Three Things To Look Out For During This Weekend's Premier League Action

This weekend we have Premier League football returning after what was a lengthy break to determine who had booked their ticket to next year's World Cup in Brazil. Unfortunately, though, those who finished second in their groups have to participate in play-offs next month to earn a trip to Rio. I know, I know.

However, now is the time to be optimistic as we cast our gaze upon a very exciting Premier League, the Champions League and the next round of the Capital One Cup. It is going to be a very busy end to the month. Here are three things to look out for in this weekend's Premier League fixtures:

1. Loic Remy to outshoot SAS

I bet Liverpool fans are getting a little excited. Suarez...Sturridge.....Sahko.....er, Skrtel. Yes, Brendan Rodgers has got his team playing rather well and they must stand as good a chance as anybody in a wide open Premier League.

The early kick-off sees Liverpool travel to Newcastle to take on the Magpies, and after last year's 6-0 demolition Rodgers' troops will be feeling confident. Newcastle have looked far better this season following the embarrassment and near relegation of the last campaign. The shrewd acquisition of the talented Loic Remy has been a big reason for their improvement and look for him to give Liverpool's back four a real test.

2. Cardiff to claim another scalp

How about that Vincent Tan? Sounds a bit bonkers to me but Cardiff fans are probably just about ok with his madness as they are in the Premier League and are actually doing pretty well. They make their second trip to West London this season to take on third-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Although a very tough assignment for the Welsh club, they have shown enough skill, determination and grit so far to prove that they are not walk-overs. They have already beaten Manchester City this season, albeit at home, so that should give them some sort of confidence heading into this fixture.

3. Sam Allardyce's continued use of the false nine

Manchester City have struggled on their travels this season and now a trip to East London will see them face a rejuvenated West Ham after the Hammers' remarkable triumph over Spurs at White Hart Lane.

Sam Allardyce will look to young starlet Ravel Morrison to provide the creative spark once again, but it will be interesting to see if the manager continues with the false nine formation that proved so successful against Spurs or deploy the newly re-signed Carlton Cole as a lone striker.

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