English Premier League Round 8 (18/10 - 20/10)

Arsenal v Everton
Manchester United v WBA
Hull City v West Ham United


Round 8 pits some interesting fixtures with potential banana skins for sides that are expected to win. A flat Arsenal face a hungry Everton side who will be looking to upset the apple cart. A Liverpool side without Torres face a much improved Wigan Athletic unit with the visiting side looking to emulate their surprise 1-1 draw at Anfield last season. Manchester United should account for West Brom at Old Trafford whilst Chelsea face a tricky fixture away to Middlesbrough. In other clashes of note, a tight contest is on the cards between Aston Villa and Portsmouth whereas a mouth watering matchup beckons on Tyneside where Newcastle look to turn the tables on visiting Manchester City.

Arsenal v Everton

Summary: Misfiring Arsenal will look to get back on track against an out of sorts Everton after dropping points to promoted sides Hull City and Sunderland in successive games. Everton have been poor all season but there was finally good news at Goodison Park with manager David Moyes finally signing the dotted line to a new 5 year contract. On the pitch, Everton have struggled to keep clean sheets and are winless in 6 consecutive fixtures.

Verdict: Both sides are depleted in defence through injuries and illness. First teamers Sagna and Gallas miss out for the Gunners whilst Everton's already frail defence may be further weakened with flu likely to keep out Yobo and Jagielka. Arsenal will be keen to appease their demanding fans here whilst Everton would be buoyed by their manager's contract extension. An open game is in stall here.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Arsenal 3 - 1 Everton

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion

Summary: After a slow start to the season, Manchester United are beginning to hit their straps with a string of 4 consecutive wins in all competitions. The uprise in form has coincided with the return of Ronaldo and the improving strike rate of one Wayne Rooney. West Brom head to Old Trafford in a confident mood after winning 3 of their last 4 contests, their latest been a 1-0 win over struggling Fulham.

Verdict: Credit must go to West Brom who try and play an open and expansive game. We can expect them to be a little more cautious in their approach here but it sure that the Brommies wont die wondering, especially as they have nothing to lose. Wayne Rooney is in fantastic form at the moment and will look to continue on here following his brace for England midweek.

Pick: Manchester United -1 hcp
Manchester United 4 - 0 West Brom

Sunday, October 19

Hull City (3rd) v West Ham United (6th)

Summary: Who would of thought that after 7 rounds into the season, Hull and West Ham would be occupying their current lofty positions on the table. Hull is in a rich vein of form, currently on a run of 4 undefeated including a magnificent 2-1 win away to Arsenal. West Ham were dissapointing last time out, losing 3-1 to a struggling Bolton.

Verdict: These two teams have had trouble keeping clean sheets this season. In fact, West Ham have conceded in every game so far whereas Hull achieved their first lock out against a misfiring Spurs side in Round 7. With both teams flying high on the ladder, an open and care free game is expected here.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals
Hull City 1 - 0 West Ham