Stoke City v West Ham UnitedEverton v Newcastle United
Sunderland v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Bolton
Blackburn v Fulham
Tottenham v Wolverhampton
WBA v Birmingham City
Manchester United v Liverpool
Wigan Athletic v Manchester City
Chelsea v Blackpool
Saturday, September 18
Everton v Newcastle United
Verdict: Everton finally got tangible reward for a good performance when they scored two goals in injury time against Manchester United, eventually drawing 3-3. Everton heaped the pressure on their more illustrious opponents in the opening half hour with some impressive, possession football before scoring through Pienaar. Distin had a bad game for the Blues and can perhaps be blamed for at least two of three goals that followed. Newcastle can perhaps consider themselves unlucky that they found opposing keeper, Matt Gilks, on the top of his game. Newcastle lost 2-0 to Blackpool via a penalty and a quick fire counter attack but missed/wasted several opportunities to score.
I believe Everton would of taken alot of confidence from the result and performance on Saturday. As a matter of fact, it is the first time in 10 years that Manchester United has given up a two goal lead in the EPL. There's no denying that Everton is in a false position at the moment (19th) which can probably be attributed to their lack of goals and traditional slow starts to a Premiership season. Yakubu made an impressive 21 minute cameo appearance on the weekend and I expect him to have an impact here. Newcastle have struggled in their two away games so far and have shown to have an over relliance on Andy Carroll to make things happen. Everton have a very under-estimated midfield and I think should get the better of Smith, Barton, and co. I fully expect the Blues to carry the momentum created from their miraculous come back against the Red Devils which in the end will prove too much for the visitors.
Pick: Everton -0.75AH @1.95 (ibcbet, 10 units)
Everton 0 - 1 Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Bolton
Verdict: Aston Villa will look to impress new manager, Gerard Houllier, when they face a Bolton side who lost 4-1 at the Emirates last time out. Houllier will be in the stands but will take over the reigns officially in next week's League Cup fixture against Blackburn. Villa lost 2-1 at Stoke City on Tuesday after failing to capitalize on a nicely crafted opening goal by Stewart Downing. Villa were by far the better side in the first half and created plentiful opportunities to be out of sight by half-time. Despite being on the end of an embarassing defeat, Bolton had key centre-back, Gary Cahill, sent off for what was a very harsh decision by referee Stuart Attwell. This means that Cahill will join number one keeper, Jussi Jaaskelainen, on the sidelines while strong front man Kevin Davies is a doubt with concussion.
Bolton are perhaps fortunate so far this season to be sitting on 5pts from four games. The 3-1 win at West Ham can be attributed to the heroics of Jaaskelainen, while they needed to come back from two goals down to draw with Birmingham City at the Reebok. Aston Villa had alot of luck themselves in their 1-0 win against Everton but I feel they have since put the embarassment of the 6-0 defeat, at Newcastle, firmly behind them and can start to move forward.
Pick: Aston Villa -0.75AH @2.07 (expekt, 10 units)
Aston Villa 1 - 1 Bolton
Sunday, September 19
Manchester United v Liverpool
Verdict: Manchester United will look to continue their good, early season home form after failing to close out consecutive games on their travels. Manchester could so easily have been level with Chelsea (on 12pts) had they not let their guard down in the 2-2 draw at Fulham, and 3-3 draw at Everton. Liverpool have scored only 2 goals so far this season, and their woes in front of goal continued in the scoreless draw at Birmingham City. The Merseysiders can thank Reina for two world class saves to atleast get a point from this game in which the home side dominated for long periods.
Liverpool look like a club in crisis, on and off the pitch. Torres is still looking to regain match fitness, whereas Gerrard doesn't seem to have the fire in the belly that he had few seasons back. Joe Cole returns but Kuyt is definitely out while Konchesky should recover from hamstring tightness (unless aggrevated in the Europa League) in time for the game. There is a lack of creativity and width in this Liverpool side, not to mention weak links in defence, namely Johnson and Carragher. Despite the lapses in concentration, Manchester United are playing good football (especially at Old Trafford). In addition, the return of Rio Ferdinand and Rooney for this clash will be a great boost for the team. With two days further rest than Liverpool and a larger group of players to choose from, all factors point to quite a comfortable home win.
Pick: Manchester United 1x2 @1.75 (expekt, 10 units)
Manchester United 3 - 2 Liverpool
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