Charlie Klein
Per a reader's request, we will now begin to do weekly Premier League picks for the upcoming weekend's matches. This week in the Barclay's English Premier League there are some tantalising matchups as most sides (with the exception of Liverpool) remain in shouting distance of the top spot in the league.
Chelsea v. Burnley (Stamford Bridge 7:45 ET)
If this match was being played at Turf Moor then I would argue strongly that Burnley had a fantastic chance at taking this tie. After defeating two top half sides from last term including the Champions Manchester United last week at home, Robbie Blake and the Clarets are in fine form. That being said, Chelsea are off to their usual fast start and the partnership of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka is starting to take off. Carlo Ancelotti's men make easy work of Burnley, 2-0.
WINNER: CHELSEA
Tottenham Hotspur v. Birmingham (White Hart Lane 10:00 ET)
If form guides are anything to make predictions off of, Tottenham will dominate this tie. And I honestly believe that they will. While Birmingham held Man United to one goal in their opener, I cannot see them restraining Aaron Lennon on the wing or the creative magic of Luka Modric in central midfield. Birmingham look like a squad that has the quality to remain in the top flight, but I do not expect them to show it especially on the road. Tottenham takes this one easily, 3-1.
WINNER: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Blackburn Rovers v. West Ham United (Ewood Park 10:00 ET)
I honestly really like West Ham this season. In spite of their loss in a London derby with Spurs at the weekend, and the fact that at times Carlton Cole plays with the intelligence of Lucas Leiva, the Hammers have shown some promise this season under Gianfranco Zola. Blackburn, on the other hand, look certain to do what they narrowly avoided doing last term, which is being relegated. I'll say the Hammers look good again and take this one 2-1.
WINNER: WEST HAM UNITED
Bolton Wanderers v. Liverpool (Reebok Stadium 10:00 ET)
Liverpool's performance versus Aston Villa yesterday at Anfield was truly remarkable for a myriad of reasons. Steven Gerrard was uncharacteristically absent and looked completely off his game. The still injured Alberto Aquilani leaves a gaping hole the size of Rafa Benitez's appetite in midfield and Fernando Torres is not making the most of his chances in front of goal. Combine that with the fact that the Reds are using their fighting spirit on referees and not their opponents and it would not shock me if Kevin Davies and Bolton make things difficult for the Reds. I still see Liverpool winning this match but if it turns out to be a draw don't be surprised. Liverpool 1-0.
WINNER: LIVERPOOL
Stoke City v. Sunderland (Britannia Stadium 10:00 ET)
Stoke is playing at home against a team that is not playing in Europe this season, so that makes this a pretty easy pick for me. Sunderland have improved under Steve Bruce, the latest ex-United player to manage the Black Cats, and Kenwyne Jones and Darren Bent look to be in the scoring mood but I think the play of Ryan Shawcross and the Stoke defense keeps them out. Even though I do not think much of Tony Pulis' wardrobe (why must he wear that stupid hat?) his side will be the victors. 2-1.
WINNER: STOKE CITY
Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Hull City (10:00 ET)
With a bit more luck Wolves would be much higher in the table than their current position. Andy Keogh has impressed during his short run in the Premier League this year as he very nearly helped his side take a share of the spoils at the City of Manchester Stadium last weekend. Hull City have also been unlucky and their new loan signing Jozy Altidore of the United States had an assist in his debut. The Molineux faithful will play a factor in this one as I see Sylvan Ebanks-Blake breaking his Premier League duck in a big way. 3-1 Wolves.
WINNER: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Manchester United v. Arsenal (12:15 ET)
MATCH OF THE WEEK. Grab your best football watching pals and a six pack of your favourite brews for this match lads (and lasses) as this match should be a cracker. Any time Manchester United plays Arsenal in a meaningful game (when are they not meaningful?) it is always a spectacle. These two sides understand how the game ought to be played, with a glittering amalgamation of style, flair, and grit that always amounts to a fast paced football match. Both teams enter into this fixture in stunning form as both dismantled their opponents on Saturday. I would argue that United hitting Wigan for five was the more impressive of the two, and they are the team I feel will win this tie. United do not lose at Old Trafford and I don't see them doing that this weekend against an archrival. The match should be a great one. United 3, Arsenal 2.
WINNER: MANCHESTER UNITED
Portsmouth v. Manchester City (Fratton Park 8:30 ET)
Fratton Park is always a difficult place for opponents to win, but that was mainly when the home side had anything to offer in a football match. Pompey have looked miserable thus far and in dire straights financially there are few options for them to improve before the close of the summer window. Meanwhile Manchester City looked impressive while not all-powerful against Wolves at home last week and if they manage to bungle the same chances against Pompey things could get ugly. I honestly do not see that happening as Manchester City ought to romp in this one, 4-0.
WINNER: MANCHESTER CITY
Everton v. Wigan Athletic (Goodison Park 10:00 ET)
Both sides are in dire need of a strong bounceback performance following stunning losses at the weekend. Wigan looked great in the first half versus the Champions until Wayne Rooney opened the floodgates ten minutes into the second half. Rodallega and Gomez were largely ineffective while their Welsh international Jason Koumas was only able to offer one brilliant attempt which was saved expertly by United's No. 12 Ben Foster. Everton became the second Turf Moor victim of the season after Louis Saha bottled a penalty kick. Everton also look set to step into life after Joleon Lescott with a victory, which I envisage them taking with both hands. 2-0 to the Toffeemen.
WINNER: EVERTON
Aston Villa v. Fulham (Villa Park 11:00 ET)
The Villans of East Midlands looked absolutely brilliant versus Liverpool yesterday whilst Roy Hodgson's Fulham were underwhelming in their derby with Chelsea. This is the best match of Sunday as it pits two top ten finishers from last season who have eyes on Europe this term. I love Clint Dempsey for Fulham and Brede Hangeland is one of the better centre halves in the league but I am going to go with the form guide and say Villa takes this one 2-0. The attacking power of Aston Villa will be too much for Fulham.
WINNER: ASTON VILLA
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