Norwich City v Swansea City – Steve Morison v Ashley Williams
Though both clubs have got off to okay starts in the Prem and have impressed with their passing open football the depressing truth is that already in October this has the look of a relegation six-pointer about it.
The Swans have lost their opening three away fixtures but considering they’ve been to Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea that’s a deceptively grim stat.
Here at Carrow Road they will be hoping for better fortunes but whilst they undoubtedly have plenty of attacking options capable of producing something up front it is imperative that they shackle Norwich’s 6ft 2 work-horse Steve Morison first and foremost.
Morison broke his top flight duck against Sunderland recently and will be hoping to grab some of the acclaim lavished around these parts on Grant Holt. A burly, honest striker he will run all day long, chasing down full-backs and not giving the Swansea back-line a moment’s peace.
Ashley Williams will be fully clued up to Morison’s threat having just spent over a week in his company with the Welsh national squad. The banter may be friendly but from the opening whistle the under-rated stopper will have to be on the top of his game throughout.
Manchester City v Aston Villa – Micah Richards v Gabby Agbonlahor
Though these two should be in regular contact in reality Richards will spend half the game marauding forward into Vila’s half whilst Agbonlahor likes to roam inside and terrorise centre-backs.
When they do clash however expect a fascinating series of sprint-races with Richards willing to concede ground as long as the Villa speed merchant is pushed out into wide areas. Though Micah has improved his overall game immeasurably this past year he is still capable of switching off at crucial moments. He will have to be tuned in throughout here and possibly curtail his forays forward because Villa will certainly be looking to utilise Agbonlahor’s searing pace on the counter.
West Brom v Wolves – Graham Dorrans v Karl Henry
Ferocious derby encounters are often won and lost in the middle of the park. If Joey Barton’s new bessie mate manages to nullify Dorran’s attempts to orchestrate attacks from around the centre circle and gets in hard and quick at every opportunity then Wolves have every chance to gain the upper hand in the crucial ?. Expect a booking or two but hopefully some decent football too once the opening bombast has settled.