English Premier League: EPL Week 11 Preview and Predictions

Another weekend of EPL action is quickly approaching.

Last week Arsenal shocked everyone with another Robin Van Persie hat trick lifting them over Chelsea at the Bridge. The last painful top four defeat in front of Blues fans was last season against Liverpool in Fernando Torres' debut and the Blues continue to look a troubled side after another breakdown.

The question at this point is if the victory for the Gunners proves they are back. Time will only tell, but it is a fact that if RVP is not in the lineup they are almost toothless as he has had the team on his back all season. With Arsene Wenger having to rest him to ensure his long history of injuries do not come back to haunt them, it will mean every time he even looks like he could take a tackle the Gunners fans have a little flutter in their hearts.

Liverpool continued to push forward as they finally got a deserved victory after two frustrating draws in previous weeks against Manchester United and Norwich City. However, another injury blow for Steven Gerrard again gives them a midfield headache.

Manchester City continue to dominate while Manchester United got back on the horse by just barely eking out a 1-0 victory over Everton.

Newcastle United will have another test against this week as the Toffees will hope to give them as much of a run for the points as they did the Red Devils. If the Magpies are going to be taken seriously, they need to keep winning against clubs like Everton in the middle half of the pack and then get results in the coming weeks against the top four clubs.

Once again another fine weekend of action will be in store starting off Saturday morning in the US on ESPN2 with the previously mentioned Newcastle United versus Everton matchup.

This week I would also like to send out a thank you to Bleacher Report Featured Columnist, Karl Matchett. Matchett is a weekend EPL live blog veteran and a Liverpool featured columnist.

You can catch his latest piece of work, Liverpool FC: Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez Partnership Starting to Provide Goals and I also encourage you to check out his homepage.

Newcastle United vs Everton

Newcastle took the game to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Monday night as the Magpies enjoyed a great victory on the back of a Demba Ba hat trick for the second time this season. It was a great rebound for them after having gone down in the Carling Cup to Blackburn Rovers during a ventilating two periods of extra time.

Everton meanwhile felt hard done by not scrapping a draw from Manchester United as the Red Devils squeaked out a victory at Goodison Park. The Toffees continue to soldier on, but it continues to be obvious that if they do nothing in January to rectify their striker situation, or lack there of, they will be in for a nail biter of a season come April and May.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Everton

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Everton

Newcastle are on a serious roll right now and Everton will be looking over their shoulders if they don't start picking up points soon. I can’t see them getting anything out of this game though.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United Starting XI: Tim Krul: Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Ryan Taylor; Gabriel Obertan, Yohan Cabaye, Ismael Cheik Tioté, Jonás Gutiérrez, Leon Best, Demba Ba.

Everton Starting XI: Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Apostolos Vellios, Phil Neville; Jack Rodwell, Tim Cahill, Leon Osman, Denis Stracqualursi.

Players to Watch: Demba Ba and Jack Rodwell

Arsenal vs West Bromwich Albion

Arsenal did the unexpected when they walked into Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea and ran out 5-3 victors. Robin Van Persie continues to prove his worth while the Gunners have now managed a six game unbeaten streak on the bounce.

West Bromwich suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Liverpool that could have been even worse in all honesty. Roy Hodgson will have to really get his charges raring to go if they expect to get anything at the Emirates against an improved Arsenal squad that is finding their form and their confidence. 

Thomas' Match Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 West Brom

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 West Brom

After their horror show vs Liverpool last week, Roy Hodgson will be demanding an improved effort from his West Brom troops. Arsenal are on a six game unbeaten run though and will have too much for WBA, especially having rested RVP for much of their midweek game.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Starting XI: Wojciech Szczęsny, Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey; Gervinho, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott.

West Bromwich Albion Starting XI: Ben Foster: Billy Jones, Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley, Steven Reid, Paul Scharner, Graham Dorrans, Chris Brunt, Jerome Thomas, Somen Tchoyi, Peter Odemwingie.

Players to Watch: Robin Van Persie and Chris Brunt

Aston Villa vs Norwich City

Aston Villa finally got back to points earning with a hard fought draw against Sunderland. The Black Cats scored a late equalizer to deny the Villains at the death, but there is no doubt that it was a good result for them to avoid a third straight loss.

Norwich City continue to be comeback kings as they managed two late goals to earn a draw against a tough Blackburn Rovers. Grant Holt has been a super sub for the ages in the last two matches and is deserving of a start if Paul Lambert feels like he could offer more to the game over 90 minutes.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Norwich City

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Aston Villa 1-0 Norwich City

Norwich have had a great start but got a bit lucky last week to score two late goals with a deflection and dubious penalty. Aston Villa have been tight defensively at home and I think they’ll pick up a narrow win.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa Starting XI: Shay Given; Alan Hutton, James Collins, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock, Chris Herd, Stiliyan Petrov, Emile Heskey, Charles N'Zogbia, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Norwich City Starting XI: John Ruddy; Leon Barnett, Kyle Naughton, Marc Tierney, Russell Martin; Bradley Johnson, David Fox, Wesley Hoolahan, Anthony Pilkington; Grant Holt, Steve Morison.

Players to Watch: Darren Bent and Grant Holt

Blackburn Rovers vs Chelsea

If there is a big club that Blackburn are hoping they could knock off during their current run of half decent form it would definitely be Chelsea. Rovers have been kicking up their game the last few matches and it could be the best time for them to be heading to a new found form this weekend.

Chelsea have been in a rut in the last few weeks that they need a lower level club to beat up on after the debacles against their fellow London clubs Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal. Fernando Torres needs to get back into the swing of things on the EPL side and this is a defense ripe for his picking.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Chelsea

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Chelsea

Both Steve Kean and Andre Villas-Boas have been in the spotlight recently and I think Kean will be happier than AVB after this game. Rovers should have won last week and will need to defend well but Chelsea can be gotten at at the moment.

Predicted Lineups

Blackburn Rovers Starting XI: Paul Robinson; Michel Salgado, Scott Dann, Chris Samba, Gael Givet; Steven Nzonzi, David Dunn, Mauro Formica; Ruben Rochina, Yakubu, David Hoilett.

Chelsea Starting XI: Petr Cech: Jose Bosingwa, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Raul Meireles, Juan Mata, Rameires; Danny Sturridge, Fernando Torres.

Players to Watch: Mauro Formica and Fernando Torres

Liverpool vs Swansea City

Liverpool finally earned the win they have been deserving for two-straight league games. It would have been sweeter to have gotten it against Manchester United and Norwich, but draws are better than losses.

The positive growth that appears to be happening between Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll also seems a great sign for the future. Seeing a Liverpool side without either Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher was about as strange as it gets this past weekend, and it could be more of the same this weekend.

Swansea City will be another tricky promoted team that will hope to steal the show from Liverpool in their own sanctuary of Anfield. The Swans have found ways to keep manufacturing points so far this season and the contribution of Michel Vorm to their efforts has been tremendous.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Swansea City

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Swansea City

This is the type of side Liverpool prefer playing at Anfield–an open, passing team. The Reds are superior though and I don’t see them having too much trouble against an impressive Swans side.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool Starting XI: Pepe Reina, Martin Kelly, Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique; Lucas Leiva, Dirk Kuyt, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing; Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez.

Swansea City Starting XI: Michel Vorm, Neil Taylor, Steven Caulker, Ashley Williams, Angel Rangel, Nathan Dyer, Leon Britton, Kemy Agustien, Joe Allen, Danny Graham, Scott Sinclair.

Players to Watch: Luis Suarez and Danny Graham

Manchester United vs Sunderland

Manchester United got lucky to escape from Everton without a hiccup as the Toffees came close to taking a draw against them last weekend at Goodison. The Red Devils will hope to put their foot down at Old Trafford this weekend with a victory over Sunderland.

The Black Cats enjoyed the sight of Conor Wickham's first EPL goal for them this past weekend when he opened their scoring against Aston Villa. Steve Bruce's side return to Manchester will also be the return home for many former Sir Alex Ferguson charges, so it will be interesting to see the reactions of the crowd to John O'Shea and Wes Brown.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Sunderland

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland

No contest here. It is basically United vs. United rejects. Most likely not a thrilling game but a functional United side will have enough to see off the Black Cats who are yet to get started this season.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Nani; Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck.

Sunderland Starting XI: Simon Mignolet; John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Titus Bramble, Kieran Richardson; Sebastian Larsson, David Vaughn, Jack Colback, Stephane Sessegnon; Conor Wickham, Nickolas Bendtner.

Players to Watch: Nani and Conor Wickham

Queens Park Rangers vs Manchester City

Queens Park Rangers have been a strange club to predict for most of the season. Their opening day crushing at the hands of now relegation battling Bolton was not a case for their true identity as their entire first eleven nearly changed right after that.

At the moment, they have been finding ways to get some scrappy points here and there and if they get some help from the officials they are willing to take that too.

Manchester City continue to lead by example as their unblemished record in the league stands only side by side with Newcastle United as another with ducks in the loss column.

David Silva is making a case to be considered the best midfielder in the EPL with his play so far this season. There is no doubt that this game is seriously in favor of the table toppers.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 0-3 Manchester City

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Queens Park Rangers 0-2 Manchester City

I don't think City will walk all over QPR, but they have such a huge attacking squad that they can make three changes if things are not going well without lowering the quality. It will be too much for most sides, QPR included.

Predicted Lineups

Queens Park Rangers Starting XI: Patrick Kenny; Luke Young, Anton Ferdinand, Fritz Hall, Armand Traore; Shaun Derry, Adel Taarabt, Joey Barton, Alejandro Damian Faurlin; Jay Bothroyd, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Manchester City Starting XI: Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Vincent Kompany, Joleon Lescott, Gaël Clichy; Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, David Silva ; Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko.

Players to Watch: David Silva and Joey Barton

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic

Wolverhampton Wanderers had finally clawed their way out of the basement two weeks ago until Manchester City very nearly sent them back to it last week. The current injury to Steven Fletcher has taken away some of their teeth up front and Wigan Athletic will prove a tougher test than they probably are planing for.

The Latics are on an eight-game loosing streak and they do not look likely to stop that, unless they can plug the shotgun holes in their sinking ship of a defense. Victor Moses has started to make some good efforts on goal of late but there still has been no reprise to their woes.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-2 Wigan Athletic

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Wigan Athletic

A massive game for both sides which really could go either way. I’ll back wolves because they’re at home, but they have been really poor of late while Wigan have attacked well without scoring.

However, the Latics have been utterly atrocious in defence and I expect a tense match, even this early on in the season.

Predicted Lineups

Wolverhampton Wanderers Starting XI: Wayne Hennessey, Stephen Ward, Christophe Berra, Roger Johnson, Richard Stearman: Stephen Hunt, Jamie O'Hara, Karl Henry, Matt Jarvis; Kevin Doyle, David Edwards.

Wigan Athletic Starting XI: Ali Al Habsi, Gary Caldwell, Anoton Alvarez, Maynor Figueroa, Emmerson Boyce, Albert Crusat, David Jones, Ben Watson, Mohammad Diame, Victor Moses; Hugo Radollega.

Players to Watch: Jamie O'Hara and Victor Moses

Bolton Wanderers vs Stoke City

Bolton probably could not buy a victory at this point and there game against a worn out Potters could be their best chance to start regaining some dignity. At the rate they have been going there was probably going to be a massive clear out in January with Gary Cahill the first one out the door.

Stoke City are starting to show signs of fatigue and could be even more physically weary this coming weekend. Their lack of real rest could wreak havoc on them if they are not careful, and despite their poor form this season the Trotters can attack very well when on their game.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Stoke City

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Bolton Wanderers 1-0 Stoke City

Bolton really need a win to kick-start their season and I think they’ll get it here. Stoke are just beginning to suffer with playing in Europe midweek now and after losing to Newcastle United on Monday, they face a long trip to Tel-Aviv, Israel, on Thursday before visiting Bolton on Sunday again; it’s a lot to take on and I think we’ll see that result in a vital home win for the Trotters.

Predicted Lineups

Bolton Wanderers Starting XI: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Paul Robinson, Gary Cahill, Zat Knight, Dedryck Boyata, Nigel Reo-Coker, Martin Petrov, Fabrice Muamba, Chris Eagles, Kevin Davies, David N'Gog.

Stoke City Starting XI: Asmir Begovic; Marc Wilson, Jonathan Woodgate, Ryan Shawcross, Andy Wilkinson; Jermaine Pennant, Rory Delap, Wilson Palacios, Matthew Etherington; Peter Crouch, Jonathan Walters.

Players to Watch: David N'Gog and Jonathan Walters

London Derby: Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur

Fulham have been frustrated all season at home for the most part. Their best result from a draw is their come from behind point steal against Manchester City as they are the only club to put a blemish on the Citizens record so far this season. Their attack has been good, but for the most part of the season they have had bad luck with results.

Tottenham continue to click on all cylinders. If it is not Emmanuel Adebayor scoring it is Rafael van der Vaart, and if not the Dutchman Gareth Bale looks to be ready to chime in.

Harry Redknapp's absence due to surgery will only give them the, "win one for the Gipper," mentalist that should lift them to at least a draw at Craven Cottage.

Thomas' Match Prediction: Fulham 2-2 Tottenham

Karl Matchett Match Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Tottenham

Tottenham are the better side but Fulham to be fair have been decent for large parts of this season without getting winning results. I guess they’d settle for a point in this game, though it will make it four draws from six games at home. 

Predicted Lineups

Fulham Starting XI: Mark Schwarzer; Zdenek Grygera, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, John Arne Riise, Moussa Dembele, Danny Murphy, Steven Sidwell, Clint Dempsey; Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora.

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI: Brad Friedel; Kyle Walker, Younes Kaboul, Ledley King, Benoit Assou-Ekotto; Rafael van der Vaart, Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, Emmanuel Adebayor.

Players to Watch: Clint Dempsey and Gareth Bale

Conclusions

A special thanks again to Karl Matchett for his contribution to their weeks EPL preview and I hope you enjoyed it.

It is sure to be another great weekend in England as we head into another International break after this round of games and should see most teams pull out all the stops due to the anticipation of a two week layoff for many of their players.

Thanks for following me and be sure to read further on Bleacher Report and at the links below. You can follow me on Twitter @thedailyatz and Facebook or visit my Website.