English Premier League Round 4 (11-13/09)

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


Saturday, September 11

Everton v Manchester United

Verdict: Everton are off to their worst start in 11 years as they only have a single point from their 3 games so far. They can consider themselves a little unfortunate to find themselves in this predicament as they have dominated their matches but failed to convert opportunities. In contrast, Manchester United have been their efficient selves with the only hiccup coming in the 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage. Scholes has been the main man for the Red Devils at these early stages.

Everton are notoriously slow starters but are beginning to improve with every game. Case in point, Aston Villa last week where they had 17 corners and dominated chances and possession, all away from home. Despite the absence of Saha and Rodwell, Everton have depth in their squad this season and should compensate these losses. Despite two wins and a draw, I don't believe Manchester United are on top of their game at the moment. Rooney is out of form, and the backline is still some way off from water tight. Everton are looking to kick start their season and what better way to do it than to get a result against one of the title contenders.

Pick: Everton +0.75AH @1.82 (betfair, 10 units)
Everton 3 - 3 Manchester United


Fulham v Wolverhampton

Verdict: Fulham will aim for their first league maximum when they host Mick McCarthy's battle-hardened Wolves. Wolverhampton received 7 yellows in a fiesty 1-1 draw against Newcastle in Round 3. Newcastle dominated the majority of the first half and perhaps should of been 2 or 3 goals ahead at halftime. In their respective clash, Fulham drew 2-2 in a pulsating game at Blackpool. This was a good game with lots of end to end action.

Fulham have doubts over start striker, Bobby Zamora, but he is expected to play. Also to be included in the team is first-choice keeper, Mark Schwarzer, who has sufficiently recovered from his back injury. The Wolves can consider themselves perhaps a little fortunate to have garnered 5pts from their three games so far. Draws at Everton (1-1) and against Newcastle were achieved with a bit of luck. They will need some of this again at Craven Cottage as Fulham are a tough proposition at home, as Manchester United witnessed three weeks ago in their 2-2 draw.

Pick: Fulham -0.5AH @1.92 (betfair, 10 units)
Fulham 2 - 1 Wolverhampton


Newcastle United v Blackpool

Verdict: Following the 3-0 loss to Manchester United, Newcastle have shown that they belong in this division with solid performances against Aston Villa (6-0 win) and away at Wolverhampton (1-1). Blackpool have also done well to garner 4 points from their first three games with their latest points coming at Bloomfied Road in a pulsating 2-2 draw against Fulham.

Newcastle have really impressed me so far this season with experienced men in Smith, Barton, Collocini, Guitterez, and Nolan doing extremely well and front man, Andrew Carroll, scoring goals and winning almost every aerial challenge. Blackpool is an exciting team to watch but they do seem a little naive defensively which I think will cost them against an in-form Newcastle side. These sides met last season in the Championship League with Newcastle coming out on top 4-1. Seven players that played for Blackpool that day played in the game against Fulham, so Newcastle do have a psychological edge here.

Pick: Newcastle United -1AH @2.0 (betfair, 10 units)
Newcastle United 0 - 2 Blackpool