This weekend's matches are marked by a number of high profile injuries. Chelsea have joined West Ham and Newcastle in having half their team injured, while Liverpool has Torres, Babel and Skrtel out. Arsenal is missing Sagna, Gallas and Bendtner, while Carrick and Hargreaves are not yet fit.Saturday
Chelsea at Middlesbrough- Chelsea's injury list could probably win the World Cup, and Terry may be the only regular starter in their defense. This will be an opportunity for some players to get some minutes, and they'll want to show that they deserve a place in the team. Alves and Mido might fancy their chances against a weakened Chelsea defense, but the Chelsea midfield should outscore them. Chelsea 2-1
Everton at Arsenal- Arsenal have their own injury problems, but they usually perform at the Emirates. Fabregas will want to prove that he can play through the pain, and it will be interesting to see how their back line performs without Gallas. Apparently the flu is going through the Everton defense, and Cahill is suspended. Arsenal 2-0
Portsmouth at Aston Villa- Agbonlahor may be injured, which would be a huge loss for Villa. James Milner could get his first start, and Ashley Young will want to show Capello what he is missing. Portsmouth have always had problems on the road, and this game will show that Villa really is the best of the rest. Villa 2-1
Blackburn at Bolton- A big game for both teams, if Bolton loses this they could find themselves in the bottom three. They always do well at the Reebok, and with injuries to Reid, Dunn and Santa Cruz they should walk(or elbow and head) away with the points. I don't think this will be a pretty game. Bolton 1-0
Sunderland at Fulham- Fulham need to stop their downhill slide, and Andy Johnson will return from suspension. If Sunderland take any points at Craven Cottage they will be happy, but Roy Hodgson knows his job is hanging by a thread and will make sure his players are up for it. Fulham 2-1
Wigan at Liverpool- Wigan have not been an easy side, and this will be a test of Liverpool's title credentials. A Kuyt-Keane partnership will be interesting to see, and Gerrard showed in Belarus why he must be closed down quickly. Zaki is injured, and Heskey might not be fit as well, but with Liverpool rumored to be planning a move for him in January he will want to impress. Liverpool 2-0
WBA at Man U- West Brom have been hot, but Man U should pour some water on their fire. Man U's defense is healthy, and with Rooney firing on all cylinders the Baggies will have their hands full. Man U 3-0
Sunday
West Ham at Hull- Hull have had a great start, and will be hard to break down at home. With King injured, they will need a bit of class from Geovanni if they want any points. Zola may not have Ashton, but Bellamy will want to show that he can still lead a line, and Carlton Cole has had a prolific start. I think Zola will have a few celebrations this game. West Ham 2-1
Tottenham at Stoke- Sooner or later things must turn around for Tottenham(unless they don't), and I think the battle of the bottom could be the game. This will be a case of finesse versus strength, and if Modric can dictate the flow of the game and Tottenham use their pace, finesse should win. Tottenham 3-1
Monday
Manchester City at Newcastle- Hopefully Joe Kinnear has found time in his busy schedule of swearing at the media to work with his team. Owen will be out, but Gutierrez and Martins could play. Zabaleta will begin serving his suspension, and Petrov is out for a while, but count on City to bring the goals to Newcastle. City 4-2
One Liners
- Real Madrid interested in Tevez, also interested in every other good player on the planet
- Almunia still interested in becoming England keeper, crappy English keeper's against the idea
- Ballack has surgery on both feet, it's a good thing he doesn't have to use them in his profession
- Former head of FA says he tried to get Fergie to coach England three times, but she was busy on weight loss tour
- Scolari calm over injuries, recommends players eat mushrooms to make them grow(it's a mario joke)
