Friday, November 7, 2008

Weekend Preview

There's no doubt over what this weekend's big match is, with defending champions Manchester United going to the Emirates to face Arsenal. When these two teams face off the battle extends off the pitch and onto the touchline. Wenger and Ferguson are the two longest serving managers in the Premiership, and you can bet a victory tastes a little sweeter when coming against the other.

Saturday

Manchester United at Arsenal- United sit in third with a game in hand, while Arsenal are tied with two other teams, a point behind the champions. Arsenal have been strong at the Emirates, but they are a bit short on numbers right now. RVP is suspended, Adebayor and Eboue are injured, while Walcott, Gallas, Silvestre and Sagna are all around 50-50. With both their front and back lines decimated by injuries, this could be Arsenal's first home loss at the Emirates to one of the Big 4. Ronaldo and Rooney have been in top form, but their back line can't fall asleep like they did against Hull. This game will be a huge test for Fabregas and the youngsters of Arsenal, and decide whether they are contenders or pretenders. Man U 2-1

Stoke at Wigan- Wigan have looked good all year, but have not gotten the results. Stoke have looked quite ugly, but gotten some good results. Zaki and Heskey should be able to cope with Stoke's physical play, and Brucie's boys should get themselves out of the drop zone with a win. Wigan 3-1

Bolton at Hull- A Hull game is a lot like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get and you just feel ugly afterwards. Bolton's defeat of Man City last weekend showed that they can score goals, and if Elmander and Taylor are fit this could be a match. However I wouldn't watch it with my worst enemy's eyes. Hull 1-0

Portsmouth at Sunderland- Tony Adams needs to get some points or he will shortly find himself on the dole(unemployment). Redknapp's exit seems to have sapped all the confidence out of the side, while Keane's FA charge and their 5-0 loss at Chelsea sees them on a low. Portsmouth have not done well on the road, but with Kranjcar fit and Craig Gordon injured for Sunderland, they should get the points. Portsmouth 2-1

Everton at West Ham- Two teams going in opposite directions, an Everton win could put them in touching distance of the big boys while a West Ham loss could see them drop closer to the relegation zone. Fellaini is suspended for picking up five bookings(in what seems like five games), and have Yakubu and Pienaar recovering from knocks. Scott Parker is fit again, but Zola will have problems with his offensive style with Noble, Behrami and Cole out. Everton 3-2

WBA at Liverpool- Fernando Torres is supposed to make his return(and my fantasy team is hoping he does), but regardless this should be a win for Liverpool. West Brom are missing their first choice central defenders, and their open style of play invites the kind of counter attacks that Torres thrives on. Expect goals. Liverpool 4-1

Saturday

Chelsea at Blackburn- The rumor is that Didier Drogba might get the start for Chelsea(If I told you how many hours I spent deciding between Drogba and Torres you would laugh, except for my mother who would probably cry), while Ashley Cole and Carvalho are out with injuries. On the other side, Benni McCarthy is suspended while Roque Santa Cruz is probably going to miss the match through injury. With Liverpool playing on Saturday, Chelsea will know exactly what they have to do to stay ahead of the reds. I would expect whatever the goal differential of the Liverpool-WBA game, add a goal for the Chelsea result. Chelsea 4-0

Middlesbrough at Aston Villa- This is a big game for Villa, and if they win they'll be able to leapfrog over Arsenal or Man U(or both) depending on Saturday's result. Villa have looked good this season, but have choked at every opportunity to crack into the Big 4. Having rested a number of players in midweek, O'Neill showed that he plans to make the most of this opportunity. Boro are a threat to score with Mido, Alves and Tuncay, but with their backline they are in trouble if this turns into a firefight. Villa 3-1

Tottenham at Man City- Tottenham have won three of four matches since 'Ansome 'Arry became their coach, and now they face the streakiest team in the Prem. City are the highest scoring team at home, and Tottenham have given up the third most goals on the road. This translates into a City victory, and should be easy on the eyes. City 3-2

Newcastle at Fulham- Newcastle has gotten themselves out of the relegation zone, while Fulham is in a four team tie in the drop zone, so this is a classic six-pointer. Fulham's saving grace has been their home form, and they will need Zamora and AJ to bag some goals. Owen might make an appearance as a sub, and a win on the road would go a long way towards giving Kinnear a permanent contract. Tie 1-1

One Liners
  • Arshavin says he won't play for Zenit next season, but says he isn't holding team hostage
  • Benitez to get new contract at Liverpool, that's what happens when you don't make fun of your owners for two months
  • Ferguson says FA were dying to charge him, somebody's become a conspiracy theorist in his old age
  • Kinnear says Owen won't be moving to Chelsea, because obviously he's rather play for a team in turmoil in the rainy Northeast
  • Terry says Chelsea will bounce back, sorry Blackburn but it looks like you're going to be the trampoline