A chaotic last week in the Premier League for some of these stars.
We take a look at the nine players including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United stars who have a point to prove in the Premier League this weekend, following moments to forget in the last round of fixtures.
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Andre Wisdom – West Bromwich Albion
The on-loan Liverpool right back had a torrid time in defence against league leaders Chelsea last week. He played Costa onside for the Blues opener and struggled to contain Hazard and Azpilicueta down Chelsea’s left side.
Kieran Gibbs – Arsenal
His mix-up with keeper Wojciech Szczesny was the catalyst to his own goal against United last weekend, directing a comfortable Valencia shot into the back of the net. Put that behind him midweek against Dortmund with some class defending and will be hoping to continue that form against West Brom.
Gylfi Sigurdsson – Swansea City
A standout, homecoming season for Sigurdsson at Swansea so far where he has managed two goals and seven assists. However, it was stopped firmly in its tracks against Manchester City last week. His link-up play with Bony was non-existent and he struggled to assert any of his usual dominance on the match.
Angel Di Maria – Manchester United
His precision pass set up Rooney to secure United’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal but seemed to be handled with ease by a hardly vintage Arsenal defence. Maybe it’s a harsh assessment on someone who’s just had an average game but for someone of Di Maria’s quality last week was poor. Will be looking to make amends against Hull.
Nikica Jelavic – Hull
Was surprisingly kept on despite offering no goal threat against another poor Spurs performance. Barely had a chance in the second half but this could be put down to Hull’s early red card. Out of form but may fancy a crack at an inexperienced Manchester United defence on Saturday.
Mathieu Flamini – Arsenal
A poor season so far for the Frenchman who seems to have become a master of shouting and pointing at his team-mates rather than providing a solid defensive shield to the back four. With Arteta presumed out for several weeks Arsenal are going to have to hope the 30 year old puts in a better shift against West Brom than he did against Swansea in his last league outing.
Simon Mignolet – Liverpool
A clanger midweek against Ludogorets adds even more pressure on the shoulders of Liverpool’s beleaguered goalkeeper. Ordered by manager Brendan Rodgers to give an immediate response at the weekend, Mignolet will be hoping for a redeeming performance against Stoke lest the rumours of the Reds’ growing interest in Iker Casillas become even louder.
Robin van Persie – Manchester United
Substituted for young striker James Wilson in the second half at the weekend, van Persie’s continuing poor form for the Red Devils is starting to become a concern. He only managed two passes in the first half against Arsenal, granted the Gunners dominated the first 45 minutes but keeper David De Gea managed seven. United fans will be hoping this is just an extended World Cup blip and RVP can get back to his best against Hull.
Dejan Lovren – Liverpool
Benched midweek after his calamitous performance against Crystal Palace, Lovren will be hoping to be back in Liverpool’s starting XI after replacement Kolo Toure hardly convinced against Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets. Saturday’s match against Stoke would be the perfect time for the £20 million Croat to silence his critics with a cleansheet.