Do you smell that? That's the smell of domestic football(soccer) with the exhausted relief that it's Friday. Normally when two of the Big Four lineup against each other it's automatically the game of the week. But there isn't anything normal about the Prem anymore, and most people will have their eyes on Manchester as Chelsea visits the City of Manchester Stadium. I've heard conflicting reports about whether or not Robinho will feature, but even if he's on the bench I'm sure there will be a dedicated Robinho cam.Chelsea at Man City: I wouldn't gamble my neighbor's dog on this one(and that animal sure can yap). Even if Robinho doesn't play, this "clash of the cash" is huge for both teams. Man City is trying to prove that they are on the top tier, and Chelsea needs to prove themselves after a poor performance with Tottenham. With Essien injured and assistant coach Steve Clarke leaving, they are going through their own spot of turmoil. Big teams win big games. Chelsea 2-1.
Man U at Liverpool: Steven Gerrard and Torres have been declared fit, but I think this may be a mind game. Rafa has yet to score a goal against Fergie(and neither has his team), but if he's serious about winning the Prem he will need at least a tie. Manchester will want to prove that they are the best team in Manchester, and Berbatov should get a chance to prove his worth. Man U 1-0.
Arsenal at Blackburn: Wenger is already playing down 'Trio' Walcott, and it's very likely he won't start. Fabregas should be close to full fitness, with questions about Nasri and Silvestre. Santa Cruz is always a threat, but the back line of Blackburn looks shaky. Arsenal 3-1.
Bolton at Fulham: Both teams are currently experiencing the opposite of momentum. This could be the most boring game of the weekend, or a high scoring affair. If Andy Johnson plays it could be the latter, because nobody can sniff out a pen like AJ. Fulham 2-1.
Hull at Newcastle: Having a caretaker manager is never a good sign, and to call Newcastle a club in turmoil would be an insult to turmoil. That being said, it would be rather insulting to let Hull come in and beat them. Newcastle 2-0.
Middlesbrough at Portsmouth: Portsmouth finally looked like the team of old against Everton, and Fratton Park is usually a fortress. Middlesbrough has a number of injuries and do not look convincing at home. Portsmouth 3-1.
West Ham at West Brom: The battle of the West. Zuiverloorn's injury will hurt West Brom, and it will be interesting to see what effect the managerial change has on West Ham. You only have one chance to make a first impression and the Hammers players will want to look good for Zola. West Ham 2-0.
Sunderland at Wigan: This could be a great game. Sunderland have looked good all season, tight at the back, and just lacked the finishing power. Wigan have looked very strong going forward, and now we know why Zaki is highest rated striker in the world. Wigan 2-0.
Everton at Stoke: This is a must win game for Everton, but Stoke knows they need points at home to stay up. Everton will have a lot of players returning from international duty, and two of their new signings are too injured to play. It will be interesting to see what kind of shape Moyes can get them into before the match on Sunday. Anything less than three points will be considered a loss. Everton 3-1.
One Liners
- Keane calls Jack Warner a clown, Warner takes the high road and says anybody who would walk out on their team before the World Cup has no class
- Keegan and Ashley hold talks, doesn't that sound like a pop duo?
- West Ham's kit(jersey) sponsors go bankrupt, everything's coming up Milhouse
- Chelsea refuse to accept Clarke's resignation, hire man in a trenchcoat with cigar and tommy gun to follow him around and make him assistant coach
