Weekend number 2 and game day 3. There ahd been so many twists and turns, thrills and spill in such an infant stage. Its been exciting, yes, but not altogether pleasing for the fans of many teams. Inconsistency may now be a result of a stronger league, bereft of stars, the playing field has somewhat levelled.
On to more important matters, in this weekend's pre match, we have a guest columnist who has kindly contributed his take on the weekend's fixtures. Wethinks that they are spot on and he would be an important addition to this blog.
Arsenal Vs Portsmouth
New Pompey boss Paul Hart faces a race against time to get his squad up to the rigours of the premier league. Having lost their best players one by one Pompey are slowly slipping into trouble as news of administration loops. Never a worse time to face an on song Arsenal, which despite losing two key players will somehow not sacrifice their beautiful passing game. Expect Pompey to be chasing shadows as their squad is simply not up to the challenge yet. You know, though they say Chelsea are the real contenders, I feel Arsenal might just nick it this season. No more negative influences in the squad goes a long long way.
Sunderland Vs Blackburn
Sunderland's problem lies in a porous defence. They have been steadily building on their attack with new signing Darren Bent making an immediate impact. However the current team have more experienced legs than pace. Their game play has been easy to counter and are too slow off the ball, allowing Chelsea to exchange no less than 13 passes without touching the ball leading to Deco's goal is a big worry for the entire team. Blackburn, at the very same breath, face the same problems as Sunderland and have a poorer attack to boot. But can the long ball tactics of Big Sam blow a hole in Sunderland's defence?
Wigan Vs Man United
We solemnly welcome Wigan's new boss Roberto Martinez to the foil, don't speak too soon is what you will learn in the EPL. Facing EPL champions Man Utd who are thirsty to get back on track after a morale zapping defeat to lowly Burnley, it will be another lesson for Martinez. Man Utd have problems of their own. Owen is less than match fit and their wing play has frozen out of the danger zone suddenly; keeping passes from the wing back to the centre midfield to try and create something is not very Man Utd. For sure they miss their best player in Ronaldo who easily draws 3 defenders to himself and leave the others free, notwithstanding all his goals and threat from set pieces. Antonio Valencia will be keen to impress on his return to the JJB. A fast pace exciting match awaits, but lets put your hands together than Man Utd convert their chances or suffer the consequences.
Man City Vs Wolves
Who says money can't buy success only have to look at Chelsea and boy do Man City go even further. Though their squad is less than complete, Man City now boost a squad of players who can win games by individual brillance. Think Adebayor and Robinho and there you have a safe pair of hands in Shay Given, probably the best shot stopper in the premier league in my opinion. Wolves is on the other hand bringing an extremely average squad to the Eastlands. Expect Wolves to struggle throughout the season and this game against Man City will kickstart their fortunes.
Birmingham Vs Stoke
Both have made decent starts to the season and are still in the midst of adding to their squad. Birmingham do have a slight edge here as their defence has seem less shaky thus far. Stoke will need to boost their strike force or they will have problems overcoming mid table team's defence. Birmingham has an extra edge going forward too with Christian Benitez and James McFadden threatening and a midfield of experienced legs.
Hull Vs Bolton
Hull have been trying to add to their strikeforce and have loaned one time highly rated teenage striker Altidore. There are still rather weak in other areas and may struggle to put through dangerous balls should star player Geovanni gets mark out of the game. Expect Bullard and Hunt to string some moves together to try and break through defences. Bolton have added another South Korean to the Premiership ranks in Lee Chung Young but don't expect some instant miracles in what is a simple, stable and hard to break Bolton. Perhaps it is time for Elmander and Davies to contribute more goals to push Bolton further.
West Ham Vs Tottenham
Both teams now have the squad to push for Europa places with Tottenham making a fantastic start to the season under veteran manager Harry Redknapp. What a turnaround having suffered a torrid start to the season last year. Both good squads well placed with gifted and steady players. It will be an interesting battle to watch. Tottenham could just push along with City this season for all we know.
Burnley Vs Everton
A team doesn't turn bad overnight and they showed their mattle with a good game in the Europa league. Expect motivating boss Moyes to rally his players to respond to their dismal start on the domestic front. Lescott has proven to be a distraction but with his imminent departure Moyes faces gapping holes in defence with Jagielka still to return. But with players like Fellaini, Arteta, Cahill and exciting prospect Rodwell; a strike force of Jo and Saha, it is time to get started. Burnley enjoyed a dream return to the premier league by beating the champions. Giant slayers they are, all seems to be gone when they face the average teams. Let wait and see.
Fulham Vs Chelsea
Chelsea's centre midfield is simply strong. One of the best if not the best from Portugal, Germany, Ghana and England. Now stepping into the frame is master tactician Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea's new diamond formation seems to have exposed their defence a little but so far they always come back to win in a stylish fashion. It has been an impressive start to the season and I think they should continue. Fulham is a tough cookie at home and have added Duff to their ranks. Fulham has been traditionally hard to beat at the cottage but there is no stopping Chelsea so soon, as they keep their momentum with their hearts on their sleeves.
Cross your hearts guys for another mouth-watering clash!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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