Players from Arsenal, Newcastle United, Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea feature on our list. Can you guess who they are?
For various reasons the league season is not plain sailing for every player. There are several who have points to prove over the next month, and there is a lot of football to be played. We have picked five, and here they are…
Theo Walcott
Walcott has been derided by many, myself included, as being one of the biggest let downs in Milan. His tendency to go missing when the going gets tough and lack of goals are the main criticisms, and now there is even speculation he could be sold for as little as £10 million. To prove a point to supporters of Arsenal and rival clubs, he will hope to do his talking on the pitch. What better opportunity than a North London derby against Spurs, and the upcoming second leg against the Italians? The next few months are crucial for Walcott, if he wants to avoid being part of a summer clearout.
Hatem Ben Arfa
The Frenchman is seen as a bit of a luxury by Alan Pardew despite his obvious talents. The incredible goal he scored against Blackburn in the FA Cup was a reminder of his superb talent. He has been in and out of the side lately, and that is with Cheik Tiote and Yohann Cabaye both unavailable, so he now faces an extended period on the bench, especially as the acquisition of Cisse means he won’t be needed as a second striker. He has a chance to prove his manager wrong, but if he can’t he may also be looking for an exit in the summer.
Steven Pienaar
The South African is like the prodigal son at Goodison, and has had the dream start, netting the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Chelsea. He is still on loan from Tottenham, where he suffered with injury, but he will want to show Spurs that they were mistaken to not give him the regular first team chances he merited, and also to show Everton why they should part with their cash to buy him back. He has fitted seamlessly back into the side and will hope to help the side into a top eight finish.
Stewart Downing
The Liverpool winger has become a figure of fun outside of Anfield, mocked for his seemingly exorbitant £20 million transfer fee. With his Premier League record this season showing no goals and no assists, it is hard to argue he has been a success. He provided his first assist in the FA Cup against Brighton, and now has a Carling Cup Final to look forward to. A call-up to the England squad will be a confidence boost and he will want to show why he deserves his place, and a late flurry of good form will go some way to restring his reputation.
Gary Cahill
Despite clinching his dream move to a top four club, Gary Cahill’s season has been a bit of a nightmare. At Bolton he was part of a side which fell into the relegation zone, and since moving to Chelsea he has been part of a defence which has shipped six goals in two games against Manchester United and Napoli. With John Terry out injured for six weeks this is the perfect time for Cahill to get his form back and show supporters why he was signed in the first place.
Do you agree with our choices? Who would be on your list?
image: © Ben Sutherland
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
