English Premier League Round 2 (21-23/08)

Arsenal v Blackpool
Everton v Wolverhampton
Birmingham City v Blackburn
West Ham United v Bolton
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
Stoke City v Tottenham
WBA v Sunderland
Newcastle United v Aston Villa
Fulham v Manchester United
Manchester City v Liverpool


Saturday, August 21
Birmingham City v Blackburn

Verdict: Blackburn continued their solid home form from last season with a 1-0 win over Everton. The Rovers were rather fortunate that the visiting keeper, Tim Howard, dropped the ball at the greatful feet of Niko Kalinic who applied the simple finish. From there after, Everton huffed and puffed but Blackburn were well organized and happy to hold onto their 1 goal advantage.
Birmingham City fought well to escape the Stadium of Light with a 2-2 draw after Sunderland raced to a 2-0 lead. Fortune was not with the Brummies as a highly contentuous penalty and and unlucky own goal (by captain Steve Carr) gave them a mountain to climb. Lee Cattermole's sending off on 46 minutes gave the visitors a one man advantage as defenders Ridgewell and Dann levelled matters from cross-ball situations.

These two sides are typically strong at home and not so away. Birmingham City only lost twice at home last season whereas Blackburn only managed 3 wins on their travels respectively. Birmingham City have made some wise inclusions over the summer with Foster, Zigic and most recently, Matt Derbyshire, on loan from Greek giants Olympiacos. Zigic had a big influence when introduced on 57' at Sunderland and I expect him to start for the ineffectual O'Connor. Rovers old boy, Derbyshire, has gained a lot of experience on the continent. McLeish has indicated that Matt has done well in training, and will be included in the squad. Blackburn are with out their captain and most creative outlet, David Dunn, who aggrevated an old groin injury against Everton. This is a big minus for the visitors, especially against a team that doesn't give much away in terms of goals.

In addition to Dunn's absence, I fancy Birmingham here as they have more options going forward and strong defenders that can negate Blackburn's aerial game from dead ball situations.

Pick: Birmingham City -0.25AH @1.98 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Birmingham City 2 - 1 Blackburn

Wigan Athletic v Chelsea

Verdict: Just one game into the season and there are worrying signs at the DW Stadium. Wigan's best players (Rodallega and N'Zogbia) are linked with other clubs, and they have just been demoralised 0-4 by Premiership new boys Blackpool. Chelsea had no such worries in disposing Coca Cola League standard, WBA, winning 6-0 with Drogba grabbing a hat-trick.
Blackpool fully deserved their 4-0 win as Wigan continuously gave away possession and perhaps on another day, the margin would of been much bigger. Wigan boss, Robert Martinez, perhaps let one too many defenders leave the club in the summer with experienced men Bramble, Scharner, and Melchiot all departing. On the showing against Blackpool, new boys Gohouri, Alcaraz, and Boselli will take some time in settling to the pace of Premiership football. To make matters worse, Wigan's best player on Sunday, Victor Moses, is out for up to 3 weeks with a groin strain. In total contrast, Drogba dispelled any lingering doubts about his fitness with a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge. Following an early goal, Chelsea were able to settle into their stride and dictate terms.

Wigan seem to lack any leadership in their squad which is a problem. Their most experienced Premiership player, keeper Chris Kirkland, had a dreadful opening game (2 mistakes led to goals) so he is hardly leading by example. With Charles N'Zogbia wanting away from the club and not a certainty to start, Wigan are likely to be devoid of any striking power to trouble a fit and firing Chelsea team.

Pick: Chelsea -1.5AH @1.80 (sbobet, 10 units)
Wigan Athletic 0 - 6 Chelsea

Monday, August 23

Manchester City v Liverpool

Verdict: Both sides go into this game on the back of similar results. City and Liverpool won their respective Europa League games by 1-0 and drew their opening games of the Premier League season. The Sky Blues were very fortunate to come away from Tottenham with a scoreless draw after Joe Hart’s string of miraculous saves. In contrast, Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina made an incredible blunder to deny his side the 3pts in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal.

To emphasize the spending power of Manchester City they have signed two players, in the past week, in the shape of James Milner and Mario Balotelli. Liverpool has attained the services of Danish veteran, Christian Poulsen from Juventus while Aquilani has gone the other way (on loan). As mentioned above, Manchester City was outplayed by Tottenham for the majority of the game with Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon proving the most troublesome. One thing that Liverpool lack is natural width so I don’t expect the Man City rear-guard to be stretched as they were a week ago. Liverpool on the other hand will need to contain the like of Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips if Mancini chooses to stretch the visitors. The former could particularly have a major impact on the game as Liverpool do have a problem in the left back position with Insua out of favour, Aurelio short on match fitness, and Agger suffering from concussion. The home side will also pose a major threat through the middle with the pace and movement of Tevez/Balotelli/Adebayor, up against the ageing legs of Jamie Carragher. I expect Liverpool to play a counter-attacking game and try hit Torres/N’gog with long balls.

I feel that Liverpool will be a bit too predictable without the services of the suspended Joe Cole, and their narrow game. As mentioned above, Man City do have the players to hurt the visitors where they are most vulnerable and I fancy them to take three points here.

Pick: Manchester City -0.25AH @2.30 (188bet, 10 units)
Manchester City 3 - 0 Liverpool