Lets start with Robinho, because he hasn't gotten any coverage(can you see the sarcasm dripping off that statement). Robinho now says that his objective is to play in the Premiership, to play for Chelsea, and Madrid are standing in the way of this. Apparently he watched their game against Portsmouth and then looked at the Barca roster. Or it could be that Chelsea are said to be offering a contract that will double his wages. Madrid wants £32 million for the striker/winger. The question is weather Abramovich will dip into his pocket for a team that already has Malouda, Cole, Wright-Phillips and Kalou, not to mention Drogba(injured I know), Anelka and Shevchenko. If they can move one of those players, I would not be surprised if Robinho becomes a Blue. Also today Zenit dropped their asking price for Arshavin after saying they would not sell him. Apparently the tough tactics have crumbled like the Eastern front. Also Berbatov is set to meet with Ramos, and we should be able to gauge his future by whether or not he starts for Tottenham this weekend.In fantasy news, I am currently in second place in the ESPN Soccernet fantasy podcast. I will resist the temptation to change this week. I do have my eye on a couple bargain basement strikers: Zaki for Wigan and Alves for Middlesbrough. I'm also looking to see when Bosingwa will be fully fit.
Liverpool v. Middlesbrough: Liverpool will not want to disappoint in their home debut, but will also have to worry about a mid-week Champions League qualifier. Look for a Rafa special(rejiggered lineup), but they should still take care of business 3-1.
Newcastle v. Bolton: Both teams got good results last weekend, but this time Bolton isn't playing a Championship side(sorry Stoke). Newcastle should win at home 2-1.
Stoke v. Aston Villa: It's times like these I wish I had Agbonlahor in my team. Villa 2-0.
Tottenham v. Sunderland: Tottenham are back home, but they need some offense. A lot will depend on whether or not Berbatov plays, but this be a good game. I see a 2-2 draw.
WBA v. Everton: West Brom are at home, Everton are all over the place. The Baggies gave Arsenal a run for their money, and they could do the same with an Everton side. Everton 2-1.
Blackburn v. Hull: Some would have thought this to be a relegation battle, but each club has 3 points next to their name. Hull should find life more difficult away from home. Blackburn 2-1.
Fulham v. Arsenal: Arsenal has injuries, but it's Fulham that's looked hamstrung. Arsenal 2-0.
Wigan v. Chelsea: This team has been a thorn in Chelsea's side, and Bruce will hope to continue the tradition. That being said, Chelsea should be able to pick the thorn out and score some goals. Chelsea 3-0.
Man City v. West Ham: It will be interesting to see the response City get from their fans, and they have a crucial game against the no vowel team in mid-week. With Ashton recovering and City's lack of strikers, this could be a tight one. City 1-0.
One Liners
- Brazil take the bronze with 3-0 win, Hughes wishes Jo could score two goals for him this weekend
- Santa Cruz signs new deal, does anyone believe he'll be at Ewood until 2012?
- Zenit drop Arshavin for the weekend, at this rate they'll just give him to Tottenham
- Kaka to miss start of season with lingering knee problems, Ronaldo ahead of schedule
- Senna could leave Villareal over money, desire more Turkish Delight
