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.

Welbeck 'That Guy?'

England put doubts to rest about the state of their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a satisfying 2-0 win over Switzerland tonight.  A nation still suffering the after effects of a horrendous performance in Brazil, England can rest easy that their Three Lions are headed in the right direction.  

Jack Wilshere, albeit not in his best performance, gave a glimpse of what life after Steven Gerrard could be like for England.  Jordan Henderson, tireless as ever, filled his usual quota of long runs and defensive cover.  Often the whip of English fans’ criticisms, Wayne Rooney also turned in a good shift.

The star of the show was Danny Welbeck though.  Arsenal’s latest addition spurned a glorious chance in the first half, but atoned for his lack of opportunism with two goals to secure a winning start in qualifying.  

When he returns to London Colney tomorrow, Welbeck will get his first chance to train with his new Arsenal teammates, culminating in a weekend showdown with holders Manchester City.  It’s almost a guarantee that Welbeck will start at the tip of the Arsenal attack on saturday, today’s performance indicative of what he is capable of.  

Like Olivier Giroud, he brings more to the game than scoring goals, as evident in his excellent passing numbers and ability to interchange with his teammates.  However unlike the Frenchman, Welbeck has the pace to make runs in behind the defense.  This will suit Arsenal’s midfield, which is adept at finding pacing runs in the final third.

What he showed today though, is that he can deliver when trusted in the middle.  Welbeck’s qualities are not that of an ruthless goalscorer like Diego Costa or Falcao, but his all-around game will compliment those who line up next to him.  

At Real Madrid, Mesut Ozil led Europe in assists, thanks in large-part to the pace of Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s runs.  In the absence of Theo Walcott and the inclusion of Alexis last season, Arsenal were stagnant, often playing a midfielder on the wing and the less-than-quick Giroud up top.  

Welbeck brings another dimension to the forward position; he has the pace that Giroud will never have, and the size that Alexis needs to be more consistent in the #9 role.  The biggest thing to take from today was his ability to take chances, and there will be plenty of chances at Arsenal.

It’s imperative that Welbeck integrates himself with the side in the days leading up to saturday.  If Arsene Wenger can see this transition through, Danny Welbeck’s impact at the Emirates will be very positive. 

Premier League Stars Shine During Break

Angel Di Maria, Manchester United/Argentina

After the first round of international friendlies, Di Maria is undoubtedly the top performer of anyone involved.  He assisted the first three goals for Argentina before getting in on the action himself for the fourth goal in a shocking 4-2 win over Germany.  Red Devil fans can rest easy that the club’s money was well-spent on this electirying playmaker.  

Loic Remy, Chelsea/France

After Karim Benzema had a goal disallowed in the first half for offside, second half substitute Remy struck to sink Spain, who are still in a free-fall following the World Cup.  

Mathieu Debuchy, Arsenal/France

Debuchy was one of five outfield players for France who played the entire 90 minutes against Spain in a 1-0 win.  Debuchy has made the right back spot his in the national team, keeping ex-Arsenal fullback Bacary Sagna nailed to the bench.  

Raheem Sterling, Liverpool/England

Sterling was by far the best player on the field for the Three Lions, who lacked both invention and energy.  Sterling won the penalty that decided the game, and could have inflicted further damage on Norway when he was granted a central position as Rooney made way.  

Edin Dzeko, Manchester City/Bosnia-Herzegovina 

Dzeko helped Bosnia-Herzegovina to a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, netting his 37th international goal in 66 appearances.  The physical forward continues to be the face of and lead the line for his national team.  

Erik Lamela, Tottenham/Argentina

Lamela has completely turned around his career in the premier league with some impressive performances in preseason and in the first few fixtures.  His form with Argentina was also impressive last night, scoring the second goal and causing problems for Germany all the while.