A look at the first week of action in the English Premier League
Arsenal v West Brom: What a welcome to the Premier League for the Baggies. Arsenal at the Emirates in the sun on a prefect playing service. Scott Carson will be busy in this one as Arsenal romp to an easy win. – Buy Arsenal – West Bromwich Albion Tickets
Bolton v Stoke City. This will be an interesting meeting between two teams I expect to be around the relegation zone all season. Opening ties can throw up some upsets and I think that Stoke might be able to steal at point at the Reebok. – Buy Bolton Wanderers – Stoke City Tickets
Everton v Blackburn. This game has a low scoring draw or 1-0 win written all over it. Everton’s pre-season has been up and down, while Blackburn are transitioning to the Paul Ince era. Everton are tough to beat at home and I expect them to squeak out a 1-0 home victory. – Buy Everton – Blackburn Rovers Tickets
Hull City v Fulham. This will be a good test of Roy Hodgson’s new Fulham side. Last year this was the kind of game that they lost, but I think they will go a little better this year and get a point at Hull. – Buy Hull City – Fulham Tickets
Middlesbrough v Tottenham. The much changed Spurs team goes to the Riverside to play what I think will be an improved Boro team this year. If this game was week 8 or 9 I would expect Spurs to win, but I am not sure if all the new players that Ramos has brought in will have had a chance to gel. I think that Boro might sneak a home win here. – Buy Middlesbrough – Tottenham Hotspur Tickets
Sunderland v Liverpool. This is the kind of game last year that Liverpool struggled in, so this will be a good gauge of how much they have. Sunderland need a goal scorer and I expect Liverpool to win this game by a couple of goals.
West Ham v Wigan Athletic. If the Hammers are to improve on their mid-table place from last year this is the kind of game they have to win. Wigan will be around the relegation zone all year and I expect them to set-up shop and play for a draw. A late goal from the Hammers allows them to grab all three points. – Buy West Ham United – Wigan Athletic Tickets
Aston Villa v Man City. Good early test for both teams who have both played competitive European games already. Villa have shorn up their defense this past week while Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will be curious to see how his team handles a hostile environment at Villa Park. In an entertaining match I see Villa winning this one by an odd goal. – Buy Aston Villa – Manchester City Tickets
Chelsea v Portsmouth. By far the best game of the weekend. It will be interesting to see how the whether Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari uses Deco, Lampard, Ballack and Essien in midfield. With Drogba injured Anleka will lead the attack and he has a chance to redeem himself after his penalty miss n Moscow. For Portsmouth this will be a great test to see whether they are serious European contenders this year. In an exciting game I expect Chelsea to win 3-2 or 4-2. – Buy Chelsea – Portsmouth Tickets
Man Utd v Newcastle. United without Rooney and Ronaldo does not have the firepower to blow teams like Newcastle away. But the off-field problems that Newcastle are having will carry over and I expect man United to win this one 1-0. – Buy Manchester United – Newcastle United Tickets
