EPL Week 4 Fixtures: Mesut Ozil and New Players Who Will Dictate Outcomes

There are plenty of new faces who will make their Premier League debuts this weekend as the top English clubs prepare for their fourth round of domestic action.

Who will have the biggest impact of the lot on Saturday, though?

Former Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil figures to have a very important place in Arsenal’s midfield, perhaps the most important role of any of the summer transfers.

We’ll take a look at his effect on Arsenal’s play and a couple of other newcomers who will help their new teams to victory this week.

But first, here’s a look at all of this week’s Premier League action.

Mesut Ozil, Arsenal at Sunderland

German international Mesut Ozil looked like he was ready to make his debut after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger swooped him out of an unfavorable situation at Real Madrid before the transfer deadline. However, he may not get the chance to see the pitch on Saturday after missing training on Friday due to an undisclosed illness, per John Drayton of the Daily Mail.

Already without midfielder Tomas Rosicky for the contest—ruled out with a thigh injury, per the Daily Telegraph—Ozil’s absence would make things a little more difficult for Arsenal.

If he does get into the action, expect him to make a significant contribution. His elite ball skills will help elevate the level of play of all of his teammates. With him on the pitch, the Gunners will secure three points easily at the Stadium of Light. Without him, they will still probably achieve the same result.

Marouane Fellaini, Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace

Getting three points at Old Trafford is crucial against a side David Moyes’ club should win against. Helping Moyes accomplish that will be a player he’s had a lot of familiarity with in the past—Marouane Fellaini. The Belgian played under him for five years at Everton's Goodison Park.

While he doesn’t have one area of his game that will really boost United’s overall level of play, Fellaini is a versatile footballer who can contribute in any way Moyes needs. His competency at all ends of the pitch will boost the club’s performance back to where it should be.

Against Crystal Palace, expect the energetic Fellaini to make his presence felt to reward Moyes for bringing him back Old Trafford to contend for a Premier League crown.

Samuel Eto’o, Chelsea at Everton

Everton transfer deadline star Romelu Lukaku won’t be eligible to play at Goodison Park on Saturday due to a clause preventing him from playing against Jose Mourinho’s side during the spell. Samuel Eto’o, one of the men who forced his loan away from Stamford Bridge, will get his chance to prove to Mourinho that he made the right decision.

Eto’o is expected to make his Chelsea debut at Goodison Park, and he’ll make a large impact on the outcome. At 32 years old, the Cameroonian striker still packs a deadly wallop and the touch to find the back of the net.

His experience, large threat to score and familiarity with Mourinho should allow him to find significant playing time even if he doesn’t get the starting nod.