The big is on Sunday between Premier League Leaders Chelsea and Liverpool. but that is not the only important game this weekend in the EPL
Everton v Man Utd
Everton are traditionally tough to beat at Goodison, but they have gone 16 league games without a clean sheet and I cannot see them breaking that streak this week. Everton played well at the Emirates last week, but eventually Arsenal’s class was too much for them. I see the same thing happening this week as United pick up all three points in a 2-1 victory.
Sunderland v Newcastle
Derby games are usually hard fought games and this is game will be no exception. Newcastle have looked better under Joe Kinnear, while Sunderland are normally hard to beat at home. This game has a scoreless draw written all over it,
West Brom v Hull
Hull have been the surprise team in the EPL this year and it will be interesting to see how they react as favorites. West Brom are improving, but this is a game that Hull should win and I expect them to win here.
Blackburn v Middlesbrough
Blackburn is really missing the injured Santa Cruz and they have not been able to replace David Bentley. Boro are not as bad as last weeks drubbing by Chelsea suggests and I expect them to get a draw here.
Man City v Stoke
Will the real Man City please stand up? Are they the team that hammered Portsmouth 6-0 or the team that lost of Wigan 2-1? Stoke have struggled this season, especially on the road, and I expect Man City to win this one comfortably.
Tottenham v Bolton
This is a true relegation battle. Spurs know that if they win, they will still be bottom of the table! Spurs are not to good to go down and need a win here as their next three league games are against Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. This will be a hard fought game and I think that Spurs will finally breakthrough and win their first game of the season.
Wigan v Aston Villa
Aston Villa had a really tough game in midweek against Ajax and it will be interesting to see how they cope against a Wigan side that is better at the JJB then on the road. Villa have good counter-attacking players and I think that will balance out the home field advantage and this one ends up a draw.
West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham have been in a funk the last couple of games and Arsenal should win this one, if the team that played in Turley shows up. If it is the team that played Hull and Fulham, then this is the e type of game that could see Arsenal drop some valuable points. I believe that Arsenal has leant from its earlier loses and will not underestimate West Ham here.
Portsmouth v Fulham
Fulham return to the scene of their miraculous escape last season where they won at Portsmouth to avoid relegation. Will not happen this time. Pompey are too strong for Fulham and they win this by a couple of goals.
Chelsea v Liverpool
This is the match of the weekend. You have Chelsea and their fantastic home record versus the team that refuses to lose this season. This game has a draw written all over it, which will please Rafa more than Big Phil. With the injuries they have I expect Liverpool to play as if this is a Champions League away match and flood the midfield and hope for a 0-0 draw. As usual emotions will be running high when these two teams meet and I am sure there will be plenty of incidents to talk about on Monday.
A tie puts the big 5 (Chelsea, Liverpool. Arsenal. Man Utd and Hull) all within 2 points of each other, making this the most competitive EPL season in years.
