27/08/09
By Mark Carter
The Barclays Premier League continues this weekend as two of the big four clash.
The first fixture to be played is Chelsea versus scalp-taking Burnley from Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti’s side will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record and, despite Burnley’s fantastic results against Manchester United and Everton, I believe they will.
Drogba and Anelka are forming a formidable partnership and, as they did at Craven Cottage, will pose too much of a threat to stifle.
I see this game ending in a comfortable victory for the Blues against a side that may tire during the second-half.
Blackburn will be determined to get some points on the board against West Ham at Ewood Park.
Rovers haven’t been outplayed in their previous defeats and will prove tough opposition for the Hammers.
Carlton Cole will want to make amends for his disastrous mistake against London rivals Tottenham and I would not bet against him bagging a goal.
This match is set to be a very physical, with the strength of both Jason Roberts in Blackburn’s attack and Cole in West Ham’s playing a significant part, and I believe it will result in a battling score draw.
Liverpool will have to return from their fixture against Bolton at the Reebok with all three points to get their season back on track.
Their defeat to Villa at Anfield on Monday has raised serious doubts towards their title credentials and Rafa needs victory to ease the pressure on both himself and his side.
Bolton have been on the receiving-end of two 1-0 scorlines, against Sunderland and relegation rivals Hull City.
Megson also needs to relieve some of the pressure he is under from the Wanderers faithful; however, I would be hard-pressed to back him and would have to tip the three points to return to Merseyside with Liverpool.
Stoke host Sunderland and will have to be seen as favourites at the fortress that is the Britannia Stadium.
The Potters are incredibly hard to beat on their home turf and, despite both teams being well matched on the field, the ‘12th man’ will edge this one Stoke’s way and I wouldn’t bet against Darren Bent scoring for the opposing side.
Spurs welcome Premier League new boys Birmingham City to White Hart Lane.
Redknapp’s team has been in great form this season and sit top of the table. They have hit nine goals in their opening three fixtures and would appear set to add to that tally after the five they hit in midweek at Doncaster in the Carling Cup.
In contrast, Birmingham have on managed to find the net once this season, but have managed to bag four points so far this season.
The smart money would be on Spurs continuing their run of form with Defoe to score first.
Hull City travel to Molineux to face Wolves and will be hoping to follow-up their important win against Bolton with another three points.
They will face a tough task as newly-promoted Wolves, despite two defeats from their opening three games, have been in good form and set out to play flowing football.
I still favour Hull for the drop and believe this will serve as further evidence for my belief with Wolves claiming the home win.
Saturday’s final fixture sees two of the big four pit their wits against each other as Arsenal take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal may be without Cesc Fabregas through injury, but will certainly not be fatigued from their midweek European excursions as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over Celtic at the Emirates.
The Gunners have received all the plaudits so far this season for their goal-scoring feats and have reigned victorious in every competitive match they have played.
United, on the other hand, have struggled – only coming to life in the second-half at Wigan so far. The five goals they scored in that half will encourage their fans, but I don’t think they were required in order to boost the confidence of the players.
Both sides will believe they can win this game, but the loss of Fabregas may prove too big for a young Arsenal team and I will back Wayne Rooney to fire United to victory.
Sunday’s fixtures include: Aston Villa v Fulham, Everton v Wigan, and Portsmouth v Man City.
I will be tipping both Villa and Everton to claim home wins, and Man City to resume their winning ways with victory at Fratton Park.
For more of Mark Carter’s insightful views check out: http://markcarteramatteroflifeordeath.blogspot.com/