Sunday brings the Gameweek to a close, taking us into another tiresome two-week international break. We should be sure to enjoy the next few hours, then, with a host of Fantasy talent on show, offering plenty of points potential.
The action begins with a pair of 1.30 kicks-offs, at Carrow Road and St Mary’s as Norwich host Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea and Swansea pay a visit on Southampton. Following that, we’re treated to a London derby at the Lane with Spurs entertaining West Ham, while Arsenal have the opportunity to climb back up to top spot when they roll up at the Hawthorns for a 4pm kick-off.
The early team news finds Southampton forced into one change – Luke Shaw’s illness keeps him out of the action with Danny Fox earning a recall at left-back. Steven Davis retains his start in midfield, then, with Jay Rodriguez again benched. Visitors Swansea are once more without Ashley Williams in defence, although he’s fit enough for the bench: Jordi Amat starts alongside Chico. Elsewhere in the defence, Angel Rangel makes a return at right-back having missed the defeat to Arsenal and the midweek Europa League tie. In an attacking move, Michael Laudrup hands a start to Wilfred Bony with Jonathan De Guzman out of the matchday squad. Michu starts despite the bang to the head in midweek – he’s lining up sporting protective headgear.
At Carrow Road, Chris Hughton is able to welcome back skipper Seb Bassong to his defence as Ryan Bennett drops to the bench in the only change for the Canaries following the win at Stoke. For Chelsea, Jose Mourinho takes the decision to keep Eden Hazard in reserve after the Belgian missed the midweek Champions League tie through injury – it’s the first time that Hazard has failed to start in the league this season. Juan Mata is on the teamsheet again, then, with Andre Schürrle retaining his start on the left and Oscar presumably in the number 10 role. Up front, Mourinho opts for Demba Ba over Samuel Eto’o, with Fernando Torres suspended. Interestingly, the partnership of David Luiz and John Terry is preserved at the back with Gary Cahill again missing out.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom will remain open throughout today’s matches to capture you real-time views.
