Last week wasn’t the best of times as far as our predictions went, with Premier League managers opting to wait to blood their new arrivals.
With very few exceptions – although Anthony Martial was a notable one – the deadline day signings failed to make a huge impression at the first time of asking. In a sense it’s good to see coaches happy with their lot and prepared to give their new signings some time to bed in.
This week we’ve opted to go with a couple of players who are more settled at their current club (though one was reportedly close to leaving this year), plus one who has been one of the stand-out performers after moving from one Premier League team to another earlier in the summer. Good luck!
Christian Benteke – Striker – £8.5m
The Belgian striker has been a bright spark despite Liverpool’s hit-and-miss start to the season. Not only scoring goals but scoring great ones at that.
An overhead kick at Old Trafford is impressive by anyone’s standards, but this volley on the turn on his pre-season debut for the club was arguably just as good.
This weekend Liverpool face a Norwich side who will likely be celebrating not having to face Luis Suarez, given the Uruguayan’s incredible record against the Canaries. But Benteke may be able to pick up where his predecessor left off against the newly-promoted outfit.
Jonjo Shelvey – Midfield – £5.5m
Swansea City’s upcoming opponents Everton have conceded five goals in as many games this season, but only one was scored by a forward (Watford’s Odion Ighalo on the opening day).
One of the key battles in this weekend’s game will be between England international Shelvey and Ireland’s James McCarthy, who impressed last time out against Chelsea’s despite the early exit of his midfield partner Mo Besic.
With Besic doubtful yet again, Shelvey could be given the freedom to get forward more than he has done so far this campaign and potentially score his first goal of 2015/16.
Sadio Mané – Midfield – £7.8m
Manchester United are no strangers to former transfer targets coming back to bite them.
After Hector Moreno equalised for PSV in midweek – barely a year after a long-term injury scuppered a move to Old Trafford – the club will be wary of the very familiar threat of Southampton midfielder Mané after tracking him in pre-season.
The Senegal international has not quite hit the heights of last season, but if he is given a freer role on Sunday against a United back-line depleted by Luke Shaw’s horrific long-term injury then he could reap the rewards.
