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SIX players to watch in the EPL

Cape Town - Chelsea visiting Old Trafford headlines the latest instalment of Britain's greatest drama as we get set for Week 9's action of the English Premiership.

Jose Mourinho takes his table-topping squad to face Manchester United on Sunday with two question marks surrounding his tactics for the match.

Firstly, who will play upfront with Diego Costa and Loic Remy both struggling with injuries while Didier Drogba admitted he is not match fit. Will Andre Schurrle start or will Jose opt to use Eden Hazard as a false No. 9? 

The remaining question most fans are asking: Will Jose play for the win? Mourinho is an incredible tactician who knows points away from home are crucial.

Will he opt to park the bus and play counter-attacking football or will he go for United's jugular?

Manchester United, without Wayne Rooney, are nearing full strength but can they get their defensive act in order? From what we've seen so far, the answer is a resounding "NO!" which means Chelsea start as firm favourites.

SIX players to watch in Week 9's action of the English Premiership:

1. Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)

The Dutch striker has shown none of the spark that he brought to Old Trafford in his first (title-winning) season. The added pressure of Radamel Falcao's arrival means that he is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting eleven and another bad performance against Chelsea could see him quickly out-of-favour at United.

2. Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea)

The Swans were flying high but four consecutive league defeats have seen side slip to eighth position. Sigurdsson has been at the centre of Swansea's play with six assists and one goal to his name. If Gylfi is allowed time and space in the middle of the park by Leicester City, then the Welsh side will be favourites for all three points. 

3. All eleven players from Sunderland

Hammererd by Southampton last week, Gus Poyet faces the task of raising his players for the clash against Arsenal. The Gunners league form has been far from their best so far this season and will go to the Stadium of Light on a high after coming from behind to beat Anderlecht in midweek. Good luck Gus!

4. Mario Balotelli (Liverpool)

The "Mario Balotelli Show" is in full swing in it's Anfield version. Rodgers may be tempted to start Mario against Hull City on Saturday and if he does, the Liverpool fans are certain to get behind their new bad-boy. Is Mario up for the fight? That remains to be seen but I recommend you keep watching to find out!

5. Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)

It was no so long ago that the Villians were in touching distance of the top of the log. Now they find themselves without a win in four league games and a tricky journey into London to face QPR on Monday night. Belgian striker Christian Benteke has worked his way back to fitness and will be one to watch this weekend.

6. Erik Lamela (Spurs)

Spurs take on Newcastle on Saturday and this game is definitely worth watching just in case Erik Lamela tries another audacious Rabona strike.

Don't know what a Rabona is? Then watch this!
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