Liverpool vs. Man United
Gerrard should start, probably at Carroll’s expense, as Dalglish and Fergie renew their hostility. Rooney and Hernandez are fit and should start upfront for United, with Vidic returning after his injury. Rooney looked a little weary before the International Break, and following his father’s arrest, he has looked out of sorts, culminating in his brain-detonation moment for England. Liverpool will have the best home support in England on their back and should outplay United in midfield. With a lot of United’s leading players suffering blows of different kinds on International duty, Liverpool can capitalize. One would not be surprised if Kuyt bagged the winner…
Prediction: 2-1
Man City vs. Villa Two unbeaten sides take on each other, as City would be looking to benefit from any potential United slip-ups at Anfield. Aguero is still not a hundred percent and with Dzeko continuing his rich vein of scoring form midweek against France, the Bosnian should get the nod. McLeish would be relying on his form pairing of Bent and Agbonlahor, but they shouldn’t trouble Hart much.
Prediction: 2-0
Norwich vs. Swansea Holt continues to hog the bench as Lambert has found his preferred combination and should take heart from some spirited performances off-late. Graham should pip Lita as Swansea’s lone striker, but Norwich’s team-play should outdo Swansea.
Prediction: 3-1
QPR vs. Blackburn
A defensive reshuffle ensured that floodgates opened up at Craven Cottage. Still not compact at the back, QPR should still be confident of overcoming a Blackburn side struggling for any inkling of inspiration.
Prediction: 2-1
Stoke vs. Fulham
Etherington is still a doubt for Stoke and so is Palacios, while injuries to Jones and Fuller should see Walter continue upfront with Crouch. The Zamora-Johnson partnership worked wonders last time round; expect the duo to trouble Stoke’s backline. It could be a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: 2-2
Wigan vs. Bolton
Bolton need a result after their sixth consecutive defeat sees them at the foot of the table. However they’ve been the big guns recently and should fancy their chances against Wigan. Wigan are on a 4-match losing streak themselves and something has to give.
Prediction: 1-2
Chelsea vs. Everton
Chelsea have found their gear as a Lampard and Sturridge inspired mauling of Bolton certified. Torres is still suspended, so we could see Drogba leading the line supported by the trio of Sturridge, Mata and Lampard. Moyes recalled Saha for the Merseyside Derby and he should start again with Cahill just behind him. Everton are unbeaten in their last five visits to Stamford Bridge, and with the Toffees’ displays being patchy at best, expect that stat to change.
Prediction: 3-1
West Brom vs. Wolves
West Brom are gradually showing the form we expected, with Long continuing to impress. Wolves on the other hand are on a downward spiral after impressing early on in the season. Both of the sides have impressive strike forces and if Brunt is passed fit, the Baggies should outscore their guests.
Prediction: 3-2
Arsenal vs. Sunderland
Arsenal begin a favorable run of fixtures at home to a Sunderland side short on confidence and marred by injuries and suspensions. Ji should replace Bendtner up-top, partnered by Sessegnon – who hasn’t performed as expected behind the striker – in a 4-4-2 formation. Arsenal, on the other hand, need their skipper Van Persie to start firing again. And, with support from Ramsey, Gervinho and Walcott the Gunners can get their season back on track with a big win at the Emirates.
Prediction: 3-0
Newcastle vs. Spurs
Spurs’ attacking talent should give any side a run for their money. However Adebayor and Van Der Vaart are injury concerns, although one must expect them to start at St. James’ Park. Newcastle have had a riveting start to the season, but with Defoe, Adebayor, Van Der Vaart, Bale and Modric all hitting top gear, Newcastle’s impressive defense could be breached. This could be the Magpies first league defeat.
Prediction: 1-2
