Premier League Preview 23/24 October

by The Rumour Monger
(Cyberspace)

The weekend program kicks off with Tottenham versus Everton on Saturday lunchtime.

Both teams will be on a high, Everton after dispatching neighbours Liverpool last week, and Spurs after their spirited fight-back against Inter (even if they did end up losing the match).

Stamford Bridge hosts the top v bottom clash between league leaders Chelsea and second-from-bottom Wolves. The Blues have not conceded a goal in the last 691 minutes of Premier League football at Stamford Bridge, while Wanderers have not won a match since the opening day. Three points for the champions seems the likely outcome.

West Brom have had a great start to the campaign and will look to continue that when they host Fulham at the Hawthorns. The Baggies currently sit in a lofty sixth position in the Premier League, and take on a Fulham side who have not won any of their last 22 away games.

At the Stadium of Light, Sunderland take on Aston Villa with both sides struggling for goals at the moment. Villa have scored just nine in their eight games so far, while Sunderland's plight is even greater. A low scoring draw seems the most likely outcome in this one.

Birmingham City are another side struggling to find the net, with no goals scored at home in their last three matches. They take on the season's surprise package, Blackpool, and will have to be on their toes, as Ian Holloway's side have an excellent away record.


The late Saturday kick-off sees West Ham welcome Newcastle to Upton Park. The Hammers are currently bottom of the table, and, having received the dreaded 'vote of confidence' from the club's owners, a defeat could spell the end for hapless manager Avram Grant.

Finally, on Saturday, the DW Stadium hosts a North West derby between Wigan and Bolton. The Latics have put together a decent run after a disastrous start to the season, while Bolton, under Owen Coyle, have been in great form and currently occupy 7th place.


Sunday sees a fascinating trio of matches.

Manchester United, with the Rooney rebellion finally resolved, take on Stoke at the Britannia. Sir Alex Ferguson will hope to improve on their indifferent start to the season, where they have drawn five of their first eight matches, but he'll find Tony Pulis' side a tough nut to crack.

Second-placed Manchester City take on third-placed Arsenal at Eastlands, in a fixture that has had a bit of an edge to it of late. Last season's fixture was a feisty affair, and with just three points separating the pair at present, expect more of the same.

In the third of Sunday's fixtures Liverpool will welcome Blackburn Rovers to Anfield with some trepidation. Having lost their last home game to Blackpool, defeat could mean the end for Reds boss Roy Rodgson. Martin O' Neill anyone?