Following City’s stuttering victory over Hull, there are four three o’clock kick-offs to help pick up the momentum, before Crystal Palace host Sunderland in the tea-time encounter.
This afternoon’s matches aren’t exactly bristling with Fantasy potential, although Everton’s trip to Cardiff will be of key interest given the ownership of Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman and this week’s speeding bandwagon, Frazier Campbell.
Not surprisingly, after the victory over City, Cardiff boss, Malky Mackay keeps an unchanged lineup. Roberto Martinez starts with both Baines and Marouane Fellaini, despite speculation on their future at the club, as the Toffees also field an unchanged side to the one that drew 0-0 with West Brom last time out.
Up at St James’ Park, Alan Pardew is able to call upon Johan Cabaye for the clash with Fulham, although the Frenchman only makes the bench following his in-house dispute with the club. The Magpies are otherwise unchanged. Martin Jol makes several tweaks to his visiting Fulham lineup as Bryan Ruiz, Darren Bent and Alex Kacaniklic all earn starts; Damien Duff, Adel Taarabt and Pajtim Kasami are the trio to drop out.
Chris Hughton makes three changes to his Canaries teamsheet for the visit of Southampton to Carrow Road. Seb Bassong and Robert Snodgrass return as expected, while Johan Elmander makes his full debut having notched twice in the midweek Capital One Cup tie. Significantly, Steven Whittaker keeps his place at right-back, as club captain, Russell Martin is the man to drop out. Alex Tettey and Jonny Howson are the other pair to make way. The Saints give Pablo Osvaldo his first start with Jay Rodriguez making way to the bench. Luke Shaw is seemingly only fit enough for a subs role as Danny Fox starts at left-back, while Calum Chambers is again preferred at right-back to Nathaniel Clyne.
Finally, West Ham are another side left untouched. Sam Allardyce keeps faith with the men that earned him a point at Newcastle as the Hammers take on Stoke at Upton Park. Mark Huhges rewards Kenwyne Jones for his midweek hat-trick with a start up front. That’s the only change to the Potters lineup that ran out 2-1 winners over Crystal Palace last weekend.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom remains open throughout these matches and into this evening’s clash at Selhurst Park.
