JOE looks ahead to this weekend in the Premier League and considers what matches to watch and avoid, who might surprise and who probably won’t.
Surprise Package: Blackburn
We’re going for Sam Allardyce’s men once again ahead of their trip to Eastlands on Saturday afternoon. A whole host of City players were on international duty during the week and with Carlos Tevez a doubt and Mario Balotelli injured, there might not be a better chance of an upset.
Of course, Roberto Mancini can just call on some of his star-studded replacements to step up to the plate, but they will be up against a plucky outfit who were decent in defeat against Arsenal and had played well in their opening fixtures before that. A City win is still the most likely outcome, but the three points will be hard-earned.
Whipping Boys: Blackpool
The Tangerines got off to a dream start on the opening day against Wigan, but have learned a few lessons about the Premier League since, namely that Championship-style defending simply won’t cut it at this level.
Blackpool will come up against another side that were in the Championship last season on Saturday, but the Magpies have plenty of Premier League experience in their ranks and look like they have what it takes to survive and maybe even survive comfortably at that.
After a humbling from Manchester United on the opening weekend, Chris Hughton’s side are back on track and in Andy Carroll, have an in-form striker who is capable of doing damage against Ian Holloway’s men.
Game not to miss: Everton v Manchester United
A game that is always interesting because it involves Wayne Rooney going back to his old club has been made even more interesting because it involves Wayne Rooney going back to his old club in the wake of seriously damaging revelations about his private life. Everton fans love giving Rooney stick at the best times, but expect the hatred to be ramped up to the limit at Goodison Park come Saturday lunchtime.
The Rooney sideshow aside, this has the potential to be cracking encounter, especially if last season’s game is anything to go by. Despite a smashing Everton victory on that occasion, the Toffees are one of the sides – Aston Villa (last season’s result aside) and Tottenham Hotspur being other examples – that United normally see off comfortably in domestic competition.
If you don’t believe me, try this out for a statistic: Manchester United have beaten Everton 27 times in the Premier League, more than any team has beaten another team in the league since its formation in 1992. Fergie’s men won’t have it easy though, so expect goals, flying tackles and a sizzling atmosphere as the Premier League returns with a bang after an uninspiring international break.
Game to miss: Wigan v Sunderland
It’s dangerous to say that one should avoid this game simply because of Wigan’s damning inconsistency. Their victory over Spurs showed that they are probably going to be as unpredictable as they were last season, so there’s every chance that there could be a goal bonanza at the DW. We can’t see it, however and are instead going to predict a single goal Sunderland victory, with who else but Darren Bent doing the business.
What about the rest:
Chelsea look set to continue their ridiculously comfortable start to the season away to West Ham; Bolton are in good form, but will do well to escape from the Emirates Stadium with even a point.
After two draws on the trot, Mark Hughes should get Fulham back to winning ways at home to Wolves, while Harry Redknapp will be hoping that Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchenko or (fingers crossed) Robbie Keane can make up for Jermain Defoe’s absence when they travel to take on West Brom.
Liverpool have struggled for goals so far and face a trip to St. Andrews on Sunday, where hosts Birmingham City don’t give them away easily. There won’t be much in that one.
Ex-Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, meanwhile, has decided not to take charge of Aston Villa at Stoke on Monday night, possibly because he is afraid of the barrage of criticism he will face if Villa concede a hatful from Stoke set-pieces. The Potters now have dead ball specialist Jermaine Pennant alongside human slingshot Rory Delap in their ranks, so Richard Dunne and company could be in for a busy night.
Fixtures:
Saturday:
12:45 Everton v Manchester United
15:00 Arsenal v Bolton
15:00 Fulham v Wolves
15:00 Manchester City v Blackburn
15:00 Newcastle v Blackpool
15:00 West Brom v Tottenham
15:00 West Ham v Chelsea
15:00 Wigan v Sunderland
Sunday:
16:00 Birmingham v Liverpool
Monday:
20:00 Stoke v Aston Villa
