| |
Premier League week 3 preview - 28th/29th August
This weekend sees the third round of Premier League fixtures taking place and it certainly has a lot to live up to. Blackpool have already tasted the ups and downs of the Premier League, crashing back to earth last Saturday with a 6-0 defeat at Arsenal. There is no doubt Chelsea have set the benchmark with back-to-back 6-0 victories, but manager Carlo Ancelotti knows tougher tasks lie ahead. Manchester United let the lead slip on two occasions last Sunday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage, while neither of the Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton have managed a victory in their opening two games and will both be desperate to get up and running.
Saturday’s midday kick off sees Blackburn Rovers entertain Arsenal at Ewood Park. Arsene Wenger will be encouraged by his side’s start to the season, claiming a point from Liverpool at Anfield before thumping Blackpool for six at the Emirates. Blackburn on the other hand have suffered mixed emotions so far - a narrow victory over Everton on the opening day was followed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Birmingham after dominating for the first hour. They will be keen to get back to winning ways at Ewood Park and will draw confidence from last season’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners.
Chelsea could not have started the season more impressively. Successive 6-0 wins are sure to do wonders for their goal difference come the end of the season and who would rule out a similar score line on Saturday when they welcome Stoke City to Stamford Bridge. Stoke are yet to record a point this season after being narrowly edged out by both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur. The on-going saga regarding goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has only worsened the mood at the club, and when you consider the corresponding fixture last season saw Chelsea storm to a 7-0 victory it does not bode well for Tony Pulis.
Elsewhere, Bloomfield Road will play host to Blackpool’s first ever Premier League home fixture when Fulham make the trip North. Blackpool boss Iain Holloway will know that if his side are to achieve the remarkable and beat the drop this season, it is vital that their recently redeveloped home ground becomes a fortress for the next nine months.
Wigan Athletic will look to put a torrid start to the campaign behind them when they travel to White Hart Lane to face a Tottenham side that will still be on a high, after a 4-0 win over Young Boys on Wednesday night secured their place in the Champions League group stages.
Manchester United welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford in Saturday’s late kick-off. Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed to see his side twice surrender the lead against Fulham and he knows it could be two crucial points dropped even this early in the season. They will be keen to get back on track with a victory this weekend and the return of Wayne Rooney is sure to aid the cause.
Game of the weekend: Aston Villa vs. Everton
The weekend’s stand out clash comes Sunday when Aston Villa take on Everton at Villa Park. Both sides showed last season that on their day they are a match for any Premier League side. Aston Villa continue their quest for a new manager while still trying to get to grips with the departure of James Milner. Everton have started the season slowly, but David Moyes has high expectations this season, with key players returned to full fitness.
Blast from the past: 22nd November 2009 - Tottenham 9-1 Wigan
A ruthless second half display helped Tottenham secure their biggest victory in the Premier League, scoring eight second half goals to thump Wigan 9-1. Jermaine Defoe grabbed the headlines as he scored five second half goals to catch the eye of the England Coach Fabio Capello with a clinical display in front of goal.
On this day : 10 years ago - 2000/2001
Arsenal came from 2-1 down at half time to take all three points with a 5-3 win over Charlton Athletic in a thrilling encounter at Highbury, while Marian Pahars inspired Southampton to a similar comeback, scoring two goals in the closing 20 minutes to help the Saints come from 3-0 down to rescue a point against Liverpool.
Five years ago - 2005/06
Arsenal recovered from a goal behind to comfortably see off fellow Londoners Fulham 4-1 at Highbury, Thierry Henry and defender Pascal Cygan both netting a brace. Chelsea maintained a perfect start to their title defence thumping West Bromwich Albion 4-0 with Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Joe Cole amongst the goals.
One year ago - 2009/2010
Newly promoted Burnley followed up a midweek victory over champions Manchester United with a narrow 1-0 win over Everton at Turf Moor, moving them into the top six in the Premier League table.
Week 3 fixtures
Saturday 28th August
Blackburn vs. Arsenal - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Blackpool vs. Fulham - 15.00
Chelsea vs. Stoke City - 15.00
Tottenham vs. Wigan - 15.00
Wolves vs. Newcastle - 15.00
Manchester Utd vs. West Ham - 17.30 - Live on ESPN
Sunday 29nd August
Bolton vs. Birmingham - 13.30 - Live on Sky Sports
Liverpool vs. West Brom - 15.00
Sunderland vs. Manchester City - 15.00
Aston Villa vs. Everton - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
Related Articles
| |