Premier League Preview, September 18-19

by The Rumor Monger
(Cyberspac)

Sunderland vs Arsenal

Sunderland won the corresponding fixture last season, but Arsenal are on fire at the moment and full of goals. The Black Cats go into this one without suspended skipper Lee Catermole, which won't help either

The Gunners to win, although they'll need to be wary of the goal threat posed by Darren Bent.

Prediction: Sunderland 1 Arsenal 3

Manchester United vs Liverpool

The big clash of the weekend. Neither of these sides are in great form at the moment, but home advantage should swing it for United.

Rooney and Berbatov to score, Torres to continue misfiring.

Prediction: Man Utd 2 Liverpool 0

Aston Villa v Bolton

Gerard Houllier takes charge of a Villa side looking to bounce back form last weeks surprise defeat to Stoke.

Bolton have proven a more than useful side under Owen Coyle, and will make things difficult with their physical game.

Prediction: Villa 1 Bolton 1

Blackburn vs Fulham

Bobby Zamora is a huge loss to Fulham, who haven't won an away game in the Premier League in over a year.

Rovers are always difficult to beat at home and should edge it.

Prediction: Blackburn 1 Fulham 0

Everton vs Newcastle

Everton have made their usual stuttering start to the season, but last week's fight-back against United shows the team's character.

Newcastle have been erratic, with a 6-0 defeat of Villa, followed by a home loss to Blackpool, typical of their form.


Prediction: Everton 3 Newcastle 1

Stoke vs West Ham

More woe for the Hammers I'm afraid. They appear to have made a major misjudgment in the appointment of Avram Grant and, this early in the season, already look like relegation candidates.

Prediction: Stoke 2 West Ham 0

Tottenham vs Wolves

A decent start to the season by Wolves, while Spurs have been somewhat erratic.

Harry Redknapp won't want a repeat of the Wigan fiasco, so there is no chance of any complacency by the home side.

Prediction: Spurs 3 Wolves 1

West Brom vs Birmingham

Both sides look in decent form for this local derby, even if both are rather goal-shy at the moment. A draw seems the most likely outcome.

Prediction: West Brom 1 Birmingham 1

Wigan vs Man City

Wigan have never lost a Premier League game against City at the DW, but that could change on Sunday.

Sooner or later someone is going to be on the wrong end of a hiding from this multi-talented City side, and it could be the Latics tomorrow.

Prediction: Wigan 1 Man City 4

Chelsea vs Blackpool

Blackpool's start to the season has surprised many pundits, but few expect them to get anything at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

The Champions are in awesome form at the moment and are scoring goals for fun. Anything other than a convincing Chelsea win would be a massive shock.

Prediction: Chelsea 4 Blackpool 0