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Week 4 of the English Premier League kicks off this Saturday with a bevy of exciting matches, and one in particular that has many buzzing with anticipation. We break it down so you don’t have to- sit back, crack open a Newcastle, and enjoy some early morning footie with the following:
Chelsea vs. Burnley
The men from SW6 have won three games on the trot, and done a decent job thus far of imposing their will on opposing teams. With health swinging their way for a change, we may well see the return of fan-favorite winger Joe Cole, as well as the first pitch appearances for Brazilian imports Alex, Juliano Belletti, and Russian winger Yuri Zhirkov. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has thus far played with his lineups and field formations, looking for the right combination of power and finesse that will enable the club to play a more pleasing brand of football. Given that their opponents are not the most daunting of challengers, one can expect Carlo to rest a few of the bigger names in favor of some pitch time for fringe players and those that need some reps. Burnley have already taken down Manchester United this term, so it should be noted that Chelsea will have to work for their opportunities. But, I think everyone will agree that Chelsea should have this game wrapped up by half-time.
Prediction: Chelsea 3, Burnley 0
Tottenham vs. Birmingham City
Bill Simmons. Sigh. Look, I get that The Spurs are a trendy pick for a favorite team. They have a great nucleus of young talent, arguably the best depth in terms of strikers in the League, and a budding Star in the lightning quick Aaron Lennon. So yes, I can understand why you would support them if you new nothing of the sport, their tortured history, their inability to hold down any semblance of consistency for longer than 15 matches, and their penchant for failing to show up for the big games. Maybe things are finally changing though. They’re in the pole position after three weeks, and seem to have no problem scoring goals. I’ll continue to ask questions of their defense, particularly when they face a team with the ability to challenge the ever-so-unreliable Huerelio Gomes and deputy Carlo Cudicini. That being said, they’re going to run away with this match, as Birmingham seem to lack the mettle to even threaten a net this year.
Prediction: Tottenham 4, Birmingham City 0
Blackburn Rovers vs. West Ham
First, a moment of silence for the horrific madness that took place on Wednesday after West Ham faced ultra-mega-super-hated rivals Millwall in a Carling Cup fixture. If you don’t understand, picture Yankees-Red Sox, but multiply it by Zach Randolph‘s ever-expanding waistline. Yeah. It’s nothing to make light of. If you want visual proof, hit NetFlix and grab a copy of Green Street Hooligans. So ANYWAYS, The Hambino’s will take the pitch against a Blackburn side that hasn’t resembled much of a threat thus far. This seems like a trap game for West Ham, given the emotional level of Wednesday’s battle with Millie, I don’t see the players having the intensity to last a full 90 minutes against a Blackburn side that’s been resting all week.
Prediction: Blackburn 1, West Ham 0
Bolton vs. Liverpool
Well, I’ve enjoyed watching the Liverpool faithful wince after two early season losses. Papers are calling for manager Rafa Benitez scalp, as well as American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks dicks in a vice grip after letting influential midfielder Xabi Alonso leave for greener pastures. Needless to say, things need to change, FAST for the men on Merseyside, or this will be a long and torturous year without silverware. Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, and Dirk Kuyt need to strap on their shooting boots and let rip. They can’t always play cheeky passes into the box, and look to make the ‘selfless’ play when in reality, they need to be firing at full speed to give the team a chance of winning. Bolton is overmatched on paper, but a home game always helps. I expect an upset here, with Bolton making the misery on Mersey that much more painful.
Prediction: Bolton 2, Liverpool 1
Wolverhampton vs. Hull City
American starlet Jozy Altidore bagged his first goal for the club in only his second appearance this past week, and now he looks to pair up with his comrades in an attempt to slip away with a crucial three points on the road. The Wolves are hurting for wins, however, and playing at home will help their cause. Manager Mick McCarthy will have laid into his lads after a string of horribly inept performances in front of goal. Expect this one to be a goal glut.
Prediction: Wolves 3, Hull City 3
Stoke City vs. Sunderland
Simply put, both teams are playing excellent, tough, hard-nosed footy. Sunderland have been reborn this year under the stewardship of Steve Bruce, while new striker Darren Bent has already hit for two nice strikes. His partner in crime, Kenwyne Jones, will be looking to get off the pace for his first strike of the year, while Stoke and Rory Delap will make every attempt to stifle the visitors efforts. This one has draw written all over it.
Prediction: Stoke 0, Sunderland 0
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
Ah yes, finally, a game that matters! Our first sampling of last year’s top-four doing battle at Old Trafford. United simply cannot afford to drop points, especially at home, while Arsenal have been in ripe form, bagging goals and playing the effortless, free-flowing brand of mastermind Arsene Wenger dreams. While many expected United to have their early-season difficulties, few anticipated that Arsenal would begin their year with such resolve and dedication. Both teams are significantly weaker than they were last year, at least on paper, but this match will come down to execution and possession. United are misers with the ball at home, splaying it around the pitch and forcing defenses to make mistakes that they can then exploit. Meanwhile, Arsenal rely on a swift counter-attacking style that lends itself to open passes and shot attempts. I hope this one lives up to its billing, and with the number of star talent on the pitch, here’s hoping we’re treated to a goal barrage of sorts.
Prediction: Manchester United 3, Arsenal 1
Portsmouth vs. Manchester City
Meanwhile, the other team in Manchester just keep going about their business, ruthlessly scoring goals and shutting-down opponents. With their latest import, Joleon Lescott sliding into the back four in mid-week Carling Cup action, they continue to pound opponents into submission with their expansive list of attacking players. Portsmouth are outmatched, even if they are at home. This one will be a simple exercise in dominance for the Citizens.
Prediction: City 4, Portsmouth 0
Aston Villa vs. Fulham
Incoming defender Richard Dunne should help stabilize a back four that hasn’t played to the best of their abilities thus far. The win over Liverpool on Monday was certainly a massive confidence boost for manager Martin O’Neil and his troops, and it should propel them into a win against a Fulham squad that might lack the bite and prowess in front of the net. Winger Ashley Young may be on the sidelines, but Villa have plenty of options to slot into his place, and shouldn’t suffer dramatically in his absence.
Prediction: Villa 2, Fulham 0
Everton vs. Wigan Athletic
Everton need wins. Plain and simple. If they’re going to challenge for Europa League football next year, they have to start beating up on mid-level squads at home, though it won’t be an easy task. Their biggest distraction this year is now behind them, with the protracted Lescott transfer finally finished. Incoming transfers notwithstanding, Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini need to pick up the slack and help Jo and Yakubu find the back of the net. Meanwhile, Wigan will scrape for a draw, and in this case, they’ll see out the most boring match of the weekend.
Prediction: Everton 0, Wigan 0
