A look at this weekend’s schedule in the English Premier League.
Blackburn v Fulham
This is a huge game for Blackburn who are leaking goals like a sinking ship. Luckily for them Fulham does not travel well and Blackburn have to looking to grab all thee points here.
Bolton v Arsenal
This is always a tough trip for Arsenal, especially this week after a mid-week trip to the Ukraine to play Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League. Bolton used to be tough to beat at home but this is not Big Sam’s team anymore and I expect Arsenal to grab all three points here.
Liverpool v Stoke City
This is a trap game for Liverpool after the emotional win over Manchester United last week and the big mid-week Champions League win. But unbeaten in 7 games this season, Liverpool have confidence that this is there year and I cannot see Stoke getting anything from this game. A home win for Liverpool.
Sunderland v Middlesbrough
This is a huge Tees-Wear derby game. Sunderland have traditionally been really strong at the Stadium of Light but have not won at home this year. Middlesbrough look much improved this season and I expect that both teams will be relatively happy with a share of the points here.
West Ham v Newcastle
West Ham new manager Gianfranco Zola’s debut comes against a troubled and reeling Newcastle team. Newcastle is in turmoil off the field and on the filed they have a ton of injures. Anything less than a win here for West Ham would be a massive shock.
Hull City v Everton
Hull got a great win last week away to Newcastle and with 7 points have about 25% of what they will need to avoid relegation after only 4 games. This is a tough game for Everton who had a UEFA cup game on Thursday against Standard Liège. I am looking for Hull’s great start to the season to continue and for them to grab all three points here.
Man City v Portsmouth
This game matches two teams who both had UEFA Cup games on Thursday. Portsmouth have started to regain last season’s form and have now won three on the row while Man City are still adjusting to the new regime at Eastlands. This will be a tough game for both teams and I am looking for them to split the pints here.
Tottenham v Wigan Athletic
This is a must win game for Spurs. After being winless in their first four league games this is a game they have to win or the pressure on Ramos will grow even more. Wigan is a much improved team this year, but I cannot see Spurs going winless in their first five league games. So Spurs wins this one is a close game
West Brom v Aston Villa
Another big derby game, this midlands derby always is played with passion and energy. West Brom is looking like likely relegation candidates while Villa are a team looking for a European spot. Villa’s class wins out here over West Brom’s grit and determination as Villa grab all three points.
Chelsea v Manchester United
The game of the weekend. The title holders who have won once this season against a team who have not lost at home in over four years. Ronaldo will be back, but United are not firing on all cylinders yet while Chelsea are. Playing without the suspended Vidic I expect Chelsea to put a lot of pressure on Manchester’s back four. Chelsea have a chance to go 9 points up on United here and I expect them to win this game. A loss doesn’t eliminate Man United from the title race but makes it very unlikely that they will be able to pull back 9 points on Chelsea and Liverpool and 8 points on Arsenal.
