The Premier League returned with some great action last weekend, tense games, great goals, the underdogs doing well and Jose Mourinho being Jose Mourinho, it certainly has left us wanting more. This weekend sees one incredible game being played between Manchester City and Chelsea, while everyone will be looking forward to seeing how Chelsea cope with City’s attack, a few eyes would also be on Eden Hazard, the player in the middle of the Eva Carneiro saga, and how he goes about his business. We look at five players who could prove crucial for their team in this game week.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri
It really is a credit to the strength of the Premier League that a club like Stoke City can now attract players from Barcelona and Inter Milan. The club have recently signed Xherdan Shaqiri from Bayern Munich and while the Swiss international might not have had a great club season last year, he can resurrect his career at Stoke, he has the ability, he just needs to click.
Dimitri Payet
Payet was one of the best players to have come out from Ligue 1 and it was a surprise that West Ham were able to get the Marseille star. Payet was a bag of tricks against Arsenal and looks to be a candidate for new player of the year, the team would need him to play at this ability if they are to continue surprising opponents and hopefully qualify for a European competition.
Asmir Begovic
The new goalkeeper faces a big test at the weekend when Chelsea travel to Manchester City. Thibaut Courtois saw red in the last game and Begovic now has a chance of staking a claim to the Chelsea goalkeeping throne for good. He would have to be at his best, especially with Manchester City already playing in 6th gear.
Asmir Begović
Marc Albrighton
What a story it has been for Albrighton this season, just one game in and he already have two assists and a goal to his name. Leicester would need him to do well throughout the season and hopefully he can continue his blistering form in this week’s game against West Ham United who were just as good when they defeated Arsenal.
Memphis Depay
Mwmphis Depay
We saw glimpses of his genius against Tottenham but playing against Aston Villa should give him a better chance of showing that he really is all about. Memphis wasn’t the game changer last weekend but he could do the same this time around against a Villa side who were lucky to have defeated a very good Bournemouth side.
WWE wrestler Chelsea Green enjoyed the full Chelsea experience when she was the guest of honour at Stamford Bridge against Brentford last month. The former two time and inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion made her first trip to the stadium to watch the Blues beat the Bees 2-0.
The 34 year old watched on from the Dugout Club as Liam Rosenior’s men secured victory after goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Green, who has Chelsea roots in her family with her mother and extended family being British, also sent a congratulatory message to the west London outfit on Instagram following the Club World Cup triumph last summer.
Dove in Headfirst as Chelsea Fans Do
The former AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champion told talkSPORT, “I had the best time, I drank lots of champagne, I got a jersey. I really just like dove in headfirst as the Chelsea fans do.”
Green, who joined talkSPORT as part of WWE 2K26 Creator Fest, was speaking to ex Chelsea star Tony Cascarino on Weekend Breakfast. However, she broke the 63 year old’s heart by admitting she would not don his retro kit after being gifted a shirt by Blues ace Marc Cucurella.
I’m a Kuk’s Girl Right Now
On the prospect of wearing a Cascarino kit, Green replied: “I don’t think so. I feel like, I’m sorry, but I feel like I’m a Kuk’s girl right now.” This is brilliant loyalty from Green, who clearly understands the importance of supporting current players over legends from the past.
Chelsea Fan for Life
Green recently opened up on her connection with Chelsea that goes far beyond simply sharing a name. “I’ve been a Chelsea fan for life. My grandparents are British, my mum is British, my cousins and uncle are here, and I also lived in Devon when I was seven and eight years old,” she told the Blues’ website.
The Canadian born wrestler was gifted a custom Chelsea FC belt and a Cucurella shirt during her memorable first visit to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Chelsea
Chelsea FC Women Appoint New Sporting Director as Club Fill Power Vacuum Left by Paul Green Departure Earlier This Month
Chelsea FC Women have appointed Phil Radley as their new sporting director following the departure of long time general manager Paul Green earlier this month. The club has moved quickly to fill the power vacuum at the top of their women’s football organization with Radley set to start in his new role next month.
Radley had spent most of the past decade at Danish Super League club FC Nordsjælland, initially as legal counsel before becoming chief operating officer and, most recently, director of football. He stepped down at the start of this season and had been taking a break from the game for the last six months.
Looking Forward to the Challenge
“I am looking forward to the challenge of how we build on the already brilliant club Chelsea FC Women is, both in terms of today and what the club needs in the long term, and working with Sonia, the players and staff,” Radley stated after his appointment was confirmed.
The new sporting director added: “I know the ambition the club has, the huge ambition Sonia and this squad has and the winning mentality Sonia sees in the squad. I absolutely share that and can’t wait to get started on the road to greater success.”
Green’s Departure Caused Upheaval
Paul Green’s exit earlier this month came after 13 years at the club, during which Chelsea Women won 19 trophies. His departure followed a review that concluded fresh structure was needed following Emma Hayes’ exit to the United States.
Many expected Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart from the men’s side to step into the void, but Chelsea has instead opted to bring in an external appointment. Radley brings significant experience from his time in Denmark and will be tasked with maintaining Chelsea’s position as one of the top clubs in women’s football.
Chelsea face Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals next month in what promises to be a huge tie for both clubs.
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