EPL Week 7 Predictions: Premier League Picks, Key Players and Fixture Info
Week 7 of the 2014-15 Premier League season will once again serve up plenty of exciting clashes, with the fixture between league leaders Chelsea and Arsenal undoubtedly soaking up the headlines.
Southampton's trip to Tottenham should also produce plenty of fireworks, while Manchester United and Everton will attempt to kick-start runs on the league standings when they go head-to-head on Sunday.
The new campaign has been filled with surprises and upsets in the early goings, so fans better get ready for another wild weekend of Premier League football.
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| October 4 | 3 p.m. | Hull City | Crystal Palace | Draw |
| October 4 | 3 p.m. | Leicester City | Burnley | Leicester City |
| October 4 | 3 p.m. | Liverpool | West Bromwich Albion | Liverpool |
| October 4 | 3 p.m. | Sunderland | Stoke City | Draw |
| October 4 | 3 p.m. | Swansea City | Newcastle United | Swansea City |
| October 4 | 5.30 p.m. | Aston Villa | Manchester City | Manchester City |
| October 5 | Noon | Manchester United | Everton | Draw |
| October 5 | 2.05 p.m. | Chelsea | Arsenal | Chelsea |
| October 5 | 2.05 p.m. | Tottenham Hotspur | Southampton | Draw |
| October 5 | 4.15 p.m. | West Ham United | Queens Park Rangers | West Ham United |
Chelsea v Arsenal
Key Player: Mesut Ozil
Chelsea's start to the 2014-15 season has been blistering, and on Sunday, they'll host an Arsenal squad decimated by injuries. According to the Guardian's Dominic Fifield, Aaron Ramsey is the latest Gunner to be sidelined for several weeks.
Jack Wilshere also picked up a knock against Tottenham, and while he's expected to return in time for the clash against the Blues, he likely won't be close to 100 percent. That would open the door for Mesut Ozil to move into his preferred central role, and his play will be key against Chelsea.
The Blues have a phenomenal squad and are favourites to win the title this season, and a poor showing from the German international would allow the hosts to push men forward and open up passing lanes for Cesc Fabregas.
According to WhoScored.com, he already has six assists on the season—more space to operate in would doom the Gunners.
Ozil has struggled when forced to play out on the wing early in the season, but he was excellent against Aston Villa operating from the centre of the pitch. Arsenal will need a similar performance from the former Real Madrid man to keep the pressure on Chelsea's defensive midfielders and away from a makeshift back four.
Tottenham v Southampton
Key Player: Jan Vertonghen
Pundits have been singing Ronald Koeman's praise for weeks now, and rightfully so. What the Dutch manager has done with this Southampton squad is outstanding, but in hindsight, perhaps people shouldn't be so surprised.
With Morgan Schneiderlin pulling the strings in midfield and an attacking trio of Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane, Saints have the talent to be a very solid Premier League team.
Their excellent run is no fluke—expect it to continue throughout the season, and the offensive onslaught to grow even fiercer with the return of Jay Rodriguez.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have conceded seven goals in six matches, according to WhoScored, and Belgium international Jan Vertonghen is slowly working toward his top form.
Spurs will need their defensive talisman to be close to his best to hold off a powerful Southampton attack that has the ability to strike at any time. Tadic and Pelle only need half a chance—one moment of complacency could lead to disaster on Sunday.
Manchester United v Everton
Key Player: Juan Mata
Wayne Rooney's red card and subsequent suspension will likely open the door for Juan Mata to receive some consistent minutes, and with an eye on a potential transfer, a strong performance against Everton could only help his value.
The Sport Bible's Liam still doesn't know what's next for the Spain international:
Bleacher Report UK's Stan Collymore (via B/R's Sam Pilger) believes it's clear he's on his way out of Old Trafford:
""Speaking to agents in Europe it's clear Juan Mata will be offered in exchange for Kevin Strootman in January." @StanCollymore on @br_uk
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) September 25, 2014"
Playing behind Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie against a Toffees' defence that has conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League, per WhoScored, Mata will have every chance to showcase his abilities as both a playmaker and runner into the box.
The Spaniard will be motivated, and surrounded by attacking talent, his ability to adequately replace Rooney will be pivotal in this match.
