EPL Week 3 Fixtures: Squads That Are Most in Need of Victory

It may only be Week 3 in the English Premier League, but Manchester City and a couple of other squads are in need of victories.

The season is still young. Managers are trying to make moves to improve their squads and players are adjusting to the new season. There have already been several shocking upsets through two weeks, which has made some early games important for some squads.

Below are a list of EPL fixtures for Week 3.

The standings aren't important right now, but these games will have an impact later in the season.

Here is a list of clubs that need victories in Week 3.

Manchester City

Much like Arsenal after Week 1, Manchester City need to bounce back from a disappointing loss. Cardiff exploded with three goals in the second half as they defeated City 3-2 last weekend.

City were able to control the ball in that match, but Cardiff were efficient when they got shots away, scoring with three of their six shots on target.

The Blues need a victory for a couple of reasons.

For starters, they need it to get back on track in the EPL. They are no longer pacing the leaders and can't afford more upset losses.

Now City will host Hull who have scored only one goal—a penalty—in two league games. It's a matchup that should favour the Blues. The Tigers have had trouble creating scoring opportunities, so the Blues should be able to come out on top.

With Manchester United on the horizon, City need to build momentum before that match. They have Hull this week, then take on Stoke before hosting the Red Devils in late September.

City have the talent to rebound from a disappointing loss and it will be important for them to make a statement against the Tigers.

West Ham

With four points from two fixtures, West Ham have a chance to get off to a quick start. Hosting Stoke will be a good challenge, but this is a chance for the squad to put itself among the best in the EPL early on.

The Hammers were able to handle Cardiff in the opener, but couldn't find the back of the net in a scoreless draw against Newcastle.

Another home match will be good for the club and it would be disappointing for them to let Stoke steal a road victory.

Ravel Morrison could be the one to make a big difference for the Hammers this season. The 20-year-old has always been a talented player and he will get a chance to develop at Upton Park.

Saturday's fixture will be important for West Ham. They can't afford to lose home matches and this will be a big game for them to prove themselves.

Arsenal

Although they have already bounced back from a disappointing opening loss, Arsenal still need a victory this week.

This fixture is one that the Gunners must win. Tottenham are dealing with the drama around Gareth Bale, with the BBC reporting that the club are considering fining the star after he failed to show up for training this week.

Tottenham will likely be without Bale, so Arsenal need to take advantage of his absence.

Olivier Giroud has been steady so far and Lukas Podolski has added a pair of goals. However, David Kent of the Daily Mail reported that Podolski could be out for 10 weeks. The Gunners need someone to step up to replace him. 

Sunday's match comes right before Monday's transfer deadline. Arsenal fans want Arsene Wenger to spend money to improve the squad.

A loss or even a draw in this match would put even more pressure on the club to make a big move.

There won't be much time after the match for them to sign anyone, so it will be important for the Gunners to have a great 90 minutes.

The loss to Aston Villa put the squad in the spotlight. Arsenal need to be ready to go in every match and can't let up. 

Arsenal will be looking for their first home win of the EPL season. The Gunners need to impress their fans and get a victory on Sunday.

*All information is courtesy of ESPNFC.com