With Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all changing managers over the summer, it has been an unpredictable Premier League season so far.
Manchester United got off to their worst start since 1989, losing three of their first six games. City have failed to find any kind of consistency, demolishing United 4-1 in the derby but losing games at Cardiff and Aston Villa. Chelsea lost at Everton and have yet to find top gear with Jose Mourinho back at the helm.
When the crucial international break is over, the Premier League returns with a compelling fixture list. Here are the teams that should change their fortunes.
Everton
Everton were the only unbeaten team in the top flight going into Saturday's game with City. Unfortunately for the Toffees, Roberto Martinez saw his side slump to a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad.
Manchester United got off to their worst start since 1989, losing three of their first six games. City have failed to find any kind of consistency, demolishing United 4-1 in the derby but losing games at Cardiff and Aston Villa. Chelsea lost at Everton and have yet to find top gear with Jose Mourinho back at the helm.
When the crucial international break is over, the Premier League returns with a compelling fixture list. Here are the teams that should change their fortunes.
Everton
Everton were the only unbeaten team in the top flight going into Saturday's game with City. Unfortunately for the Toffees, Roberto Martinez saw his side slump to a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad.
Fortunately for Everton, their next game looks like the ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways as they take on Hull at Goodison Park. For a start, they should have Gareth Barry back in the side, a player unavailable against City since he is on loan from the Citizens.
At times Everton's midfield was totally overrun against Manuel Pellegrini's side, and one has to think the reintroduction of the defensive midfielder could be crucial. Further still, they have won every home game since drawing with West Brom in August and Hull will hold no great fears.
Manchester United
Although United managed to score from open play for the first time since the opening weekend of the season, their victory over Sunderland was far from convincing, and the pressure on David Moyes shows no sign of relenting.
Having won away from home for the first time since that trip to Swansea on the opening day, United could do with a good performance in front of their own fans. Old Trafford, usually a fortress under Sir Alex Ferguson, has not been a happy hunting ground for the champions of late.
So far this term, United have played out a disappointing stalemate with Chelsea, laboured to a 2-0 win over a Crystal Palace side reduced to 10 men (neither goal coming from open play) before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Brom.
Southampton have started the season extremely well, with wins against Liverpool and West Brom on their travels. Despite this, United should have too much for the Saints, particularly if Moyes opts for a positive, attacking lineup and spends the international break determining his best side.
Swansea
After a magnificent 2012-13 campaign, this season has not started well for Michael Laudrup's side.
At times Everton's midfield was totally overrun against Manuel Pellegrini's side, and one has to think the reintroduction of the defensive midfielder could be crucial. Further still, they have won every home game since drawing with West Brom in August and Hull will hold no great fears.
Manchester United
Although United managed to score from open play for the first time since the opening weekend of the season, their victory over Sunderland was far from convincing, and the pressure on David Moyes shows no sign of relenting.
Having won away from home for the first time since that trip to Swansea on the opening day, United could do with a good performance in front of their own fans. Old Trafford, usually a fortress under Sir Alex Ferguson, has not been a happy hunting ground for the champions of late.
So far this term, United have played out a disappointing stalemate with Chelsea, laboured to a 2-0 win over a Crystal Palace side reduced to 10 men (neither goal coming from open play) before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Brom.
Southampton have started the season extremely well, with wins against Liverpool and West Brom on their travels. Despite this, United should have too much for the Saints, particularly if Moyes opts for a positive, attacking lineup and spends the international break determining his best side.
Swansea
After a magnificent 2012-13 campaign, this season has not started well for Michael Laudrup's side.
The Swans suffered that 4-1 defeat against United on the first day and are still yet to manage a victory at home in the league. The visit of Sunderland ought to change all that.
Sunderland are without a manager and rooted to the bottom of the table. They have conceded 16 goals in their seven Premier League games. Although there are definitely signs of improvement since the dismissal of Paolo Di Canio, Swansea must surely have enough to secure their first win at the Liberty Stadium this term.
Sunderland are without a manager and rooted to the bottom of the table. They have conceded 16 goals in their seven Premier League games. Although there are definitely signs of improvement since the dismissal of Paolo Di Canio, Swansea must surely have enough to secure their first win at the Liberty Stadium this term.
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