Manchester City’s troubles on the road continued as they lost 1-0 to Sunderland at an atmospheric Stadium of Light last time out. Despite dominating position for large periods they were unable to break down a very organized Sunderland outfit and Manuel Pellegrini will have to address his side’s chronic lack of form away from the Etihad if they are to mount a sustained title challenge this season.
West Ham will be delighted to hear that Andy Carroll looks like he’s returning to full fitness, as Sam Allardyce has been sticking to a 4-6 formation in recent weeks. They host South London rivals Chelsea looking to end their 4 game winless run.
Newcastle will be looking to build on an impressive victory over Tottenham when they host Norwich on Saturday.
Fulham host Swansea with both sides desperate for a win after indifferent starts to the campaign.
Hull fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Southampton following which their manager Steve Bruce admitted that they were beaten by the better side on the day. A solitary goal from Yannick Sagbo will have been no consolation for Hull’s travelling support and they will be yearning for a vastly improved performance against Crystal Palace this weekend.
Arsenal were haunted by their former talisman as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford last time out thanks to a Robin van Persie header. Arsenal were deprived of several key starters following an illness sweeping the camp the day before the match, but Arsene Wenger will no doubt have seen many positives to take from a battling effort.
In a game that is always highly anticipated, Everton host Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the early kick off the in the Premier League this weekend.