EPL Week 4 Predictions: Players Who Will Be the Hero in Next Clash

Mesut Ozil: Sunderland vs. Arsenal

It’s safe to say Mesut Ozil is already a hero around the Emirates despite the fact he is yet to kick a ball in red. The club's record signing will line out for his Gunners debut at the Stadium of Light against a Sunderland team that are likely to still be wearing name badges after the influx of players manager Paolo DiCanio welcomed through the doors this summer.

Ozil has already tortured an English team once before with the eyes of the world watching on. The German was integral in his country’s 4-1 victory over England in the 2010 World Cup and a mere mention of "Bloemfontein" still sends Gareth Barry and Matthew Upson into a cold sweat.

According to OptaJoe, the former Real Madrid man’s 72 goal assists over the last five seasons are more than any other player in Europe. They also point out that together, Ozil and Santi Cazorla were responsible for a combined 188 goal-scoring chances in league football last season, which will be music to the ears of Arsenal fans.

The Premier League stage is set for the 24-year-old. Expect him to seize the opportunity with his vast array of skills and impeccable vision.

Wayne Rooney: Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace

The Wayne Rooney saga overshadowed Manchester United’s first three games of the season.

The striker’s refusal to celebrate with his teammates in Swansea made more headlines than the victory. The "Will he" or "Won’t he play" discussions dominated the fixture with Chelsea, and his absence from the Liverpool game through injury showed just exactly what his presence means to Manchester United.

When Crystal Palace arrive at Old Trafford it will be the Englishman’s chance to put things right. The Eagles defence has looked ropey at best in their opening matches and there’s nothing Rooney likes more than pockets to exploit.

With Shinji Kagawa failing to even make the squad for the Liverpool match, the free-roaming No. 10 spot has Rooney’s name written all over it. His partnership with Robin van Persie wasn’t as fruitful as United fans would have hoped for last year, but if they can find a way to work in tandem then it could be the key to Manchester United’s title challenge this season.

The 27-year-old has a point to prove next weekend. And proving people wrong is what he thrives on.

Edin Dzeko: Stoke City vs. Manchester City

The match at The Britannia Stadium could prove crucial for one City player in particular. 

Manuel Pellegrini drew plaudits a few weeks ago for instilling new-found confidence in Edin Dzeko, but after the Bosnian was replaced by Alvaro Negredo at half-time in the 2-0 win over Hull City, questions were once more raised over his role at the club this season. 

Dzeko, who has looked a shadow of the player that was pushed to the fringes by Roberto Mancini, led his side to a 4-1 victory over Newcastle in the first game of the season. With Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli leaving for pastures new this summer, Pellegrini should continue to have faith in the 27-year-old’s partnership with Sergio Aguero.

The Stoke matchup is made for a player like Dzeko. His physical presence will be equal to that of Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross in the Stoke defence, and although the Potters have altered their playing style under Mark Hughes they’re still a physically intimidating side.

It’s too early to say if this game will be a case of make-or-break for Dzeko, but if he is left out of the starting XI this early in the season his confidence could, and most likely will, take a hit.

With Jesus Navas providing Manchester City with service from out wide and David Silva’s pin-point accuracy from free kicks, the 2012 Premier League champions will benefit from having Dzeko’s aerial presence in the side.