English Premier League Round 4 (13/09 - 15/09)

Liverpool v Manchester United
Tottenham v Aston Villa


Following a week off due to World Cup Qualification fixtures, the English Premier League resumes with some big games to look forward to. With Manchester City making their intentions clear by acquiring Brazilian starlet Robinho, their match this week against fellow big spenders Chelsea has been billed as the "clash of cash". In a more traditional 'derby match', old fows Liverpool and Manchester United lock horns at Anfield in what should spell a debut for big-money signing Berbatov. On Monday night, Spurs do battle with Aston Villa in what should be an entertaining match between two teams that will most definitely be vying for European qualification throughout the season.

Saturday, Sep 13
12:45

Liverpool v Manchester United
Liverpool
In: Riera, Gerrard.
Out: Lucas, Hyppia.
Manchester United
In: Giggs, Berbatov.
Out: Carrick and Hargreaves (both doubtful).

Summary: Manchester United will look to continue their fine record against Liverpool which comprises of 7 wins and 1 draw in their last 8 EPL fixtures, and not a single goal conceded! So far, both teams have been below par in terms of performances but still remain undefeated. In the last round, Liverpool played out an uninspiring goaless draw at Aston Villa while Manchester United squeezed out a 1-0 win at Portsmouth.

Previous encounters:
Mar 23, 2008 Premiership Manchester United 3 - 0 Liverpool
Dec 16, 2007 Premiership Liverpool 0 - 1 Manchester United
Mar 3, 2007 Premiership Liverpool 0 - 1 Manchester United
Oct 22, 2006 Premiership Manchester United 2 - 0 Liverpool
Feb 18, 2006 FA Cup Liverpool 1 - 0 Manchester United
Jan 22, 2006 Premiership Manchester United 1 - 0 Liverpool
Sep 18, 2005 Premiership Liverpool 0 - 0 Manchester United

Footy Analysis predicts a cagey encounter which is the norm for these two great rivals. Liverpool will be strengthened by the much talked about returns of Gerrard and Torres but it remains to be seen just how much of an impact (if any) they will have. Manchester are ofcoarse still missing Ronaldo but this loss is somewhat negated by the fact that Berbatov has joined the ranks. With a cloud hanging over Liverpool's most influentual players together with the return to form of Wayne Rooney in midweek, we are inclined to think that the visitors are a good chance to take something from this game.

Pick LAY Liverpool (Liverpool not to win).
Liverpool 2 - 1 Manchester United

Monday, Sep 15

Tottenham v Aston Villa
Tottenham
In: Vedran Corluka, Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Out: Alan Hutton.
Aston Villa
In: Carlos Cuellar.
Out: Steve Sidwell, Wilfred Bouma.

Summary: Could we possibly have another 8 goal thriller on our hands? Back on October 1st 2007, these two teams played out a remarkable 4-4 draw with Spurs fighting back from 4-1 down. We will just have to wait and see but it is not out of the question. Tottenham were much improved in their last outing away to London rivals Chelsea. The result (1-1) and the performance would of put a smile on Spurs manager, Juande Ramos' face and he would hope that his team can build on that and notch up their first win for the season. Aston Villa were probably fortunate to get away with a dour 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Matchday 3. A clear penalty wasn't given for Robbie Keane in a match where both sides failed to get out of first gear.

Previous results:
Jan 1, 2008 Premiership Aston Villa 2 - 1 Tottenham
Oct 1, 2007 Premiership Tottenham 4 - 4 Aston Villa
Dec 26, 2006 Premiership Tottenham 2 - 1 Aston Villa
Oct 14, 2006 Premiership Aston Villa 1 - 1 Tottenham
Jan 21, 2006 Premiership Tottenham 0 - 0 Aston Villa
Sep 17, 2005 Premiership Aston Villa 1 - 1 Tottenham
May 1, 2005 Premiership Tottenham 5 - 1 Aston Villa

Footy Analysis predicts a win for the home team. Spurs were impressive against Chelsea, especially in the second half, with keeping possession of the ball and restricting their more illustrious opponents to very few opportunities. Aston Villa on the other hand have been poor this season, losing to Stoke in their last away game and greatful for a point against Liverpool at Villa Park where you would expect them to atleast attempt to go for the three points.

Pick Tottenham to WIN.
Tottenham 1 - 2 Aston Villa