Premier League Round 7
October 2nd 2010 10:07
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
So this weekend sees the seventh round of matches in this Premier League season, and there is no doubting what the stand out match of the weekend is. In the game I'm looking forward to most so far this campaign, Chelsea face Arsenal, at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. But first, there are seven games on Saturday to discuss.
The first game of today, is the lunchtime kick off between Wigan and Wolves. Although it is still early stages of the season, the two teams currently lie 18th and 17th in the table, and will know these are the sorts of games they need to take points from. Wigan have proved to be very unpredictable so far this season, so it is hard to know what to expect, I'd probably have to say I expect this to end in a draw. The other two teams in the drop zone have tough matches. Bottom of the league Everton, travel to Birmingham, who have not been conceding many goals this season. Unfortunately for the Merseysiders, I don't expect them to come away with three points again today.
West Ham will aim to end Fulham's unbeaten start to the league season, after picking up one win and five draws. After beating Tottenham last week, the Hammers will be looking for some momentum to propel them up the league, while Fulham boss Mark Hughes will be desperate to turn the usual one point, into three. Stoke face Blackburn in a classic mid table battle, and I think the Potters home record will see them win this one, and West Brom take on Bolton off the back of that impressive win at Arsenal. Despite that, I still predict a Bolton win.
The two most interesting games of today, come from the Stadium of Light, and White Hart Lane. Manchester United have a tricky trip to Sunderland, and after drawing at Everton and Bolton recently, will want an away victory, to close the gap on Chelsea. Sunderland are looking a decent team this season though, and pose a huge threat up front with Bent and Gyan. I feel United will probably come through with the win, but it will be a tough game! Tottenham face Aston Villa, in a clash of Champions League hopefuls. This is the type of match, where it could hinder Spurs' league form, by playing in Europe midweek. Villa have started well under Houllier, and will fancy getting something out of this game.
Sunday sees three more Premier League matches. Manchester City host Newcastle United, in a game they'd expect to win, after beating Chelsea last week. The magpies have beaten Chelsea, Villa and Everton this season, but lost at home to Stoke and Blackpool, so it's not really possible to predict how they will perform. But this should be comfortable for City. It should also be a comfortable afternoon for Liverpool, as they host Blackpool. The reds have been shocking in recent weeks, but surely with players like Gerrard and Torres on the pitch, Blackpool can't come away with anything from Anfield on Sunday?
So this leaves the weekend's final fixture, a 4pm kick off between Chelsea and Arsenal. Both teams are missing arguably their key man, Lampard and Fabregas, through injury. Chelsea lead the Gunners by four points, and would love a win to distance themselves from Wenger's side already. But after that shocking defeat to West Brom last week, Arsenal will be desperate to prove, they are still title contenders. I feel Chelsea will win, but Arsenal could get the three points, if they performed at their best. For a long time now, the problem at Arsenal is consistency, and I do think at their best, they could beat anyone. But on Sunday, I'd expect Chelsea, in the absence of their grieving manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose father passed away this week, to get the three points.
Weekend predictions
Saturday;
Wigan 0-0 Wolves
Birmingham 1-1 Everton
Stoke City 2-1 Blackburn
Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd
Tottenham 1-1 Aston Villa
West Brom 1-3 Bolton
West Ham 2-2 Fulham
Sunday;
Man City 3-0 Newcastle
Liverpool 4-0 Blackpool
Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal
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