A programme of six Premier League matches begins at St James’ Park where Newcastle host champions Man City in the early kick-off. Five three o’clock matches follow, with United’s home clash with Sunderland and Liverpool’s encounter with Villa the headline acts for Fantasy managers, as Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez take up the armband for the majority. Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now open to capture the highs and lows of the day as the action unfolds.
The team news from the North East finds Hatem Ben Arfa missing out for the Magpies through injury – James Perch replaces the Frenchman in a move that looks to shore up the Newcastle midfield, with Jonas Gutierrez shifting forward as part of a 4-3-3. As for City, they are without skipper Vincent Kompany as expected, with Kolo Toure drafted in to replace him. Mario Balotelli is also discarded, with Carlos Tevez earning a start, while Javi Garcia replaces the suspended Gareth Barry.
