Ghanaian trio: Boateng, Essien and Frimpong set for 2013/14 English Premiership journey

Published on: 16 August 2013
Ghanaian trio: Boateng, Essien and Frimpong set for 2013/14 English Premiership journey
Emmanuel Frimpong training with Arsenal ahead of their season opener against Aston Villa

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Arguably, the world's most competitive league is set to get underway this weekend and only Michael Essien, Emmanuel Frimpong and Derek Boateng are the only players who are set to begin the season.

Winger Wakaso Mubarah, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Rabiu Mohammed have all been linked with various Premiership clubs but officially Michael Essien, Derek Boateng and Emmanuel Frimpong remain the only Ghana international who will start the season.

Essien, 30, has returned to the Stamford Bridge after his loan spell with European giants Real Madrid and is set to feature prominently for Jose Mourinho's Blues.

During pre-season the former Olympique Lyon playmaker appeared to have cemented his place in Chelsea's holding midfield role and likely to command a starting place as the Blues open their campaign with a home tie against Hull City.

Essien's main contenders for the role may include Brazilian Ramirez and John Mikel Obi but the Ghanaian's extraordinary physique and experience at the job is set to win him the nod to start.

Derek Boateng is set for his EPL debut
Derek Boateng is set for his EPL debut
Martin Jol's admiration for Derek Boateng remain strong as the former FC Dnipro versatile midfielder further convinced the Dutch trainer of his abilities.

Fulham make their trip to the Stadium of Light for their league opener to face Sunderland and Boateng is 7/10 likely to start for the Craven Cottage side.

Arsenal open their season with a vision from Aston Villa but Arsene Wenger is facing a frustration as most of his first team players  are in the treatment room.

Michael Essien will contest for a place in the Chelsea midfield
Michael Essien will contest for a place in the Chelsea midfield
Frimpong returned from Fulham with an injury and did not play any part in the Gunners' pre-season.

He is yet to gain match fitness but Wenger is likely to include him in his squad for the game with Abou Diaby also out of the game.

Frimpong attended Arsenal's last training session on Friday morning and he has been confirmed in the final squad for the game.

Games:

Chelsea vs Hull City - Stamford Bridge (Michael Essien)

Arsenal vs Aston Villa - Emirates Stadium (Emmanuel Frimpong)

Sunderland vs Fulham - Stadium of Light (Derek Boateng)

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