Tricky tests for champions, Chelsea

Chelsea will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season when they take on Queens Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road. While second-bottom QPR have only a point to show from their three Premier League games this term, Chelsea - the only side to have won all of their top-flight matches so far - are top of the table on nine points, two better off than champions Manchester City, who face a tricky-looking trip to Stoke City. The Britannia Stadium has become something of a bogey ground for City, beaten twice and held to three draws there in their last five visits in all competitions. There is an element of the unknown about the encounter, though, given the number of debutants that could be on display. The contest brings together two of the most busy clubs from the end of the transfer window and among those who could make their first appearances for their new team are former England striker Michael Owen for the Potters and Brazilian full-back Maicon for City. Manchester United, a point behind City, host Wigan Athletic and if fit to play, Red Devils frontman Robin van Persie will be hoping to continue his explosive goalscoring start for the club. Van Persie's hat-trick against Southampton on 2 September meant he had netted four times in two starts for United, although he came off injured on Tuesday during the Netherlands' FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Hungary and will have his condition assessed ahead of the Latics match. Other fixtures Saturday's other 3pm kick-offs see Van Persie's former employers Arsenal - still to concede a goal this season - at the Emirates Stadium to take on a Southampton side who are yet to register a point, struggling Aston Villa entertain high-flying Swansea City and another team who have started well, West Bromwich Albion, play at Fulham. The early kick-off that day pits Norwich City against West Ham United at Carrow Road, while Liverpool, keen to get their league campaign going after a draw and two defeats, are at Sunderland for the 5.30pm game. On Sunday, Andre Villas-Boas takes his search for his first win as Tottenham Hotspur manager to Reading - who, like QPR, Villa and Liverpool, have just one point to their name - and on Monday, Everton and Newcastle United meet at Goodison Park. From : Fifa