Premier League: Key battles this weekend

The international break is done and dusted, which means that the Premier League returns on Saturday afternoon. There are some big games in prospect, including the Merseyside derby and a clash between first and third in the league.

There are also some intriguing games lower down the league as struggling teams scrap for points. Here, Sports Mole considers some of the key battles where Saturday's games could be won or lost.

1. Mikel Arteta vs. Adam Lallana - Arsenal vs. Southampton

Arsenal will come up against a different kind of test in the Premier League on Saturday when they host Southampton. Mauricio Pochettino has his side flying high, and this is mainly down to the high-tempo, high-pressing game he has brought to the South Coast. His team of young, hungry players would be able to make a real statement about their European chances with a good performance at the Emirates.

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Southampton's game will give Arsene Wenger a tough choice of who to pair in the deeper midfield slots. While he has typically opted for one more defensive-minded player alongside one who attacks the box from deep, he could opt for two holders in order to stop the flow of runners from midfield. Whether or not he has a defensive partner alongside him, Mikel Arteta will have an important role on Saturday.

The Southampton pressing game means that the Arsenal midfield will have far less time on the ball than they are used to and Arteta will need to be the link between defence and attack. Up against Adam Lallana, who will rotate from the left to the centre with Jay Rodriguez, Arteta could well be faced with the ball as deep as his own defensive line. His distribution from these positions will go a long way to deciding the result.

2. Romelu Lukaku vs. Luis Suarez - Everton vs. Liverpool

The Merseyside derby is always a feisty affair, but with both sides impressing in the Premier League so far this one is very hotly anticipated. This is a battle between two sides who like to play swift, passing football, and in games such as this single players can make all the difference. Although they will not be directly up against one another, both Romelu Lukaku and Luis Suarez have the ability to change games, for very different reasons.

Lukaku has the pace and power to unsettle most defences in the league. While Liverpool's has been solid - more so at Anfield than away from home - the tendency of their full-backs Glen Johnson and Aly Cissokho to maraud forwards could see the centre-backs exposed and without support to deal with the Belgian. He is not only brute force, either. His finishing when in on goal will ensure that the Reds must be acutely aware of his threat.

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At the other end, Suarez has come back from his ban in no mood to waste time. He has hit eight in six and will be facing the sort of defence he thrives on playing against. Everton are well-equipped at the back to deal with lone strikers or big men, but the fluid front three of Liverpool could really pose some problems on Saturday.

3. Martin Jol vs. Michael Laudrup - Fulham vs. Swansea

It has been an interesting international week for Fulham manager Martin Jol. He has seen Rene Meulensteen appointed alongside him as head coach, a move which the club's board hope will reinvigorate a flailing team on the pitch. The Cottagers have slipped into the bottom three and a home clash against Swansea - who themselves are struggling of late - is the sort of match they should be targeting as a win.

Jol's team have become predictable this season, with their opponents all too often pressing them out of the game. The early indications from the Fulham camp are that the players are being worked hard by their new coach, which should begin to translate to more urgency in attack on the pitch. Saturday might come too soon for any notable improvements, but all the while his team are not getting results Jol's position will remain under threat.

His opposite number, Michael Laudrup, has a different kind of issue to deal with. Their Carling Cup win qualified them for Europe, which in turn has led to some tired displays in league games. However, two weeks off will show whether two games in a week have been just too much for his small squad or whether Swansea have been found out after a fine run in the top flight so far. It is an important game for Laudrup.

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