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EPL Preview - Round 6

A London derby not to be missed kicks-off English Premier League action this weekend as champions Chelsea host Arsenal before a flurry of blockbusters.

Let's get straight into it.

Match of the Round

Chelsea v Arsenal

The first big London derby of the season is not to be missed with both sides ready to pepper each other on and off the park.

The two sides never lack for subplots when facing each other, whether it's the incessant arguing between managers Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, or the return of goalkeeper Petr Cech to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have been far from their best this season losing three of their opening five matches – the same amount of losses they endured in the entire 2014/15 season.

Will Theo Walcott lead Arsenal to a win over Chelsea. Image: Getty
Will Theo Walcott lead Arsenal to a win over Chelsea. Image: Getty

A midweek Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv has been a welcome boost but is far from the improvement they need in the English Premier League.

While they put four past the Israeli side, it is the clean sheet coach Jose Mourinho will be pleased with after leaking 12 goals in their opening five Premier League matches.

Chelsea will need to bring the same defensive structure, organization and goal scoring abilities to the table to defeat the Gunners.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger is sure to go with the same squad he named in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Stoke City with the only question mark over who will lead the line between Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud – the latter was sent off in their 2-1 midweek loss.

Having created the most chances in the Premier League, Arsenal have only scored five goals in five games.

The Gunners will have to improve on those statistics with recent results show the Blues limited them to one shot on goal in their two meetings last year.

Arsenal is also winless in their last six (0-3-3) league meetings with Chelsea, and scoreless in 392 minutes since Walcott netted in a 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge on Jan. 20, 2013. And don’t forget the 6-0 hammering Chelsea dished out in the 2013-14 season.

They will however take confidence out of their 1-0 Community Shield win over Chelsea this season.

Prediction – Chelsea will be hard to break down at Stamford Bridge after losing their last match. Expecting a draw or Chelsea win by one goal.


Swansea v Everton

Two evenly matched sides face each other on Saturday when Swansea City entertain Everton at the Liberty Stadium.

Swansea have been in great form at the start of the season with two wins, two draw and a loss.

Their most impressive win came away at Old Trafford when they came from behind to beat Manchester United 2-1.

After a shock 1-0 loss to Watford last weekend, the Swans will be eager to get back into the winners circle.

Attackers Bafetemi Gomis and Andre Ayew have been in impressive form and will definitely be the ones Everton must keep quiet.

The Merseysiders made a giant killing of their own when they took down champions Chelsea 3-1 at Goodison Park last time out.

Striker Steven Naismith will be hungry to add to his tally after destroying the Chelsea defence with a hat trick.

They may be missing Seamus Coleman from the back line who limped off from the field injured against Chelsea, with deadline day signing Ramiro Funes Mori is standing by to make his first start for the Toffees.

The sides drew in both last season’s meetings. But the Toffees have dominated the Swans in the Premier League, winning five times and drawing the other three by a combined 12-4 margin.

Prediction – Plenty of goalmouth action in this one with another stalemate on the cards.


Manchester City v West Ham

Can Manchester City be stopped?

West Ham sure hope so as they travel to the Etihad Stadium hoping to go home with at least a point.

Dimitri Payet has been on fire for the Hammers. Image: Getty
Dimitri Payet has been on fire for the Hammers. Image: Getty

A Dimitri Payet double led the Hammers to a 2-0 win over Newcastle last week but it will be a much more difficult task they face.

City have not conceded a goal in their opening five matches as they continue a perfect start to the season.

But the Londoners will also be confident after taking the scalps of Arsenal (2-0) and Liverpool (3-0) at the Emirates Stadium and Anfield respectively.

The Citizens have won six of their last seven meetings with the Hammers across all competitions, outscoring them 23-4 in those contests.

Prediction – We just cannot go past City in their immense form they are in.


Liverpool v Norwich

Liverpool could be in dire straits if they don’t win here.

The Reds won both of their opening two fixtures 1-0, but have since drawn with Arsenal and lost to West Ham and Manchester United.



Midfielder Adam Lallana was a welcome boost in their 1-1 draw with Bordeaux in Europa League action and could well set the home side alight.

Christian Benteke will be the main threat for Norwich after his stunning goal against Manchester United.

Despite a history littered with hammerings at Anfield including two 7-0 drummings, Norwich will be no easy beats.

The newly promoted side has taken seven points from 15 and sit on top of Liverpool on goal difference.

Prediction – Liverpool should get the job done at home


Remaining fixtures

Stoke City v Leicester City – Leicester will hope to continue their strong start to the season with Stoke hungry to bounce back with a draw the more likely.

Newcastle v Watford – The home side sit on the bottom of the ladder and must win. Newcastle for three points.

Aston Villa v West Brom – Both sides have had slow starts, but Villa to take it at home.

Bournemouth v Sunderland – Bournemouth have been impressive and their attacking style should get the better of Sunderland.

Tottenham v Crystal Palace – The second London derby of the round is set to be a blockbuster. Palace will take it to Tottenham and at home they shouldn’t lose. Draw.

Southampton v Manchester United – The Red Devils will be keen to continue their strong start to the season and should get the better of Southampton.