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It seems like longer than two weeks since the last EPL gameweek and the international break has helped to whet the appetite for the return to action. Week 4 should see Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao make their Man Utd debuts, Mario Balotelli take his Anfield bow and sees two heavywights go head to head as Arsenal take on Man City.
Gameweek 4 preview
Man United offer numerous captaincy options – Man United have struggled so far this season but their game with QPR looks like a home banker. Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao could be great captaincy options but there is still an element of risk due to their poor start.
Top of the table clash – It’s too early to read too much into the league table but something has to give at Stamford Bridge where the EPL’s only 100% records go head to head. Chelsea are favourites and will be a real test for Swansea but it could be a tight game. Your Swansea stars should be benched this week.
Battle of the big guns – Arsenal and Man City face off at the Emirates Stadium and it’s likely to be a cagey but spicy affair. Man City have 3 former Gunners in their ranks and this will add additional fire to an already important game. There may not be many fantasy points on offer and I would look elsewhere for new recruits and captains.
Home comforts for the best of the rest – The Premier League is never easy to predict but Liverpool, CrystalPalace, Southampton, Stoke and Hull will all hope to come out on top in their home fixtures. The likes of Sterling, Moreno, Puncheon, Pelle, Shawcross, Robertson and Jelavic could all be good pick-ups.
New signings
Radamel Falcao – Falcao is arguably the biggest signing of the summer and the Colombian striker will guarantee goals that could turn around Man Utd’s disappointing season. His phenomenal career record of 138 goals in 229 appearances could make him a fantasy superstar and he starts with an inviting game against QPR’s porous defense.
Danny Welbeck – It’s not often that players move between two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs but Welbeck will be hoping to prove Louis van Gaal wrong and show that he can be a top striker. He only has 28 league goals across 7 seasons but could get goals for Arsenal as his movement upfront will suit their style of play. Fantasy owners should watch his progress over the next couple of weeks before considering a move.
Loic Remy – The French forward joined Chelsea from QPR having seen an earlier move to Liverpool break down. He will backup Diego Costa and his fantasy value will be limited unless Costa gets injured.
Daley Blind - The versatile Dutchman impressed during the World Cup and will definitely fit into Louis van Gaal's gameplan. He is expected to lineup in midfield but could figure in central defense or left wing-back. If Man Utd can turn their season around then Blind could add fantasy value. However, I'd wait and see how the next few games go before considering adding him.
New Injuries
Daniel Sturridge – Liverpool striker Sturridge picked up a thigh muscle injury training with the England national team and will miss the next 3 weeks. Balotelli will likely play on his own upfront and could be a good fantasy replacement along with Costa and Falcao.
Stefan Jovetic – The Montenegran forward has made a terrific start to the season but is missing the game at Arsenal with a hamstring strain. He could miss more games but the injury is not thought to be too serious. Edin Djeko and Sergio Aguero will form City's strikeforce this weekend.
Phil Jones – The Manchester United defender hurt his hamstring playing for England in Switzerland and will be out for a month. The Man Utd defense cannot be trusted so it should not be much of a fantasy miss.