English Premier League: Latest EPL Rumors, Preview and Predictions for Week 10

Javier Hernandez played the role of hero as Manchester United was able to escape Stamford Bridge with a victory over Chelsea. The Red Devils, Blues and Manchester City are all now within one point of the top spot. Chelsea still holds the slight edge.

The loss by the Blues also means City is the last undefeated team standing through nine matches. Reading and QPR are the only clubs without a victory as the season passes the quarter pole, meaning it's no surprise they are currently in the relegation zone.

With another full slate of action this week, things are surely going to take a few more twists and turns. There are several marquee matchups as well, which should make for an exciting weekend of action for fans across the EPL.

Let's take a look at some of the latest news around the league, break down the match of the week and make predictions for every match in Week 10.

Manchester City Eyeing Big Target?

Manchester City has begun researching moves for the upcoming transfer window and one name to emerge in the rumor mill is Jean Marie Dongou. The 17-year-old striker, who's currently playing for Barcelona's B squad, has bountiful potential.

Greg Stobart of Goal.com reports the Citizens are hoping to complete a deal for him now before his value skyrockets once he gains experience playing against elite competition. New director Txiki Begiristain is apparently driving the interest.

Any time a player is compared to Samuel Eto'o, it's something clubs can't ignore. Going in on him early is the wise move for City, but it's yet to be seen how willing Barca would be to part with him. He's on track to become a dynamic goal-scoring star.

Aston Villa Ready to Spend?

It's been a disappointing start to the campaign for Aston Villa, which currently sits just outside the relegation zone with six points. Manager Paul Lambert is hoping some transfers will help his club get back on track.

Ian Edwards of ESPN reports the Villa boss is expected to discuss available funds for January moves with chairman Randy Lerner soon. The manager expects to receive the green light when it comes to making some sizable upgrades.

Even though Villa have more talent than their record would suggest, they need to find more scoring depth in order to make a charge up the table. Reliable attacking players rarely come cheap, however, so a lot will depend on the response Lambert gets from Lerner.

Mark Hughes Safe?

One day after Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reported Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes was on the hot seat and in danger of losing his job in the near future, team owner Tony Fernandes took to Twitter to calm those rumors.

Fernandes responded to a comment by saying Hughes has the backing of himself and the team's shareholders, which would seemingly put him in the clear. The club probably wouldn't publicity admit it even if plans of a switch were being made, though.

The bottom line is that QPR must start performing at a much higher level. The team currently sits in last place, having scored just seven goals in nine matches. Hughes needs to get things turned around quickly and all this talk will go away.

Chelsea Referee Complaint

Chelsea was shown two red cards in Sunday's crazy match against Manchester United, leading to the controversial Red Devils victory. But the story has taken another turn now that the Blues have accused referee Mark Clattenburg of verbally abusing two players.

George Ankers of Goal.com reports the team has submitted an official complaint, stating Clattenburg used inappropriate language toward members of the Blues at two different points during the match. No specifics were given.

It seems like these complaints about language are being lodged more frequently than ever, but it's usually toward players and not officials. The Premier League must act quickly in this instance to ensure the league's reputation doesn't take a hit.

Match of the Week: Manchester United vs. Arsenal

After facing Chelsea in what's sure to be a heated rematch on Wednesday in the Capital One Cup, Manchester United must prepare for its third straight high-profile match as it welcomes Arsenal to Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Gunners have been plagued by inconsistency so far as they look to find a reliable attacking combination in the absence of Robin van Persie, who will be lining up on the opposite side of the pitch. That adds another layer of intrigue to the match.

Ultimately, the match will be decided by what level of intensity the Red Devils are able to bring. After a difficult stretch, it would be easy for them to have a letdown, opening the door for a draw or even a surprising Gunners win.

Saturday Predictions

Manchester United vs. Arsenal

Even though the Red Devils are riding high after knocking off Chelsea last week, all three points are not a guarantee. Arsenal should be able to make it a tight match throughout, and don't be surprised if the Gunners end up sneaking away with a point.

Prediction: 1-1

Fulham vs. Everton

Everton has cooled off considerably after making a push for the top of the table out of the gate, settling for three straight draws. Fulham, led by a resurgent Damien Duff, will take advantage of the Toffees' struggles to keep moving up the table.

Prediction: 2-1 Fulham

Norwich City vs. Stoke City

Following a brutal start to the campaign, Norwich has played existentially better over the past couple weeks with a win over Arsenal and a draw with Aston Villa. Stoke's lack of firepower will allow that run of success to continue.

Prediction: 1-0 Norwich City

Sunderland vs. Aston Villa

Sunderland continues to show no signs of life, sluggishly working its way to a scoreless draw with Stoke. If the Black Cats aren't able to start turning things around against a struggling Villa side at home, it will be time for manager Martin O'Neill to shake things up.

Prediction: 1-1

Swansea City vs. Chelsea

The Blues know how important it is to get right back on track after losing to United. They don't want to let all of their early-season hard work disappear because of two straight disappointing results. Swansea will feel the wrath on Saturday.

Prediction: 3-0 Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wigan Athletic

Tottenham has quietly risen up the table. The Spurs currently sit in fourth place, just five points off the pace after a win over Southampton. Although Wigan has improved its form as of late, anything other than a Tottenham victory would be a major surprise.

Prediction: 2-0 Tottenham

West Ham United vs. Manchester City

The injury bug has struck City, but it was still able to earn all three points against Swansea to keep pace with United and Chelsea. West Ham has benefited from an easy schedule to reach eighth, but will be no match for the Citizens.

Prediction: 3-1 Manchester City

Sunday and Monday Predictions

Queens Park Rangers vs. Reading

While ownership has given Mark Hughes a vote of confidence, the pressure is certainly on the rise after a dreadful start. Expect an inspired performance from QPR to defeat a Reading side which has made far too many costly errors.

Prediction: 2-1 Queens Park Rangers

Liverpool vs. Newcastle United

The Reds dug themselves an early hole, but have started to climb out. They are unbeaten over their last four matches, including a draw which could have easily been a win against rival Everton on Sunday, and should keep that streak alive against Newcastle.

Prediction: 1-0 Liverpool

West Bromwich Albion vs. Southampton

West Brom has lost two straight matches, but it was competitive in both and was especially impressive against City two weeks ago. The Baggies don't have much star power, but Shane Long and Co. are still more dangerous than Southampton.

Prediction: 2-1 West Bromwich Albion