Premier League Bits: Round 6.
It's a fairly weak round of fixtures, but I've managed to pick out three matches. Most of these sides are coming off Carabao Cup victories this week and have rested key players ahead of this weekend's matches.
Tottenham (8 pts. ; 5th) @ West Ham (4 pts.; 17th)
Saturday; 7:30
Tottenham has to start getting the three points to keep pace with Chelsea and the Manchesters. They are coming off a disappointing scoreless draw with Swansea and was able to rest a number of players in their victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
The Hammers have gathered some momentum from their dreadful start to the season. They also had a scoreless draw last weekend against West Bromwich and beat Bolton, 3-0 midweek. Being a London Darby, the Hammers usually get up for the Spurs. They severely damaged Tottenhams' title hopes late last year with a 1-0 win.
Tottenham 3-2
Chelsea (10 pts.; 3rd) @ Stoke (5 pts.; 13th)
Saturday; 10:00
The Blues have been in red card trouble in their last three league matches. David Luiz is suspended from this match from his high tackle against Arsenal last week. Chelsea gets a lift with the return of striker, Eden Hazard. Chelsea also had a scoreless draw last weekend and beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the Carabao Cup with a reserve squad.
The Potters have struggled in this young season but the highlights they do have has come at home. They defeated Arsenal and drew Manchester United at their refurbished home. Ryan Shawcross is expected to return to help Stoke break a four match winless streak. Stoke lost to Newcastle last week 2-1 and bowed out of the Carabao Cup to Bristol City.
Chelsea 3-1
Newcastle (9 pts.; 4th) @ Brighton (4 pts.; 16th)
Sunday; 11:00
These two clubs battled tooth and nail in the Championship last season, but going in different directions in the top flight. Newcastle has been the surprise story in the league so far, winning three matches in a row and sitting 4th on the table. Manager, Rafa Benitez had all week to prepare for Brighton since they had no Carabao Cup match. Newcastle beat Stoke last weekend.
The Seagulls are coming off back to back losses to Bournemouth; 2-1 in the league and 1-0 in the Carabao Cup. The Brighton attack has not been up to snuff for Premier League standards, only finding the net four times in five league matches. They need more invention other than Pascal Cross. Brighton did get their first ever Premier League win in their last home league match.
Draw 1-1
