African Interest in the Premier League This Weekend

Once again, spectators across the country await English football’s finest as clubs across the country do battle. This article outlines the African stars likely to be on show this weekend, and what fans can expect from these players.

Sunderland head to Goodison Park desperate for an upturn in fortunes. Unfortunately, they come up against an Everton side with the bit well and truly between their teeth, and they are unlikely to yield any time soon.

Last season Sunderland were overly reliant on their creative midfielder, Stephane Sessegnon, to both create and score as the Black Cats found their wings under Martin O’Neill. This season, however, Sessegnon has failed to find his feet, and the Mackems are struggling as a result. They are unable to find the net with any sort of frequency.

No such trouble for Everton, who can call on a number of attacking talents. Whilst they were profligate at Fulham last weekend, in Belgian-Moroccan Marouane Fellaini, they have a powerful axis capable of devastating attacking play. He will be supported by the talented Steven Pienaar on the left side, relishing his creative duties in the North West.

Norwich travel to Reading in a much more comfortable position than their hosts. Their impressive start to the season has been due, in no small part, to two African players. Alex Tettey, who plays for Norway despite being born in Ghana, has been a dynamic presence in midfield, whilst Cameroon international Sebastian Bassong has settled well since moving permanently from Tottenham.

Wigan and West Bromwich Albion are two other sides enjoying prosperous form as we approach mid-November. Both have been calling on talented African strikers to score the goals that have been lacking in the past: Ivorian international Arouna Koné is finding the net regularly for Wigan, whilst Nigerian superstar Peter Odemwingie has been in impressive form for the Albion since returning from suspension. A brace against Southampton on Monday was well received by the home fans at the Hawthorns.

Also look out for the trio of Adel Taarabt, Armand Traore and Samba Diakité at Q.P.R., Steve N’Zonzi for Stoke, and Karim El-Ahmadi for Villa—all of whom will be hoping to improve their side’s fortunes.