After a week off for World Cup Qualifying and the transfer window closing last week, the EPL returns this weekend with new faces in new places. Let's take a look at some new players and how their move will impact themselves and others:
- Mesut Özil (Arsenal) - By far the biggest signing of the early campaign, Özil brings world class level play to the Arsenal midfield; something they desperately needed if they want to compete for a Champions League spot again. Özil can score goals but he is a master at setting up others. I have been a big fan of Özil's since the 2010 World Cup. (VERDICT: BUY)
- Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott (Arsenal) - Both of these guys will benefit from the Özil addition. (VERDICT: BUY)
- Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) - David Moyes seemed keen on getting one of his old Everton players to Old Trafford and it was Fellaini who got the opportunity. Fellaini is a monster when inside the box. Look for Manchester United to use him frequently in set pieces. It will also help having players like van Persie and Evra getting him the ball. (VERDICT: BUY)
- Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) - Rooney was already unhappy and his fitness is not good right now. Will the Fellaini signing send him into a deeper funk? (VERDICT: PASS)
- Darren Bent (Fulham) - On loan from Aston Villa, Bent will take a forward spot alongside Berbatov. I may be pessimistic but I am not counting on too much of an impact from Bent. (VERDICT: PASS)
- Steven Caulker (Cardiff City) - The young Englishman will get more playing time for the Welsh side than he did at Spurs. Look for him to take advantage of his fresh start and play well. (Yes, I know this happened back in August but I have not had the chance to talk about him yet.) (VERDICT: BUY)
Looking at the schedule, Everton-Chelsea seems to be the big match for this week. Let's take a look at the goalkeepers to play or sit this week:
Goalkeepers
- Tim Howard (Everton) - Howard played an absolutely magnificent game last night as the USA defeated Mexico 2-0 and qualified for Brazil. (YEAH BABY!!!!) With that said, expect Howard to struggle this week (IF he even starts in net) with Chelsea's attack and recovering from travel. (VERDICT: BENCH)
- Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) - The Pole has been steady so far this year for the Gunners. Look for him to continue it this week against Sunderland at The Stadium of Light. (VERDICT: PLAY)
- Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion) - If I have one rule about goalkeepers, it is this: always trust the one going up against a rusty Fulham side. Oh, and my second rule is NEVER TYPING OUT WEST BROMWICH ALBION AGAIN. They are West Brom. Take it or leave it! (VERDICT: PLAY)
- Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace) - Playing against Manchester United in Old Trafford after a Red Devils loss. Do I need to say more? (VERDICT: BENCH)
Did I miss anyone? Let me know. You can reach me on Twitter (@brianjstultz) or email (brianjstultz@gmail.com).
Tomorrow I will have more transfers to look out for and the defenders, midfielders and strikers you should either play or bench this week. Cheers!