EPL quick picks. Due to time constraints, FULL round analysis will not be available. Saturday, September 12
Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Verdict: Looms like a 'must win' game for Blackburn as they go into this game sitting in 18th position. New boys, Wolverhampton, have had a solid if not spectacular start on their return to the Premier League. Key men Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Michael Kightly, Chris Iwelumo and Kevin Foley are still out for the visitors while Blackburn are strengthed by the return of long-term absentee, Brett Emerton. Blackburn face tough fixtures over the next few weeks away to Everton and Arsenal, with a home game against Aston Villa sandwiched in between. Blackburn should take heart from the fact that they are undefeated in their last two competitive fixtures and with wily Sam Allardyce at the reigns, I expect a good response from the home team here.
Pick: Blackburn -0.5 AH @1.89 (ibcbet, 5 units)
Blackburn 3 - 1 Wolverhampton
Manchester City v Arsenal
Preview: The Arab consortium that invested millions in Manchester City will soon find out if their team is the real deal, against the might of Arsenal. Manchester City have started the campaign in fine style on the back of three goals from former Arsenal striker, Adebayor, and a streak of three wins without conceding. Arsenal have arguably played more impressively so far this season, hammering Everton for six in the opening day only to run into a lucky Manchester United outfit in the last round, eventually losing 2-1 in controversial circumstances. Good news for the visitors is that they retain the services of captain Cesc Fabregas but lose Arshavin to injury. Fellow midfielder, Rosicky, will be included in the squad after returning for international duty (Czech Republic) midweek. City are without the services of Tevez and possibly Robinho after picking up a knock with Brazil.
Verdict: Despite losing against Manchester United, Arsenal have beem irrepressible this season in both the EPL and Champions League. Man City haven't put a foot wrong either but they haven't really been able to put teams like Portsmouth and Wolverhampton to the sword. I feel that Arsenal is a more complete side at the moment and with the injustice they must still feel from recent events, I think they will have the burning desire to make a positive statement against potential Top 4 challengers in Manchester City.
Pick: Arsenal DNB @1.82 (ibcbet, 8 units)
Manchester City 4 - 2 Arsenal
Tottenham v Manchester United
Preview: Harry Rednapp's Tottenham has really set the Premier League alight so far this season but as anyone in the know would contest, the EPL is a marathon and not a sprint. That is something Sir Alex and Manchester United know all to well, where making poor starts to the season has almost become a ritual for the Red Devils. No one can deny the optimism of the Spurs fans though, as the London team are winning and playing some good football to boot. One point of concern for Harry must be that his defence is yet to keep a cleansheet. Even the most ardent of United fans will tell you they were fortunate against Arsenal in Round 4 but three points is three points. This game comes to soon for long-torm Spurs absentee, Luka Modric, Michael Dawson, Woodgate, and Bale while fellow defender Ledley King is (ofcoarse) a doubt. The visitors may retain the services of captain Rio Ferdinand while fellow veteran Gary Neville is set to be included in the squad. Flying winger, Antonio Valencia, is set to start on the bench after his long flight back to England from South America.
Verdict: Both defences look vulnerable here and with strikers such as Defoe, Rooney, Berbatov, and Keane in sharpish form, we could see lots of goals. Spurs though don't have the depth of Manchester United and with so many doubts cast on their defense, I expect Manchester to create the more opportunities. In addition, Manchester have the players to close down Tottenham's main avenue to goal, with Evra a good match for Lennon. Tight game in prospect here but favouring the visitors.
Picks:
Manchester United -0.25 AH @2.00 (ibcbet, 7 units)
Tottenham 1 - 3 Manchester United
Over 2.5 goals @ 2.010 (ibcbet, 3 units)
Tottenham 1 - 3 Manchester United
Sunday, September 13
Fulham v Everton
Preview: Everton finally registered a point in the current edition of the EPL with a 2-1 home win against struggling Wigan whereas Fulham suffered their third competitive loss on the trot, losing 2-0 at Aston Villa. The home team is in some what of an injury crisis with strikers Zamora and Johnson, and key midfield man, Danny Murphy, ruled out for this game. In contrast, Everton has boosted their ranks with some quality acquisitions (in the transfer window) in the form of Distin, Heitinga, and Russian international, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
Verdict: The mood in the Everton camp seems to have improved since notching up their first win of the season. David Moyes seems to have invested the Lescott funds very wisely indeeed, acquiring experience and international class which will provide much needed competition for places. Another plus for the visitors is the return to full fitness of Yakubu for whom will provide Moyes with more selection headaches. To the contrary, Roy Hodgson only wished he had the same problem with so many key players out and bad form plaguing his side.
Pick: Everton DNB @2.0 (ibcbet, 8 units)
Fulham 2 - 1 Everton
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