Preview to Week Three

By: Rob | August 29th, 2008

So we’ve stuttered into Week Three of the Prem season. Man United’s ‘other commitments’ have already derailed the fixture schedule (they aren’t playing this week because of tonight’s Super Cup) and the half the country that didn’t kill themselves the last time Don Fabio picked his team has one eye on the World Cup Qualifiers coming up. So someone (else, i realise Gerrard is out) is going to pick up a big injury you just know it. Full preview on the flipside, after the jump.

Bolton Vs West Brom

Is it too early to call this a six pointer? Bolton’s early form has been decidedly hit and miss, and the Baggies, despite predictions to the reverse, are yet to get a win. Could be a big confidence builder either way.

Johan Elmander is out with a hamstring problem for the Trotters, while Gary Cahill will start a ban after he was sent off against Northampton Town. Borja Valero is set to make his EPL début for West Brom.

What to Expect – One team to win, and to build thier season from there.

Everton Vs Portsmouth

Two good sides who are looking to get to the next level. Everton were unlucky to loose in week one, but rebounded last time out. Portsmouth form has been absolutely awful.

Kranjcar is still out for Pompy, Jermaine Defoe is suffering from a virus, but he might feature. Kanu is still injured. Segundo Castillo will not feature for Everton as his international clearance has not arrived. Everton are still without Tim Cahill, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar.

What to Expect: More misery for Portsmouth I think.

Hull City Vs Wigan Athletic

Hull have had a great start to the season and will be looking to keep it going in this potential six pointer against Wigan, who are yet to get any points.

Hull will have to do it without Marlon King who is on loan from Wigan and not able to play against his parent club. George Boatang is a doubt but Geovanni has overcome a slight knock and will play.

Chris Kirkland should be back in goal for Wigan despite getting injured again in midweek. Paul Scharner and Jason Koumas are doubtful.

Expect: Hull to carry on thier good form with a point at least.

Boro Vs Stoke City

After a first week loss it looked like blogless Stoke might be done for, but a surprise win against Villa last week put paid to that notion. Now they have to carry on from that win and get a result away at the Riverside.

Andy Griffin is the only doubt for Stoke, he faces a late fitness test. Otherwise it should be the same side that won against the Villians.

Julio Arca is the one absentee for Boro, otherwise they have a completely healthy squad.

Expect: Boro’s consistancy should see them through.

West Ham United Vs Blackburn Rovers

Not much between the sides on paper, but Paul Ince is enjoying a good start to the season and his Blackburn side have picked up 4 points compared with the Hammers 3.

New West Ham boy Behrami has broken a tooth, but still should be ok to play. George McCartney has made it back from a virus, but Craig Bellamy probably won’t make it back from his hamstring problem.

David Dunn will miss the game for Rovers.

Expect: I’m going to say a score draw.

Arsenal Vs Newcastle

The big game of the week. Arsenal might have lost against Fulham last week, but that should just be a minor blip. Meanwhile, Newcastle have started impressively.

Arsenal will have Cesc Fábregas back in midfield, and William Gallas and Theo Wallcott wil see off minor knocks to play. Samir Nasri will overcome a virus in time to play. Silvestre, Rosicky, Eduardo and Diaby are still sat around injured.

Newcastle are facing a similar number of injures and Joey Barton could be back in the side, and Mickey Owen is likely to start, with Obefemi Martins, Mark Viduka and Damien Duff all out.

Expect – A close, good attacking game of football.

Chelsea Vs Tottenham Hotspur

Another great game here. Spurs have looked poor so far this season, whereas thier fellow Londoners Chelsea have looked outstanding.

Chelsea will probably be without Micheal Ballack, and will deffo be without Didier Drogba.

Spurs are set to have yet another meeting to see if Dietmar Berbatov is “in the right frame of mind” to play. Alan Hutton is still out.

Expect – A good game that Spurs will really really want to win.

Aston Villa Vs Liverpool

A good start to the season for Villa was undermined by a loss last week, while Liverpool have been winning, but unconvincingly.

Gareth Barry will play against the club he might have joined (I think there was rumour to that effect or something?) Carlos Cuellar is the only worry for Villa, and he’s been back in training.

Steven Gerrard will miss the game against Villa, but Javier Mascherano and Lucas are both back from China, giving Rafa Benitez a choice of replacements in his defensive-mid-heavy squad.

Expect? A good game, goals – Villa are leaking and scoring like mad.