Full Prem Preview – Week 2

By: Rob | August 22nd, 2008

So after the initial rush of excitement that was Week One in the Prem, and then the crushing expeirence that was watching England in midweek, we’re back for Week Two. Will Chelsea retain thier position at the top with another big performance? Will Man United get thier first win of the season? Will Blackburn be the first team to beat Hull in the Prem? We shall find out this weekend.
Full preview of each game, On the flipside, after the Jump.

Blackburn Rovers Vs Hull City

Last Week: The Tigers surprised most people by getting a win against a poor Fulham side. Blackburn meanwhile managed to get a win, due to a slightly lucky last minute Ooijer goal.

News for This Week: Brett Emerton is back for Rovers, while George Boateng is a doubt with a thigh problem.

Killer Stat: If Hull win, they’ll be the first side since Bolton in 2001 to go up and win both thier first two matches.

Fun Fact: The last time Hull visited Ewood Park, it was two months before they signed a 22 year old called Dean Windass.

What To Expect: A good close game, with a fair few goals.

Fulham Vs Arsenal

Last Week: Both teams played newly promoted sides, Fulham lost to Hull, while Arsenal beat West Brom.

News for This Week: New signing Silvestre is injured already but is in the squad, Samir Nasri has suspiciously shaken off the injury that kept him out of the France game midweek, while Fulham are lacking Andy Johnson.

Killer Stat: Samir Nasri got the first goal of the new season last week.

Fun Fact: It will be Fulhams worst ever start to a season if they loose.

What To Expect: Fulham to loose.

Liverpool Vs Boro

Last Week: Liverpool managed to get 1-0 against Sunderland, while Boro beat Spurs.

News for This Week: Everyone at Liverpool is hugging, including Rick Parry and Rafa Benitez

Killer Stat: Steven Gerrard has had more shots than anyone without scoring this season, with six.

Fun Fact: If Liverpool win it will be thier best start since 2002.

What To Expect: Boro to carry on doing better than expected but Liverpool to probably nick a win.

Newcastle Vs Bolton

Last Week: Newcastle held Man United to a draw, Bolton stuffed Stoke.

News for This Week: Heidar Helguson has recovered from the hernia problem that ruled him out last week.

Killer Stat: Kevin Davis won 4 free-kicks last week – a feat matched by Man United defender Patrice Evra.

Fun Fact: There have only been 5 draws between the sides in the league at St James Park

What To Expect: Newcastle to carry on thier promise.

Stoke City Vs Aston Villa

Last Week: Stoke got Mauled by Bolton, Villa beat Manchester City.

News for This Week: Stoke are waiting for work permits for Alexander Faye and Haminu Dramani, who will play if they can.

Killer Stat: Gabriel Agbonlahor’s hat-trick last week was a perfect one, left, right, head.

Fun Fact: Stoke won the last meeting between these clubs 1-0, back in 1988.

Expect: Gabby Agbonlahor to score a few more.

Spurs Vs Sunderland

Last Week: Spurs suffered at the hands of Boro, and Sunderland suffered at the hands of Fernando Torres.

News for This Week: Berbatov is having a meeting with Juande Ramos today to decide whether he plays. This might not help. Sunderland fans will be relieved to know that Paul McShane is still injured.

Killer Stat: Last season Spurs scored more goals than anyone but Manchester United. They also let in more than any other side. Except Derby, natch.

Fun Fact: Sunderland have never beaten Spurs at White Hart Lane in the EPL.

Expect: Despite Roy Keane’s love of Spurs players, the home side should win. Don’t be surprised if an ex-Spurs player “does a Mido” though.

West Brom Vs Everton

Last Week: The baggies lost to Arsenal, while Everton lost late to Blackburn.

News for this Week: The amazingly named Zuiverloon should make his debut for West Brom.

Killer Stat: Ishmael Miller has been offside more than anyone else this season (5)

Fun Fact: Last week David Moyes named six teenagers on the bench. Makes me feel old.

Expect: A close game, but Everton to shade it.

Manchester City vs West Ham United

Last Week: City got thumped by Man City,West Ham beat Wigan 2-1.

News for this week: Dean Ashton and Scott Parker will have late fitness tests.

Killer Stat: Last time West Ham won at City, Dean Aston scored twice in a 2-1 win.

Fun Fact: Man City are one of two sides to convert a pen this season, Chelsea were the other.

Expect: A fair few goals.

Wigan Vs Chelsea

Last Week: Wigan lost to West Ham, Chelsea beat Pompy

News for this week: Amazingly Wigan had 8 players away on international duty this week.

Killer Stat: Frank Lampard has the most shots on target in the Prem so far, with 4

Fun Fact: Chelsea are unbeaten in 22 games, and have never lost to Wigan.

Expect: Chelsea to win.

Portsmouth Vs Manchester United

Last Week: Pompy got stuffed by Chelsea, United were held by Newcastle.

News for this week: Owen Hargreaves, Park ji-Sung and Cristiano Ronaldo are all back in training but none of them will play. Carlos Tevez is back though.

Killer Stat: Its been Seven Hours since Portsmouth last scored in the EPL.

Fun Fact: Pompy have lost thier last five games too.

Expect: Man United to win, but to make hard work of it.