This week sees two of the most exciting games in the Premier League this season, with the rip-roaring North East Derby Sunderland vs Newcastle, and the clash of the titans, Chelsea vs Manchester City.
So who are the top 5 players to pick in these games?
These are my 5.
Sunderland Vs Newcastle
Loic Remy – Remy has made 5 starts this season for Newcastle, notching 5 goals in the process. The French international has been sensational for Alan Pardew, and continues to display the quality he showed towards the end of last season with Q.P.R. With the Black Cats defence conceding 9 goals in their last 3 games, including 4 last week to Swansea, they will struggle to keep a man of Remy’s class out.
Yohan Cabaye – Newcastle’s talisman is producing the kind of form that saw Arsenal try to steal him away from St James’s earlier this year. He’s already scored two unbelievable goals against both Merseyside teams, and is at the centre of everything good that comes from Newcastle.
Hatem Ben Arfa – Last week Pardew opted to give this man a free role in the centre of attack, which caused Liverpool all sorts of bother. A player who can get a goal out of nothing.
Craig Gardner – A player who always shows a lot of spirit, which Sunderland will need if they are to stand any chance of winning. Will never shy from a tackle, has a great right peg and takes penalties.
Steven Fletcher – Having recovered from a shoulder dislocation, which has put him out most the season so far, Fletcher could be the key to Sunderland staying up if he can get a good run of form going. He scored 34 goals in all competitions last year, and is a class finisher who will trouble Newcastle’s shaky defence.
Chelsea Vs Manchester City
Sergio Aguero – Has been in great form recently, scoring 5 goals in his last 3 games. He’s also showed that he can perform on the big stage when he bagged 2 in the Manchester Derby earlier this season. With the man in such scintillating form, the Chelsea defence will have to be in top nick to keep him under wraps.
Oscar – Arguably Chelsea’s best performer this season, he’s been the creative spark in Chelsea’s play, scoring an impressive 5 goals in the process.
Branislav Ivanovic – The solid right back has been easily Chelsea’s biggest attacking threat from defence this season. Strong in the air, he’s netted once already against Aston Villa and has a knack of scoring in the big games.
Yaya Toure – A man who relishes the big occasion, has proved deadly from set pieces this year, and with the addition of Fernandinho to the team has been given the licence to go and join the attack as he pleases.
David Silva – Has been putting in a string of great performances recently, reminiscent to the ones he produced in City’s title winning year. Scored and made an assist in his last game in the league against West Ham, the midfielder seems to have a telepathic link with Sergio Aguero at times.
Image from Jason Bagley
