Round Four Story Lines

Who takes up Sturridge’s mantle?

Liverpool fans endured a roller coaster international break, seeing Raheem Sterling shine but Daniel Sturridge injured on duty with England.  Thus, Brendan Rodgers has some thinking to do prior to this weekends visit from Aston Villa.  

Rickie Lambert’s presence has changed games late on for Liverpool, but all eyes will be on Mario Balotelli if he is given the start at the weekend.  Balotelli, reportedly hauled off the pitch by Rodgers after stamping on a Wolves player last week, looked rusty in his return to the premier league, but should be ready to go on Saturday.  

It remains to be seen how Rodgers will line his team up.  Will he start Lambert, Balotelli, or both?  Raheem Sterling guarantees his inclusion after his performances with England, while Coutinho recently earned his first call up to the Selecao.  Lazar Markovic is gaining fitness, as is Adam Lallana.  Sturridge is one of the few Liverpool players with a guaranteed role in the side, so there’s no telling how Rodgers will alter his tactics in the absence of his talismanic striker.

Will Danny Welbeck make an impact?

I’ll beat this drum a little more.  Danny Welbeck looks set to feature as the main striker for Arsenal against Manchester City on saturday, his first test as a Gunner.  Barring some big risk-taking from Wenger, it looks like Welbeck will be the lone striker, so his impact could be limited against a team like City.  Unless Arsenal push numbers forward and give him support, I don’t see Welbeck making too much of an impact in such a big fixture.  

This will be Manchester City’s first big trip away from home, so I wouldn't be shocked to see Fernando and Fernandinho line up together in the middle, protecting Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis.  However, don’t count out a contribution from Englishman, who has the pace to get in behind the City defense, something Olivier Giroud will never have.

How will Chelsea deal with Swansea?

A home game to Swansea in round 4 of the league might not have been the most menacing prospect for Jose Mourinho several weeks ago.  Now, Swansea are second only to Chelsea in the league table and Gary Monk has his men firing on all cylinders.  

In retrospect, it’s not that surprising Swansea shocked Manchester United on the opening day of the season, but don’t expect the same at Stamford Bridge.  In the days following the instant-classic against Everton, Mourinho surely has been glued to his managerial duties in preparation for answering his three-goal critics.  

Swansea bring more attacking prowess to the table than Everton, but Chelsea are many peoples' title favorites for a reason.  At this point, it’s hard to see anyone outscoring Chelsea at home.

Will Louis Van Gaal earn his first win for United?

Yes.  Well, at least one would hope so when they host QPR on sunday.  Ander Herrera is fit after an opening day injury against Swansea, while Daley Blind, Radamel Falcao, and Marcos Rojo could all make their Manchester United debuts.  

On paper, United set the record for transfer window spending and now have a handful of top-class talents at the club.  The firepower Van Gaal brought in over the summer is unprecedented, but it remains to be seen if the players he has can produce results on the pitch.  

Angel Di Maria’s form for Argentina was spectacular in the rematch against Germany, and even Wayne Rooney performed well for England yesterday.  I reckon United win this one definitively, easing pressure on Van Gaal from all angles.  Falcao scoring off of a long-ball from Daley Blind would be dreamy for Red Devil fans.

Bounce back test for Spurs and Black Cats

Both Tottenham and Sunderland suffered poor defeats in round three.  Tottenham were thoroughly outclassed by Liverpool, while Sunderland granted QPR their first win of the season.  

Both squads are in need of a morale-boosting performance.  After their fast start fueled by the feel-good story of Eric Dier, Tottenham failed to solidify their identity as a top-four contender after a dismal home performance.  

Sunderland will be under more pressure at home, with new boy Jack Rodwell expected to make more of an impact the longer his tenure draws out with the Black Cats.  This early in the season, it is hard to call this game a must-win for either team, but the intensity of this contest should be nothing short of electrifying.