There are five three o’clock kick-offs to follow Liverpool’s early Premeir League victory, with United’s trip to Swansea to follow at tea-time.
The team news from the Emirates finds Theo Walcott in the Arsenal lineup, although there is no start for Santi Cazorla who is rested to the bench following his recent international exploits. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain earns a start in midfield, along with Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky: Mikel Arteta is absent through injury. Up front, Olivier Giroud is given the opportunity to lead the attack with no place for Lukas Podolski. As for Villa, they have budget pick, Nathan Baker alongside Ron Vlaar in defence, as expected.
Chris Hughton is without Seb Bassong and playmaker Robert Snodgrass so hands a start to Elliot Bennett and Nathan Redmond on the flank, with Steven Whittaker in defence. They go with a 4-5-1 with Wes Hoolahan supporting new signing, Ricky van Wolfswinkel up top. Everton’s lineup is as expected – Ross Berkley is given the opportunity to fill in for Darron Gibson in midfield, while Nikica Jelavic’s pre-season form is enough to earn him the nod up front.
There are few surprises as the Hawthorns. The home side lineup with both Nicolas Anelka and Shane Long up front in what looks like a regular 4-4-2. Opponents Southampton have Luke Shaw fit to start at left-back, although Nathaniel Clyne is only able to make the bench: Calum Chambers starts at right-back. James Ward-Prowse is preferred ahead of Guly, Steven Davis and Gaston Ramirez in midfield.
Paolo Di Canio’s teamsheet includes a host of new signings as Ondrej Celustka, Valentin Roberge, Cabral, Emanuele Giaccherin and Jozy Altidore all earn debuts. Kieron Westwood gets the nod in goal over Vito Mannone. The Fulham lineup includes a debut for Derek Boateng and a surprise start or Adel Taarabt: Bryan Ruiz only makes the bench.
The West Ham back four lines up with both Guy Demel and James Collins earning starts as Razvan Rat and James Tomkins are kept on the bench. The midfield sees Mo Diame earn a start along with Joe Cole, while Modibo Maiga leads the line in the absence of the injured Andy Carroll. There are few surprises in the Cardiff lineup, with Matt Connolly preferred to John Brayford at right-back and Ben Turner alongside new signing, Steven Caulker.
Our Dugout Discussion chatroom remains open to take you through the afternoon matches into this evenings clash at the Liberty.
10 years, 9 months agoSometimes I don't understand managers. Bony didn't start because he was suffering from jet lag. Did it improve during the 45 minutes he sat on the bench?