, but not this time. Back them for a 2-0 win at 15/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

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Liverpool v Reading

Form: A win at Anfield is the top priority for Liverpool heading into the weekend. Defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal and draws with Manchester City and, last time out, Stoke have returned just two points from a possible 12. Brian McDermott's side may start the day in the relegation zone, with three points and without a win to their name, but the Royals are battlers and have only failed to score in one league game since their return to the top flight.
Key battle: Pavel Pogrebnyak has been among the goals since opting for a switch to the Madejski Stadium after an impressive turn for Fulham last season. Whether he has enough guile to fend off the attentions of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger at the heart of the Liverpool defence is another matter.
Player to watch: Joe Allen followed Brendan Rodgers from the Liberty Stadium to Anfield as the embodiment of the manager's philosophy made flesh. The club's player of the month in August must strike up a fruitful partnership with Steven Gerrard to get Liverpool's season back on track, and quick.
Talking point: Rodgers will be cursing the bane of all Premier League managers' existences: the international break. As well as seeing a drowsy Gerrard kept out in Poland for an extra day, Fabio Borini's foot injury now requires surgery after deteriorating while he was away with Italy. That means finding someone to start alongside Luis Suarez, who played for Uruguay in their 4-1 defeat at altitude in Bolivia. As if that wasn't enough goalkeeper Pepe Reina picked up a hamstring strain while away with Spain. Rodgers' squad was stretched before the break; it is now officially on the rack.
Bet of the day: It'll be nip and tuck, but Liverpool should finally get that elusive home win at last. Back a nervy 2-1 win at 15/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

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Manchester United v Stoke

Form: Four wins in their last five and 17 goals already this season is testament to a satisfactory start to United's season, though Sir Alex Ferguson would no doubt want more. Stoke's start to their Premier League campaign has been more middle of the road, with a win, a loss and three draws in their last five matches, though five goals conceded makes them one of the meanest defences in the league to date.
Key battle: Former United defender and Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross will be riding high after his first call-up to the England squad for the games against San Marino and Poland, but no doubt feels he has something to prove if he is to make his debut in the upcoming friendly against Sweden. Shutting down Robin van Persie is as good a place to start as any.
Player to watch: What will Ferguson do with Wayne Rooney? The striker ought to be returning to Old Trafford on a high after captaining his country to victory against San Marino, but even a goal cannot atone for a languid display against Poland, while returning a day late might prompt the Scot to bench the striker despite his assertion that Rooney needs games to rediscover his top form.
Talking point: Stoke's run without a league win against Manchester United now stretches back over 28 years, a staggering run considering their success in unsettling the top teams since re-establishing themselves in the top flight. But with United relying on Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand at the back in the absence of Nemanja Vidic, there's a chance of catching the home side cold.
Bet of the day: One goal may well settle this. Back United to sneak it with a strike from Van Persie at 14/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-0

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Swansea v Wigan

Form: After an impressive start to life under Michael Laudrup, Swansea have very suddenly sunk like a stone. Winless in their last five, the Welsh side look shaky at the back. Fortunately for them, Wigan arrive with a near-identical recent record, though they were unlucky to let Everton escape with a 2-2 draw last time out.
Key battle: The Swans have been alarmingly lax at the back this season, conceding seven goals at home already. Can Chico Flores and Angel Rangel show their steelier side against Jean Beausejour, Arouna Kone and Franco Di Santo?
Player to watch: Jordi Gomez has fond memories of his time at the Liberty Stadium, but the Wigan midfielder will be hoping to deny the Swans a first win in six.
Talking point: Wigan have now gone on five-match winless streaks in every season they have spent in the Premier League - but they're still there. Their away form is typically the problem, though their one win of the season to date was on the road, against Southampton. Could they confound convention and grab another three points away from the DW Stadium?
Bet of the day: This may be a scrappy affair, but Swansea have the players and system in place to produce the odd moment of magic. A settling 2-0 home win comes in at 9/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

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West Brom v Manchester City

Form: Unbeaten so far this season, champions Manchester City are not quite at the races yet. Two of their three draws already this season have come on the road, while West Brom have been exemplary at home, with four wins at the Hawthorns the cornerstone of their stunning start to the season.
Key battle: Yaya Toure has not quite been at the races this season, but will need to be on his game against a vibrant Baggies midfield, with Zoltan Gera and James Morrison no doubt keen to keep up their bright starts to the campaign. Snuff that threat, however, and Toure could make a statement of his own.
Player to watch: How Joleon Lescott could do with a big game. Fighting for his place in the side, the England defender looks in need of games to shake the jitters out of his performance. A trip to the Hawthorns could be just the spur the former Wolves man needs.
Talking point: Baggies fans will be worried that the penny has dropped with fans beyond the Hawthorns that Youssouf Mulumbu is one seriously good player. The midfielder is a major doubt for West Brom this weekend, however, after picking up a knock while on international duty with Congo. Will Steve Clarke risk the man he rated as "60-40" against the champions?
Bet of the day: Steve Clarke's side have been mightily impressive so far this season, but Mancini's men may be a bridge too far. Pick up a battling 2-1 away win at 7/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

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West Ham v Southampton

Form: After a horrendous start to life back in the Premier League, Southampton are starting to adjust. After thumping Aston Villa at home and drawing with Fulham last time out, they will head to Upton Park with something approaching confidence. West Ham will be happy with their start to the season as well - they will start the day in eighth after clocking up three wins so far.
Key battle: You can't take your eyes off him, not least because he's a big lad. Andy Carroll will be leading the line for Sam Allardyce's men once more, no doubt fielding long balls, making a nuisance of himself at set pieces and giving Brendan Rodgers his latest existential crisis in the process. His battle with towering Saints keeper Paulo Gazzaniga will be worth watching, though maybe not one for the purists.
Player to watch: With Gaston Ramirez ruled out for Southampton, the side will turn to Rickie Lambert in the search for goals once more. Four goals already this season makes Lambert the top English scorer in the league.
Talking point: Another manager pulling his hair out at the frustrations of the international break, Allardyce looks set to lose defender Winston Reid to a back injury New Zealand were made aware of - and yet shipped him halfway around the world regardless. Sure, there have been managers who play the 'injured' card for their star players in the past, but where do you draw the line?
Bet of the day: You're going to hear a lot about plucky Southampton this season, and we all know what that means. West Ham should continue their fine start to the season, as should Kevin Nolan. Back the skipper to score in a home win at 9/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-1

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Sunday

Sunderland v Newcastle

Form: Two points separate the Tyne-Wear rivals, with Sunderland trailing after playing a game less than Alan Pardew's side. Martin O'Neill's side are proving to be one of the meanest teams in the division, scoring five and conceding seven on their way to a win and four draws so far. Newcastle are yet to win away from home, but there'd be no sweeter place for them to pick up their first of the season than the Stadium of Light.
Key battle: Craig Gardner has allied guile with his eye for a pass well under O'Neill, but Cheick Tiote will give him a rough ride in the centre of the park on Sunday.
Player to watch: Davide Santon is relishing another shot at the Black Cats. The Newcastle full-back rates the Tyne-Wear derby ahead of the AC-Inter rivalry in Milan for passion and intensity, and will be keen to leave his mark on the game.
Talking point: Pardew must be considering taking a punt on a starting role for Shola Ameobi. The striker has scored seven times against Sunderland over the course of his career, an incredible derby record. Could he step up again?
Bet of the day: Don't ask us to pick sides! Instead, back Newcastle to score a penalty at 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

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QPR v Everton

Form: Just one defeat so far this season for Everton, who are purring under David Moyes right now. Solid at the back and full of attacking threat, they could stay up among the league leaders if they can keep the side free of injuries and suspensions - though with Marouane Fellaini that is easier said than done. As for QPR - no wins, two draws and three straight defeats coming into this game.
Key battle: Leighton Baines is proving to be one of the most consistently impressive performers in the Premier League, offering Everton a dimension on their left flank that few other players can match. Jose Bosingwa can look forward to an afternoon spent predominantly on the back foot against the marauding full-back.
Player to watch: Anton Ferdinand has been tipped to shun the Kick It Out shirts worn around the country this weekend in protest at the perceived lack of action to challenge racism in football in the wake of the John Terry affair. The question is: what effect will it have on him during the 90 minutes?
Talking point: Mark Hughes must be able to hear the howls of laughter from Craven Cottage as he freshens up that CV of his. If Everton put Rangers to the sword, at home, how much longer has the Welshman got at Loftus Road?
Bet of the day: A few teams could easily have taken a drubbing at the hands of Everton this season; the others have. Expect QPR to fall into the latter category in a 3-0 defeat at 20/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-3

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