Weekly EPL Preview

By: Rob | October 3rd, 2008

A quicker roundup this week, because of the lateness, which is due to the death of a laptop. I’m got a back up plan though, so don’t worry. Anyway, an interesting week ahead in the EPL, Man City taking on Liverpool, Aston Villa against Chelsea being among the highlights. You also have Man United taking on Blackburn Rovers. Look over to your left and you’ll see United’s 1991 Cup Winners Cup Winners, it seems Fergie plays one of them every week. Anyway onwards, and sidewards, lets have a look at the games.

Man United Vs Blackburn Rovers

United are famously slow starters in the Prem, and that has been true this season, where their form has been slightly erratic. Not as erratic as Blackburn, who are an utterly unpredictable team under new man Paul Ince. It seems one week they can grab a great win, and the next look uninspired. I would expect a United Win.

Sunderland Vs Arsenal

Arsenal have looked pretty good this season, except in two losses to Fulham, and Hull City respectively. Sunderland will be hoping to be the third lower order team to give Wenger nightmares. I’m thinking an Arsenal win though.

West Brom Vs Fulham

The weeks six-pointer sees newly promoted WBA play host to last season’s nearly-relegated Fulham. Fulham got that win against Arsenal but they are yet to win away from home this season.

Wigan Vs Boro

Wigan sit resolutely mid-table, despite holding the EPL’s top scorer so far in Zaki. Boro are sitting near the bottom averaging a point a game. This is a tough one to predict, but maybe Wigan’s home advantage will give them an edge.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from an awful midweek draw against Cluj. They will have to do it with only Nicky Anelka up front as Didier Drogba faces another long lay off. Villa have been performing well above everyon’e expectations so far, and sit third in the table. Will this be the season someone else breaks the Top Four?

Everton Vs Newcastle

Oh dear oh dear. Nothing is going right for Newcastle this season, and there is already talk of them staring relegation in the face, just six games in. It started off brightly with a draw against Man United, but its just been horrifying to watch since. Will Joe Kinnear have a positive influence. I’m going to be supportive of him, in case he calls me a cunt.
Everton meanwhile, they’re having a bumpy season. They currently sit 14th on 7 points, and will be hoping Newcastle’s spirit is crushed enough that they can just grab the three points and go home.

Manchester City Vs Liverpool
Mark Hughes hasn’t caused the revolution just yet up at Eastlands, but his side can look rather tasty already on thier day. They can also have off-nights, as they did in the Carling Cup. But ask Pompey if they think City are doing Ok. Liverpool sit second, but they haven’t quite performed brilliantly just yet. Still no matter if you’re getting the points I suppose. And as of Wednesday, Robbie Keane is off the mark.

Portsmouth Vs Stoke City

Portsmouth have a woeful defence, conceeding 12 goals already this seaon – but 10 of those have been on the road. Six of them were away at Manchester City. So perhaps they’ll be able to hold firm against Rory Delap’s throw. And the other players will play too I expect.

Spurs Vs Hull

Another North London team for Hull, and it’ll hold no fear for them after they notched up a win against Arsenal last week. Spurs are more quietly having a worse season than even Newcastle, mainly due to the fact that they sold off thier strike force and didn’t replace them with anybody. Anyone would have done Juande. Anyone.

West Ham United vs Bolton

So much for a lack of experience eh? Gianfranco Zola has got off to a good start as boss of West Ham, although he did inheret a side who were doing alright anyway. I see them beating a Bolton side who are really begining to struggle in the Prem.