21/08/09
By Mark Carter
It has certainly proved a stirring start to the new Barclays Premier League season – awash with talking points, and a few goals along the way!
This weekend shall give us further insight into the teams equipped to challenge at the top and, more so, those equipped to win the relegation dogfight.
Having played midweek in Europe, Arsenal will be keen to follow-up their opening-day mauling of Everton with victory over a struggling Portsmouth side.
And who would bet against them? While Arsenal appear to be in free-scoring form, Portsmouth have failed to find the net in both of their previous Premier League encounters.
The south coast club are in trouble following the departures of many of their star-names – most notably Peter Crouch, who accounted for 44 per cent of the clubs goals last season by way of assists and hitting home himself – and their current plight will be added to after what would have to be expected as a win for the Gunners at the Emirates.
Man City will be hosting a plucky Wolves side at Eastlands.
City are another side that will be determined to build on an impressive start to the campaign.
Last season’s home form would suggest that the Birmingham-based club will face a tough task if they are to add to the three points won so well midweek against Wigan.
Carlos Tevez should be fit to start on Saturday, and Hughes will be expected to field the crafty Argentinian in a front-three alongside Robinho and fellow summer-signing, Adebeyor.
I predict a home win for the billionaire club and would not be surprised to see Tevez among the goal-scorers.
Manchester United, fresh from defeat at Turf Moor, will be hurting when they come up against Wigan at the JJB, and you would expect a positive reaction from the wounded animal.
Martinez’s side got off to a great start at Villa Park last Saturday, but tasted the disappointment of a home defeat during the week; they will need to start brightly and defend stoutly from the start.
Should they manage to keep United at bay early on, the reigning champions will undoubtedly feel the pressure and the anxiety of another poor result may get to them.
I would not be shy of backing Wigan to hold Ferguson’s men to a draw.
Hull City will want to bounce back and appease their fans after last Wednesday’s humiliating home defeat to Spurs, against Gary Megson’s Bolton.
This game will not be pretty, but its result will be important for both sides.
Megson is still to win the favour of many of Bolton’s faithful and is under pressure at the Reebok, and Hull need some points if they are to regain confidence in their ability for the rest of the season.
In a scrappy tie, I predict that a single goal will settle it – and it will be the Lancashire side celebrating at the final whistle.
Birmingham City meet Stoke City at St Andrews, in what will prove another vital three points for either side.
I believe Stoke will be clear of any relegation danger towards the final fixtures of the season, but only if they pick up points at sides such as Birmingham – they cannot rely entirely on their sterling home form.
Summer arrival Christian Benitez may hold the key for Birmingham if given his full debut.
The striker looked dangerous appearing as a late substitute at Old Trafford last Sunday, and will need to be stopped if Stoke are to return home with all three points.
I would tip this game to end in a score draw.
Saturday’s final fixture sees Steve Bruce’s Sunderland take on Blackburn at the Stadium of Light.
Both sides are aiming for mid-table mediocrity or higher come May and this will prove an even battle.
Darren Bent has started the season in sparkling form, and I would back the former Spurs man to bag his third goal in as many games against Rovers – a goal that should see the Wearsiders collect the three points.
Sunday’s fixtures will make it a very busy day for the Met, with two London derbies in one day, beginning with the lunchtime clash between West Ham and Spurs from Upton Park.
Spurs, and notably Jermain Defoe, have started the season with a bang and will prove too potent in attack for West Ham.
The Hammers have improved greatly under Gianfranco Zola’s tutorship, but I would have to put my money on a third win of the season for Tottenham.
The second derby of the day sees Fulham host west London rivals, Chelsea.
Roy Hodgson’s team has proved hard to break down since his arrival – conceding the fourth fewest during the previous campaign – however; having played in European competition last Thursday, keeping Anelka and Drogba at bay for 90 minutes may prove too tough a task for the Cottagers.
Also on Sunday, Burnley face Everton at Turf Moor.
Burnley will be buzzing following their famous victory against United, and Everton will be slightly fatigued having played in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Toffees do need to get off the mark in this season’s points tally – but it will be easier said than done at Burnley’s fortress – I would predict a score draw
There will be one final fixture played out on Monday night, as Aston Villa travel to Anfield.
Liverpool will be full of confidence after breezing past Stoke 4-0 midweek, and will not be looking to lose any points at Anfield this season.
Villa have had a terrible start to the season, losing against Wigan and again away in Austria to Rapid Vienna.
I expect Rafa Benitez’s side to claim all three points, and tip Gerrard and Torres to add to their season’s goal tallies before the 90 minutes is up.
Check out more of Mark Carter’s insightful views @ http://markcarteramatteroflifeordeath.blogspot.com/