EPL Week 2 Fixtures: Players Who Need to Make an Impact

Just one game into the new Premier League season, teams, managers and players are already under pressure to improve—and fast.

The second round of games gives those individuals who underachieved on opening weekend an opportunity to redeem themselves, play to their potential and help toward adding a point or more to their team's tally.

But it's also a chance for those who impressed during their first appearance to do it again and prove their credentials as a key member of their club's starting XI.

Here's a look at four players who need to put in a big performance in the second week of top-flight fixtures.

Jack Wilshere, Arsenal

Arsenal are in crisis. Manager Arsene Wenger is yet to sign a senior player during the transfer window, their injury troubles are piling up and they started the season with a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

Jack Wilshere is one of the few fit outfield players they have available, providing he comes through Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce unscathed, and he'll be expected to drive the Gunners' midfield away at Fulham on Saturday lunchtime.

The England man is still regaining full fitness after knee and ankle problems hindered him last season, but he needs to regain his best form quickly if his side are to avoid a nightmare start to the new campaign.

Even with Wilshere at his best at Craven Cottage, Arsenal could struggle for a result. Without him in top form, the chance of victory over Martin Jol's rejuvenated side becomes that bit slimmer. 

Ross Barkley, Everton

The latest product of Everton's famous academy, Ross Barkley, announced his vast potential to the world with a fine individual display during his side's 2-2 draw at Norwich on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder scored his side's first goal, a stunning 25-yard strike with his left foot and put in a performance full of quality and maturity.

Up against West Brom at Goodison Park this weekend, Barkley will get another chance to impress in his favourite role behind the striker, most likely Croatian Nikica Jelavic.

It's vital that he continues his good form and cements his place in Roberto Martinez's side to aid his development—something he was unable to do under former boss David Moyes.

Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle United

After a lacklustre 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Monday night, Newcastle are under pressure to bounce back at home to West Ham this weekend.

Their captain, Fabricio Coloccini, will need to marshal a defence that was torn apart by City almost at will at the Etihad.

The Argentine centre-back will also have to contend with the absence of his partner Steven Taylor, who is suspended after receiving a straight red card for striking Sergio Aguero on the back of the head.

Although manager Alan Pardew will need his strikers firing against Sam Allardyce's side, Coloccini's role in providing a solid base from which to attack cannot be underestimated. 

Robin van Persie, Manchester United

Two fine goals during United's impressive 4-1 away victory at Swansea showed that Robin van Persie has not lost the form that won him the league's top-scorer award last season.

The Dutch forward was imperious at the Liberty Stadium, and he is sure to play a major role under new boss David Moyes as the Red Devils attempt to retain their Premier League crown.

Moyes will be looking to the former Arsenal forward for inspiration when his side host title rivals Chelsea in their first home game of the season on Monday night.

With Wayne Rooney's future still in doubt, van Persie will need to produce his best form to give United six points from two games and put an early dent in Jose Mourinho's hopes of bringing the title back to Stamford Bridge.