Fabian Capello's debut previews!

Match of the Day 1
Manchester United vs Manchester City


All eyes will be on the starting lineup of Man City, looking out for Carlos Tevez. I'm sure United fans would prefer Tevez to play so they can boo him. After 2 seasons of winning over the hearts of United fans, Tevez turned from hero to zero with his moans and outbursts against Sir Alex (who has won the hearts of fans over 2 decades!). With Man City's defence looking strong, this would probably a low scoring game.



Tactical approach:


Man City's weakest links would be their wings. With Valencia proving he's a good buy and Nani playing at his best since arriving, City's wing backs will be up for a real test. City would likely field 5 in the middle, but stars like Ireland and Barry, Fletcher and Co. will have a tough job on their hands. United would most probably be looking to play 2 upfront with Rooney and Berbatov, and Rooney playing off the last defender. The linesmen and Rooney's timing in his runs would be crucial in this match as through balls would probably be the way United would go, considering Rooney and Berbatov are not very strong in the air (especially against Lescott and Toure). City would be hoping that Rio Ferdinand doesn't pass fit. If Evans and Vidic plays, they would have a better chance of Bellamy sprinting past the defenders.



Main Battles:


Rio Ferdinand/Jonny Evans vs Craig Bellamy
Matt:  Doesn't look good for United, this one.  United defenders are known for having trouble with speedy attackers, so Bellamy would probably prove a real handful!

Patrice Evra vs SWP
Matt:  Patrice Evra vs Speedy Gonzalez Round 2!  Evra came out comfortably on top in his duel with speed demon Aaron Lennon, so I can't see why this battle shouldn't have a similar outcome. 


Darren Fletcher vs Stephen Ireland
Matt:  Fletcher, if he keeps up his fantastic recent form, should be able to shut down City's creative outlet in Stephen Ireland.

Wayne Rooney vs Kolo Toure/Joleon Lescott
Matt:  Ooh, tough battle this.  I'll take Rooney to beat them on the ground with his talent, skill and technique and the Blue boys to rule the air.

Prediction: 2-1 to the red half (and Tevez to be boo-ed!)

Match of the Day 2
Chelsea vs Tottenham

Chelsea's perfect start to the season looks to continue in this match against Spurs. Spurs were enjoying the perfect start to the season until they were defeated by Man Utd last week. They will be looking to bounce back in this match but as it is they would most probably end up flat on their backs. Even though Chelsea have collected maximum points this season, they have been grinding out results. Don't expect the best of Chelsea's performances today.

Tactical approach:


With Woodgate out and Gomes back, Tottenham's defence would have back its weakest link. And that doesn't work too well for them as Drogba's been on fire and would surely punish them. On the other end, Defoe would be looking to continue his fine form and put one past the Chelsea defence. Cech proved that he was only human after all in last week's game where he misjudged a cross and allowed a header to loop over him into the net. Tottenham's midfield pair of Palacios and Huddlestone will have a tough time on their hands trying to keep out the likes of Lampard, Ballack and Essien.


Main Battles:


John Terry vs Jermaine Defoe


Ashley Cole vs Aaron Lennon


Frank Lampard vs Wilson Palacios


Didier Drogba vs Ledley King


Prediction: 3-0 and Spurs to fall down London's Bridge

Fabian Capello (Unless stated otherwise)