English Premier League Round 6 (27/09 - 28/09)

Manchester United v Bolton
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Portsmouth v Tottenham


Round 5 proved a good week for Arsene Wenger and his men as Arsenal made their way to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-1 win at Bolton. Arsenal's lofty position on the table is a direct result of Chelsea's intriguing 1-1 draw with Manchester United and Liverpool's dissapointing scoreless draw against lowly Stoke City. The sheikhs at Manchester City were all smiles as their expensively assembled team hit Portsmouth for six in a 6-0 demolition. It will be interesting to see how they figure in Round 6 against a much improved Wigan Athletic side. Our match of the round this week takes us to Merseyside for one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season, Everton v Liverpool.

Saturday, September 27
Manchester United v Bolton

Summary: Manchester United have had a poor start to the season with only 1 win in 4 whereas Bolton have not faired any better, collecting a poultry 4pts from a possible 12. Good news for the current English and European champions is that their golden son Ronaldo is nearing full fitness and should start against the Wanderers. Manchester will be spirited by the fact that they produced their best performance of the season in Round 5, in the 1-1 draw against bitter rivals Chelsea. Bolton however were pushed aside by Arsenal at the Reebok. After leading momentarily through a Kevin Davies header, Bolton succumbed to the continuous attacks of Arsenal and eventually lost 3-1.

Manchester United
In: Van Der Sar.
Out: Thomas Kuszcak, Michael Carrick.
Bolton
In: Gary Cahill, Johan Elmander.
Out:

Verdict: Manchester have a great opportunity to kick start their season against a team in very poor form. The return of Ronaldo to the starting line-up added with the bonus of no midweek fixtures to worry about next week, Manchester can attack this match as if it were its last. Bolton will be greatful for the return of Gary Cahill and Johan Elmander but not even they will be able to stop a rampant Manchester United.

Pick: Manchester United to WIN (Possible result: 4-0)
Manchester United 2 - 0 Bolton
Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Manchester United 2 - 0 Bolton (Manchester Utd had 17 corners and 25 shots on goal)

Aston Villa v Sunderland

Summary: Aston Villa snuck by West Brom 2-1 last weekend after the home team caused them a whole host of problems, especially in the second half. Roy Keane's Sunderland have been thoroughlly impressive this season and continued their good form in a 2-0 home win against Middlesbrough. The only down side to that victory for the Black Cats was the loss of inspirational centre half, Nyron Nosworthy who is ruled out indefinitely with a hamstring strain.

Verdict: Villa have had issues breaking teams down this season which explains why their away record is better than their home record. Sunderland are a tough team to break down and despite the loss of Nosworthy, the visitors do have the ability to frustrate Villa and leave Birmingham with atleast a share of the spoils.

Pick: Sunderland Asn Hcp +0.5,1.0
Aston Villa 2 - Sunderland 1 (1/2 stake returned, 1/2 lost)

Sunday, September 28
EPL quick pick. Due to time constraints, full analysis of this pick is not available.

Portsmouth v Tottenham

Quick Summary: Both teams are desperate to appease their demanding supporters after poor starts to the season. Portsmouth were dealt a hammer blow last week after Man City put six past them whilst Tottenham are still trying to get off the bottom of the table.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Portsmouth 2 - 0 Tottenham