17/08/09
By Mark Carter
The Barclays Premier League action is coming thick and fast – round two of the season’s fixtures kick-off on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Tuesday evening will see Sunderland host title-contenders Chelsea.
Blues boss Ancelotti will be hoping his frontline will put in a more clinical performance at the Stadium of Light after failing to convert several goal-scoring opportunities on Saturday.
Sunderland may prove a tougher opponent than the one they faced in their opening fixture. The side bagged an away win at Bolton – debutant Darren Bent scoring the winner – and seem to be enjoying life under Steve Bruce.
Their front-two partnership of Bent and Jones looks very dangerous, and I would be surprised if the Black Cats are not able to create chances against Chelsea.
Chelsea struggled to provide width in their clash with hull – undertaking Ancelotti’s diamond formation – and I fear the same problem will occur Tuesday night.
Sunderland – in contrast – utilise the flanks at every opportunity. Kieran Richardson put in a productive performance against Bolton, and he may hold the key to the tie.
Right-back Bosingwa will be expected to provide the width for Chelsea – bombing forward at every opportunity – this will allow Richardson to exploit the space left in behind, and could see the dangerous winger supply Bent and Jones with plenty of crosses to get their head on.
I would not be surprised if this game ended in a score draw.
Wigan meet Wolves in the Tuesday’s second fixture.
The Latics played extremely well at Villa Park – beating the west-midland club 2-0 – and seem to have adopted Roberto Martinez’s style of play.
Wolves fell flat in their opening-game and lost 2-0 at home to West Ham. Serbian summer-signing Milijas looked a threat and had several good efforts saved by Robert Green in the West Ham goal.
However, that may be the only threat they are able to pose against a physically-strong Wigan side and I can only foresee a Wigan home win.
There are a further four Premier League fixtures to be fought out on Wednesday evening.
Burnley will have the rowdy support of the Turf Moor faithful on their side as they play reigning champions Manchester United.
United were far from convincing at home to Birmingham on Sunday and will face a tough battle away at Burnley. The ground proved somewhat of a fortress last season, with many top sides experiencing defeat.
However, with Wayne Rooney enjoying his central role and scoring the winner on Sunday, I still believe United will return to Old Trafford with all three points.
Hull will be looking for a repeat of their bullish performance at Chelsea against a Spurs side that will be exuding confidence following their 2-1 defeat of Liverpool.
The Tigers remain my favourites for the drop and I cannot see them overcoming a very talented and experienced Spurs side that possesses four quality strikers – something Hull City are in desperate need for.
Jozy Altidore may provide them with a greater threat up front and should be available for selection after being ineligible for Saturday’s game.
I would expect Tottenham to take the game to Hull and believe Defoe will be given enough space in behind the Tigers defence to hit home a goal or two without reply.
Liverpool will be determined to pick up all three points at home to Stoke after a disappointing display at White Hart Lane.
Spurs pressured the Reds well all over the pitch on Sunday and had enough quality to punish a groggy and battle-worn Liverpool defence – something Stoke may struggle to do.
I think Yossi Benayoun will be given a starting berth following an impressive cameo performance that almost turned the game at Spurs – and his creativity will be needed if Liverpool are to break down the 10-man wall of Stoke.
The smart-money will be on Torres opening his Premier League goal-scoring account and the Reds to win in what is almost a must-win game – and proved so last season.
And finally, Birmingham City take on Portsmouth at St Andrews.
This fixture has been left until the end for a reason. It has 0-0 written all over it!
For more of Mark Carter’s insightful views check out: http://markcarteramatteroflifeordeath.blogspot.com/