MX23RW : Monday, November 25 02:36:59| >> :120:20555:20555:

Three people in the spotlight this weekend

Sports Mole takes a look at three people who need to enjoy success in the Premier League this weekend.

The pressure of being an important figure in the Premier League is never-ending, and this weekend will be no different as managers and players return to action.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at three people who are searching for a successful weekend for very different reasons.

1. Alan Pardew

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew gives instructions during his side's friendly with Real Sociedad on August 10, 2014© Getty Images

If reports this week are accurate, Pardew has just two games to save his job at Newcastle United. To call his stay in the North-East a roller-coaster ride would be an understatement. We've seen him go from the brink of qualifying for the Champions League to watching as his own supporters booing him from the stands. In truth, Pardew has always seemed to be just one bad result away from being unemployed.

All of that means one thing for the Magpies boss - Newcastle simply have to beat Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday afternoon. They've started the season with two points from three matches, a total which has seen Newcastle fans voice their concerns once again. Is the squad good enough to achieve a top-half finish? Is that enough for the fans, who are desperate to see the club challenge with the bigger teams? Pardew needs a result to buy some time, and he needs it on Saturday.

2. Danny Welbeck

Compared to Pardew, Welbeck is enjoying the time of his life right now. A £16m deadline-day move to Arsenal from Manchester United appeared to send his stock rising as onlookers suggested that the Gunners would see the best of the forward as a central striker. It's probably fair to say that we've seen overreactions from a small number of supporters on both sides, but there's no doubt that Welbeck has the potential to be a success, a certain Sir Alex Ferguson knew that much.

 England captain Wayne Rooney tries to tackles Danny Welbeck during a England training session before the international friendly match against Norway at London Colney on September 1, 2014© Getty Images

Why will the pressure be on Welbeck this weekend then? Well, the 23-year-old is now in a position he has never experienced before. Having left a squad including Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Falcao, Welbeck is now looking to become the main man for a team aiming to win the Premier League title. His confidence was clear on Monday night as he scored twice in England's victory over Switzerland, but can he do the same against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon? With Olivier Giroud set for an extended spell on the treatment table, Welbeck has to hit the ground running.

3. Louis van Gaal

Manchester United's Dutch manager Louis van Gaal (C) poses for photographs along with the club's latest signings Colombian striker Radamel Falcao (L) and Dutch midfielder Daley Blind on September 11, 2014© Getty Images

The Dutchman is the manager of Manchester United, so of course he will always be in the spotlight. However, this weekend could potentially be a turning point for Van Gaal and his squad. Even their harshest critics would not expect them to struggle all season, but their start to the new campaign is a huge concern for everyone at Old Trafford. Still looking for his first victory, Van Gaal will meet Harry Redknapp and Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

It won't be a surprise if United pick up all three points against QPR, but how they approach the game could be very interesting. The arrivals of Marcos Rojo, Angel di Maria, Daley Blind and Falcao have seen questions asked about which system Van Gaal would use, and whether he would abandon the 3-5-2 formation. All four players are tipped to be in the running to start the game, but who will be missing out? The likes of Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj could slip down the pecking order as a result of the summer spending, while there is even greater pressure on Rooney and Van Persie. Victory is all that matters for Van Gaal, but can he fit in all of his stars to make it happen?

ID:176255: cacheID:176255:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7796:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Monaco's Colombian forward Radamel Falcao celebrates after scoring a goal from the penalty spot during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and FC Lorient at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco on September 15, 2013
Read Next:
Transfer deadline day: Five talking points
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!