Weekend watch: Cazorla and returning Wilshere could be Premier League's Xavi and Iniesta


By Jamie Redknapp

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Gunner be good

First the good news for Arsenal: the return of Jack Wilshere. He is due to play for the development squad for the second time as they slowly return him to full fitness. We all remember his trademark one-twos around the box and England’s need for his ability and skill is growing all the more obvious.

Star man: Cazorla

Now more good news for Arsenal: Santi Cazorla was dazzling at Upton Park on Saturday. He has balance, ability with both feet, vision and creativity. As an ex-midfielder, I’m licking my lips at Wilshere and Cazorla in the same team. They could be the Premier League’s Xavi and Iniesta.

Little magician: Santi Cazorla is already lighting up the Premier League

Little magician: Santi Cazorla is already lighting up the Premier League

Carroll on song

West Ham’s first home league defeat, but on-loan striker Andy Carroll completed his first 90 minutes of the season and was a handful for Arsenal’s defence. Now he joins up with England where he may well have a key role from the bench as he regains his fitness. It’s good to see him enjoying his football again.

Baines spot on

Leighton Baines will turn up for England this week as the most in-form full back in the squad. His penalty for Everton at Wigan made it nine out of nine for his career and his attacking play is outstanding. He hasn’t played with such confidence for England but now is the time to put pressure on Ashley Cole.

Missing Fab

Newcastle minus Fabricio Coloccini spells trouble. They miss their goalkeeper Tim Krul, but it is the absence of Coloccini that causes them more problems. They play rivals Sunderland next and will be desperate for his return after sloppy defending cost them against a vibrant Manchester United.

Trouble at the back: Newcastle conceded two sloppy goals in their 3-0 reverse at home to United

Trouble at the back: Newcastle conceded two sloppy goals in their 3-0 reverse at home to United


Change required

QPR, like Norwich, are wide open. Losing to West Brom leaves them bottom of the league going into the international break, which at least gives Mark Hughes the chance to find a way of making them hard to beat. It’s too easy to score against them right now.

Full Baggies

West Brom are the strongest team in the Midlands. Big and powerful, they have the skill of James Morrison and an impressive home start that is their best top-flight opening since 1919 when they won the league! The player I like most is uncompromising defender Jonas Olsson. He is their Tony Adams.

Tough guy: Jonas Olsson has been immense for West Brom

Tough guy: Jonas Olsson has been immense for West Brom

Cracking Caulker

I mentioned Steven Caulker as one to watch at the start of the season and we are now seeing what he can do for Spurs after his loan at Swansea. England need fresh blood at centre back and Caulker, who scored against Aston Villa, can be that.