Portsmouth vs Everton
Form: (LLLLL) (LLWLW)
Fab: A Portsmouth team rooted to the bottom of the table versus a resurgent Everton team. Both teams will be looking to improve on their form after a poor start to the season. Portsmouth may be back on their feet after beating Carlisle in the Carling Cup match. After trashing Blackburn 3-0 last week and Hull 4-0 in midweek, Everton will be full of confidence and looking to build on that.
Portsmouth Team News
Paul Hart can finally breathe easier after seeing Portsmouth through to the next round of the Carling Cup. He will now have to focus back on getting points in the EPL. Portsmouth are still rooted to the bottom and if he cannot get Portsmouth up the table, he will soon find himself in the firing line. Danny Webber is pushing for a starting berth after scoring in midweek but Hart should be keeping faith in Piquionne. He will need Piquionne to start scoring goals and David James to keep out Louis Saha and Co.
Everton Team News
After a poor start to the season, Moyes has revitalized his boys: mustering 7 goals and not conceding in the last 2 matches. He will be looking to condemn Portsmouth to the bottom of table and bring Everton further up. No new injury concerns for Everton with only long term injury victims Phil Neville, Victor Anichebe, Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta out. Loius Saha will keep his place in the starting lineup after scoring a brace last week, keeping Jo on the bench. Moyes will be looking for Saha and Cahill to spur the team on to yet another win.
The Match
Both teams need to win. Portsmouth was heavily depleted in the summer while Everton have also lost Joleon Lescott to Man City. Struggling early in the season, both teams will be looking to climb back up the ladder. However, Everton look more likely to ascend after picking up two big wins while Portsmouth are still on a losing streak in the EPL. A Carling Cup win over Carlisle may have given a glimmer of hope to the fans, but not enough to beat Everton.
Key Battles
David James vs Loius Saha
England's number one (or former) will be hoping to keep out a fired-up Saha. If he can keep out Saha and Co., it will be a great help to Portsmouth trying to earn their first point. But with a shaky defence in front of him, he is going to need all his years of experience to keep out Saha.
Winner: Louis Saha
Frederic Piquionne vs Joseph Yobo/Sylvain Distin
Yet to score a goal this season, fans are wondering if Piquionne should be dropped. Up against Joseph Yobo and Sylvain Distin, I don't see how Piquionne would be breaking that dry spell, especially after Everton have kept two clean sheets in their last two matches.
Winner: Joseph Yobo/Sylvain Distin
Prediction: Portsmouth 0-3 Everton
Blackburn Rovers vs Aston Villa
Form: (LLDWL) (LWWWW)
Fab: Tied on 4 points with 3 other teams, Blackburn will be looking to secure a victory here and pull themselves out of the relegation zone. Visiting Ewood Park this week is Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa. Tied on 12 points at the top half of the table with 3 other teams, Aston Villa will be hoping they can continue their good form and push into the Big 4 this season.
Blackburn Team News
Having progressed into the next round of the Carling Cup after a narrow win over Nottingham Forest, Blackburn will be focusing on their EPL battle again. After being trashed 3-0 by Everton last week, Blackburn will want to build on their Carling Cup win and inflict a second loss of the season on Aston Villa. With almost a full squad to choose from, Big Sam will be making changes from the side that lost to Everton last week. Benni McCarthy made a scoring return from injury against Forest and looks good to return against Villa.
Aston Villa Team News
Martin O'Neill will have injuries to deal with coming into this match. Steve Sidwell and Luke Young are still out along with long term injury victims Curtis Davies and new signing Stewart Downing. However, Ashley Young and Emile Heskey should return. With Gabriel Agbonlahor finding his scoring boots in recent matches, he should retain his place upfront while Heskey and Carew fight it out for a place alongside him. Brad Freidel, Stephen Warnock and Richard Dunne should return after being rested for the midweek Carling Cup match.
The Match
Blackburn have only scored 3 goals at home this season while Villa have only conceded 1 goal away. With a mean looking Villa defence of Dunne, Collins and Friedel, Blackburn don't look like improving their goal tally. Boosted by the return of Young and Heskey, Aston Villa will fancy 3 points against Blackburn at Ewood Park.
Key Battles
Benni McCarthy vs Brad Friedel
Benni McCarthy made a scoring return in midweek and will want to add to that here. Brad Friedel will be looking to add to his clean sheet tally having kept out Portsmouth, Birmingham and Fulham in the last 3 matches.
Winner: Brad Friedel
Paul Robinson vs Gabriel Agbonlahor
Gabriel Agbonlahor is a on a scoring spree while Paul Robinson just leaked 3 goals against Everton last week. Former England goalkeeper vs Under-21 England star, the old head will have a tough job on his hands.
Winner: Gabriel Agbonlahor
Prediction: Blackburn 0-2 Aston Villa
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
Form: (WWWLL) (WWLLW)
Fab: Tottenham tried to put up a fight against Manchester United and Chelsea, but found themselves getting trashed. Harry Redknapp isn't someone who lets two defeats against the Big Two affect him. Tottenham will look to put those defeats behind them and build on the good form that they had at the start of the season before the Big Two. Burnley started the season really well, beating Manchester United and Everton. After taking 3 points against Sunderland last week, they visit White Hart Lane in search of another good result.
Tottenham Team News
Spurs are in deep trouble in defence with key defenders out injured. Ledley King and Sebastien Bassong were injured in last week's battle at the Bridge while Woodgate is still out. Good news though that Dawson and Bale came through the midweek game unscathed. Vedran Corluka should start this game in the middle of defence alongside Dawson with Bale fighting Assou-Ekotto for a starting berth on the left. Jermaine Jenas has impressed in recent games and may keep his place depending on who plays up front. Crouch scored a hat-trick in midweek while Jermaine Defoe and Robbie Keane also got on the scoresheet. If Harry decides to play all 3 of them, Jenas could be dropped to the bench. Harry's got a tough decision to make here.
Burnley Team News
After beating Sunderland last week, Burnley fell to Barnsley in the Carling Cup match. More bad news for Burnley as Martin Paterson will be out for 3 months. David Nugent scored a brace against Sunderland last week and look set to be taking Paterson's place. However, with Burnley playing away, a defensive option may be employed.
The Match
Tottenham have gotten back to their feet with a win over Preston after two successive defeats to the giants. Jermaine Defoe is on fire and continues his scoring spree. His contribution will be vital in this match as Tottenham look to break into the Big 4. Burnley will not be looking at escaping with more than a point here. Trying to be adventurous may prove disastrous for them.
Key Battles
Jermaine Defoe & Peter Crouch vs Brian Jensen
Jensen has kept out many top strikers this season, including the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen but he will find it tough against a hot Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch who scored a hat-trick in midweek. Tough battle here but Defoe and Crouch should win it with home advantage.
Winners: Jermaine Defoe & Peter Crouch
Prediction: Tottenham 3-0 Burnley
Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea
Form: (LLLWL) (WWWWW)
Wigan face league leaders Chelsea at the DW Stadium after being crushed 4-0 by Arsenal last week at the Emirates. Roberto Martinez's team have not started the season well with only 2 wins and 4 losses. It is worth noting that they have conceded 12 goals (2nd highest number of goals conceded) while Chelsea have scored 15 goals (3rd highest number of goals scored). Having not played in midweek, they would be fresher than Chelsea who had to play QPR in the Carling Cup, although Chelsea had most of their key players rested in the Carling Cup game.
Wigan Team News
Wigan come into the game with almost a full strength team with only Oliver Kapo out. Even with a full squad to choose from, Roberto Martinez's attacking tactics would not do any favours to Wigan against a Chelsea team that has scored 15 goals this season. If he continues to hold on to his attacking style, he must hope Titus Bramble plays like John Terry and Chris Kirkland stops everything that comes at him. Sadly, that doesn't seem like happening.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea welcome back Joe Cole and Yuri Zhirkov from injury. Joe Cole made a winning return against QPR in midweek along with Russian international Yuri Zhirkov. With Ancelotti making wholesale changes to the squad that faced Tottenham in midweek, he'll have all his first team players fit and refreshed against Wigan. Didier Drogba should be back after suffering from cramps last week while Deco and Alex are still out. Ancelotti will be looking to keep Chelsea's place at the top of the table with a win over the Latics.
The Match
It looks like a sure win for a Chelsea side who have won all their games this season, sitting comfortably at the top of the table. After sweeping Tottenham aside last week, Chelsea should walk right over Martinez's Wigan. I can't see how Wigan can stop the Chelsea train at this moment.
Key Battles
Hugo Rodallega vs John Terry and Co.
Rodallega has been a good signing for Wigan, contributing 2 goals so far and proving to be a real threat at times. But up against the mighty Terry and Co, he will have to pray they have an off day to have a chance to score.
Winner: John Terry and Co.
Chris Kirkland vs Didier Drogba
Forget Titus Bramble. There's no way he's going to stop Drogba. With Drogba in hot form, Kirkland is going to need hot gloves to keep the Ivory Coast international from burning his net. Kirkland is a good keeper but he needs his defence to stay focused.
Winner: Drogba based on form
Prediction: Wigan 1-4 Chelsea
Stoke City vs Manchester United
Form: (LDWLD) (LWWWW)
Matt: Stoke are very strong and hard to break down at the Britannia Stadium. Their home crowd are really vocal in their support which gives their players extra motivation to perform better. United will need to be at their best against the Stoke giants, but if they manage to get the first goal, a win for the champions would be most probable as Stoke would have to open up and attack which plays right into United's hands. Hopefully Wayne Rooney can continue his goal spree and Rory Delap injures his arm(s) in the warm-up!
Fab: Mid-table Stoke take on in-form Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium in the 7th game of the season. So far so good for Stoke with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses. Tony Pulis has transformed them from relegation battlers to mid-tablers now. Manchester United's habit of falling over against smaller teams may boost the confidence of Stoke players. Stoke come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Bolton and a narrow 4-3 win over Blackpool in the Carling Cup. Manchester United also scrapped through their last two games, winning the dramatic derby last weekend and squeezing past Wolves in the Carling Cup.
Stoke Team News
Tony Pulis has got injury worries on his hand with James Beattie and Ricardo Fuller both doubtful for tomorrow's game. However, he can still call on the likes of Dave Kitson and summer capture Tuncay Sanil. Mamady Sidibe and Abdoulaye Faye are still out with long term injuries. Stoke will likely be trying to contain the United strike force and wait for a chance to counter-attack. Tuncay Sanli will be key to Stoke's attacking game while Thomas Sorensen will have to call on his experience to keep out hotshot Wayne Rooney.
Manchester United Team News
Sir Alex has got no new injury concerns with only long term injury victims Obertan, Rafael, Hargreaves and Van Der Sar out. Ferdinand came through last week's derby without a reoccurrence of his injury so that should be good news for the United defence (not considering Rio's poor display at the end of last week's game). Michael Owen will be pestering Sir Alex for a starting place ahead of Dimitar Berbatov after scoring last week's winner. However, Michael Carrick continues to be out of the manager's plans and the return of Paul Scholes from suspension will probably put Carrick on the bench again. Ryan Giggs turned in a marvellous performance last week but may be rested with Sir Alex casting an eye on the midweek Champions League game against visiting Wolfsburg.
The Match
Going by individual talents, there is no doubt Manchester United outclass Stoke man-for-man. However, United were slipshod defensively against City last week with Ben Foster and Rio Ferdinand exceptionally poor. If they do not wake up from their slumber, Tuncay Sanli and Co. would surely be pouncing on their mistakes. If United can keep it good defensively, then it will be left to Wayne Rooney and Co. to try and break down a resilient Stoke rearguard.
Key Battles
Thomas Sorensen vs Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United hotshot if on fire now with 6 goals in 6 games. There is no doubt that he will warm Sorensen's hands but it's up to Sorensen to keep those shots out of his net. Doesn't look like happening though.
Winner: Wayne Rooney
Tuncay Sanli vs Rio Ferdinand
The former Middlesborough striker has been a real threat to United in recent years and is a big game performer. Up against an erratic Rio Ferdinand who has just returned from injury, he must be fancying his chances. Don't bet on him not scoring.
Winner: Tuncay Sanli
Prediction: Fab: Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United
Matt: Stoke City 0-2 Manchester United
Birmingham City vs Bolton Wanderers
Form: (WDLLW) (LLLWD)
Matt: Birmingham have had an impressive start to the season and the plaudits must surely go to their defence. They have never lost by more than one goal, but on the flipside, they've never won by more than one goal either. The previous sentence can also be applied to the visitors; however, Bolton have conceded in every of their games this season, while Birmingham have chalked up three clean sheets. With two defensive-minded teams and blunt attacks, don't expect too much from this game. I recommend watching any of the other 5 ongoing games or doing something more interesting like reading the newspaper, counting your money or sleeping. Or watching grass grow. Anything.
Prediction: 1-0
Liverpool vs Hull City
Form: (WLWWW) (LWDLL)
Matt: Liverpool seem to have recovered from their early season woes, but their problems have yet to be ironed out. Benitez's persistence in zonal marking for set pieces have resulted in goals being conceded by the bucketload: 9 goals in 6 games. Not to mention aging Jamie "tortoise" Carragher's increasing sluggishness. Only the brilliance of Torres and the industry of Gerrard have saved Liverpool so far from mid-table mediocrity. Fortunately for the Reds, the toothless Tigers from Hull are unlikely to pose any threat at fortress Anfield. Hull's dismal form has continued into the new season, and they certainly look favourites for the drop. I foresee a possible hat-trick for a Red and Hull to get punctured, blown away and sunk.
Prediction: 5-0
Fulham vs Arsenal
Form: (WLLWL) (WWLLW)
Matt: Both teams have had inconsistent starts to their seasons, with neither looking favourites for the win in this clash. Fulham won the corresponding fixture here 1-0 last season, so Arsenal will want to show that they have improved since then by exacting revenge. Fulham have the home crowd and advantage and are known to be very strong at home especially with defensive pillar Brede Hangeland holding the backline together. Quality-wise, Arsenal definitely come out tops when comparing the teams man-for-man. The question is: Have Wenger's baby boys come of age yet? The Gunners dropped many points against similar opposition last season. Arsenal only know how to play one style of football, albeit a very entertaining one, and if they score first they usually have no difficulty finishing teams off. The problem arises when they concede first, after which they tend to struggle to get back in the game. Fulham will provide this young squad with a stern test both physically and mentally.
Prediction: 1-1
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