The Premiership has some big matchups this weekend before the international break. El Nino(Spanish for The Nino), will try to build on his brace against Everton, as Liverpool take on Man City. There will also be a big game in London as Chelsea take on up and comers Aston Villa.Saturday
With no early matches, the first of the day will be Arsenal away at Sunderland. Arsenal have had a real up and down season, but will hope their success in Europe translates to the Prem. Keane will want his team to buckle down, and will not want to be embarassed at home. Sunderland can't play the aerial game that scares Arsenal, and they will be outclassed on the ground. Arsenal 3-1.
Fulham travel to West Brom in a classic six-pointer. WBA have shown class recently, and they are the favorites to take all the points at home. Fulham will be without Andy Johnson, which might actually give them a boost. Tie 2-2.
Wigan will be hosting Middlesbrough, who desperately need a result. Boro have been dropping down the table, with a porous back line and offense that always seems to be a foot wide. Wigan are one of the toughest sides to break down, and they should be able to hold Boro. Wigan 2-1.
Manchester United will travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn without Rooney or Scholes. Ince may be relishing a matchup with his former manager, but that should change by halftime. Santa Cruz often shows his class against top sides, but unless he grabs a hat trick I don't see Blackburn getting a result. Man U 3-0.
Sunday
Bolton travel to West Ham for the early game. West Ham have looked strong under Zola's guidance, but may have to cope without Dean Ashton for the rest of the season. Bolton will want to keep the ball in the air and capitalize on set pieces, and the Hammers do commit a number of cheap fouls. Lets hope this game has some energy, or else there could be some ugly football(soccer) on display. West Ham 3-2.
Stoke travel to Portsmouth for an interesting matchup. Stoke are disciples of the Bolton, cross it into the box and bang some bodies, school. Portsmouth's defense has looked shaky and will be without Diarra, and if David James has one of his off days this could get ugly. Portsmouth's class should win out, and Harry will need a win to build on the UEFA Cup victory and try to turn the club's season around. Portsmouth 2-1.
Hull come to Tottenham hoping to do the double in North London. Tottenham will be tired from their midweek draw, but this is a good opportunity for their first win. Hull push the tempo, but Tottenham are fast and should employ their counter attack well. If Ramons can't grab all three points this week, he may not make it through the international break. Tottenham 2-0.
Aston Villa could not have played Chelsea at a better time. Chelsea are without Carvalho, Drogba, Essien and Deco, with Terry, the Coles and Alex all trying to recover from knocks. Villa were able to rest a number of players in midweek, while Chelsea will still be recovering from their trip to Transylvania. Scolari's side will want to score early and force Villa to press for an equalizer, or else their own pressing might be their undoing. Tie 1-1.Liverpool will travel to the City of Manchester Stadium to take on the hot/cold Blues. After a shaky start, Liverpool have come on strong and a defeat of Man City would go a long way towards their goal of a Premiership title. City definitely have the firepower, but their inconsistency and inability to put away chances has hurt them this season. They will need to convert their chances and watch Torres if they want a result. Tie 2-2.
Newcastle travel to Everton in the late game. Kinnear is still suspended for his "Coco the Clown" comment, but that probably won't make a difference. Everton have now been dumped out of the Carling and UEFA Cup's, so they will be forced to focus on the Premiership. Cahill's ban will hurt the team, but their back line can be even more detrimental. A loss to Newcastle at home would be demoralizing to say the least. Everton 3-1.
One Liners
- Tottenham dismiss report they have approached Mark Hughes, didn't they dismiss reports that they had approached Juande Ramos?
- Rafa warns Man City off Gerrard, offers Pennant for a packet of crisps(potato chips)
- Fletcher and Scholes sign new deals, no word on contracts for players who actually start
- Drogba says he will be out for only a matter of weeks, needs time to perm his hair
- Zola praises Bellamy, no word if Bellamy had a knife to his neck at the time
