Five questions to be put to bed this weekend in the Premier League.
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The Premier League continues this weekend with an intriguing second round of fixtures that will show us whether teams’ performances last weekend were a one off or indicative of the seasons that they are likely to have as a whole.
As ever, there are plenty of things to keep an eye on over the weekend’s ten matches, with these five questions some of the important ones that we expect to be answered:
Who will Arsene Wenger trust in midfield?
With captain and first choice holding midfielder Mikel Arteta ruled out of the Gunners’ trip to Everton through injury, Arsene Wenger has a decision to make in terms of his central options for the match. Experienced campaigner Mathieu Flamini is likely to get the nod at Goodison Park, but Wenger could put his faith in Jack Wilshere, despite recent criticism, who could play in a holding role.
Can Chelsea break down another well organised side?
Chelsea showed significant improvements when it comes to their ability to break down defensive sides when they won their opening game of the Premier League season 3-1 away at Burnley, but a similar test lies ahead in the shape of Nigel Pearson’s Leicester City. The newly promoted Foxes showed against Everton last weekend that they are organised, hard working and should offer a tough test to the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
How will Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur cope with the Europa League?
This weekend is the first post-Europa League round of fixtures, with the games involving Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur both moved to Sunday after their exploits against Lokeren and AEL Limassol respectively. With both sides having faced trips to the continent on Thursday, albeit with Spurs’ being a much longer journey, it will be interesting to see how they are able to react in games against Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers.
Will Louis van Gaal stick with 3-4-1-2?
The first round of testing for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal’s 3-4-1-2 formation failed against Swansea City, when the Dutchman abandoned it at half time, so it will be fascinating to see whether it is given another chance when United travel to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon, particularly as new signing Marcos Rojo will not be available due to work permit issues.
What will Daniel Sturridge’s body language be like?
It will be worth keeping an eye on the body language of Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge when the Reds take on Manchester City on Monday evening, with the Reds set to secure the signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan. Sturridge was promoted to being the main man at Anfield once Luis Suarez departed for Anfield and may feel marginalised by Brendan Rodgers choosing to bring in a new big name centre forward.