It's another exciting weekend in the Prem, as Sam Allardyce gets a visit from Stoke in his first game, Arsenal get a chance for an early season Big 4 sweep, and the European champions get the week off as they play in Japan in an attempt to become World Champions.Saturday
Stoke at Blackburn- Paul Ince was fired because this is a must win(as much as a game in the first half of the season can be) game for Rovers. It will be interested to see if Allardyce makes any changes to the side, and if the players come out charging for the new gaffer. Liam Lawrence and Sidibe are out for Stoke, while Delap, Griffin, Diao and Cort all have knocks(minor injuries). Pulis is up against the master of long-ball football(soccer), and Big Sam will want to show him who's boss. Blackburn 2-1
Portsmouth at Bolton- Despite their loss to Chelsea, Bolton are one of the hottest teams in the league. Elmander, Davie, Noland and Taylor are finally providing the goals that Gary Megson's side needed. Portsmouth will be tired from their midweek match, and have not impressed on the road. This could be a stale(mate). Tie 1-1
Middlesbrough at Fulham- Fulham have quietly compiled the fourth best defensive record in the Prem, and this could definitely be a chance for a clean sheet. It's also a chance for a win, after a number of recent draws. Boro are getting Wheater, Andrew Taylor and Mido back, and will press for goals. Fulham 1-0
Sunderland at Hull- The current front runner for the Sunderland job is Slavan Bilic, but if they keep playing well Ricky Sbragia might keep the job. Gordon and McCartney are both out, while Paul McShane's loan deal means he can't play against the Black Cats, and Fagan, Folan and Gardner are all out for Hull. Sunderland know that a draw would probably get them out of the drop zone, and they'll try to get it. Tie 2-2
Aston Villa at West Ham- With Arsenal playing Liverpool, and Man U not playing, Villa have a golden opportunity to move into third place. Villa have done well on the road, and a number of their players didn't even travel for their UEFA Cup match. John Carew is still out, so look for the Young/Agbonlahor/Milner combo. West Ham have been playing better recently, and their draw at Chelsea was a moral victory. But a weak defense and injured offense mean they're in trouble. Villa 3-1
Sunday
Man City at West Brom- Two struggling teams, you have to imagine one of them will come away with a victory. City have been terrible on their travels, and Robinho is still not fully fit. My heart's telling me West Brom, but my mind is going with City. City 2-1
Tottenham at Newcastle- Two teams tied on 19 points, that need to go forward if they don't want to get sucked into the relegation battle. Obafemi Martins is struggling with a groin injury, but Jenas, Woodgate, King, Bent, Lennon and Modric are all dealing with injuries for Spurs. Michael Owen is having the football(soccer) version of a contract year(last year of your current deal and trying to get a big new one). I wouldn't be surprised if he continues his scoring ways. Tie 1-1
Liverpool at Arsenal- Arsenal has performed in all their big games this season, while Liverpool have been unable to extend their lead on Chelsea. Nasri should be back, while Toure is out for the Gunners, but Liverpool are still missing Torres. It will be interesting to see if Keane gets a start. It's a good matchup with a weak Liverpool offense and weak Gunners defense, and strong Gunners offense and strong Liverpool defense. I think this game is up to Gerrard, and if Arsenal can shackle him they'll get the points. Arsenal 2-1
Monday
Chelsea at Everton- Chelsea on the road and Everton at home? Chelsea 2-0
One Liners
- Calderon says Ronaldo deal is dead, surprise
- Kinnear 60% sure Owen will stay, I'm 95% sure he's full of it
- Eboue understand why Arsenal fans boo him, so does anybody who watches him play
- Magnusson sues West Ham, not a good time to be from Iceland
