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Premier League week 4 preview - 11th/12th September
The two week international break just three weeks into the Premier League season was seen as an inconvenience by the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle United who all made impressive starts to the campaign. For others though it was a welcome break, Everton, Stoke City and West Ham United all hoping to put a disappointing start behind them and claim their first victories of the season.
The early kick-off on Saturday afternoon sees Manchester United make the short trip to Merseyside to take on Everton at Goodison Park. Wayne Rooney has endured a difficult few days on and off the pitch recently and Everton fans certainly will not be pulling any punches as he faces the club where he began his professional career. Manchester United held the best record away from home in the Premier League last season and their ability to pick up points on the road proved crucial as they narrowly missed out on regaining the title. However, Everton have been formidable at Goodison Park in recent times and will be confident of repeating last season’s 3-1 success over the champions.
In contrast, Arsenal look to have a reasonably straightforward task at the weekend when they welcome Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger will be delighted with his side’s start to the campaign, picking up four points from difficult games on the road at Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, while producing the free flowing football we all associate with the Gunners to beat Blackpool 6-0. The Arsenal boss has received a double injury blow during the international break though, the news that Robin van Persie may be out until mid-October was followed by a serious injury to Theo Walcott on Tuesday night and it could leave him short of attacking options in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere, big spending Manchester City continue their quest for Champions League football when they entertain Blackburn at the City of Manchester stadium. The progression of the club was given a clear boost when six of the club’s players featured on Tuesday night in England’s 3-1 win over Switzerland and two of the sides promoted from the Championship last season do battle when Newcastle take on Blackpool at St James’ Park. Both sides have tasted the highs and lows of top flight football already this season, Blackpool secured a remarkable 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic on the opening day but were then humiliated 6-0 by Arsenal, while Newcastle followed up a 3-0 defeat by Manchester United with an astonishing 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa. Both sides consolidated their league position with a draw last time out and have already proved that they should not be underestimated this season.
Chelsea will look to continue their blistering start to the season when they travel across London to face local rivals West Ham at Upton Park. Influential duo John Terry and Frank Lampard were both absent from the England squad through injury, but may recover it time to feature for their club.
Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Hawthorns to face West Bromwich Albion without the services of regular first teamers Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe, who both face lengthy spells on the sidelines having picked up injuries on England international duty. Sunday afternoon sees Liverpool travel to the Midlands where they face Birmingham City at St Andrew’s. Birmingham exceeded all expectations last season as they comfortably saw off the threat of relegation. The deadline day signing of former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb signals their aspirations for the rest of the season as they look to establish themselves inside the top half.
Game of the weekend: Everton vs. Manchester United
The international break couldn’t have come at a better time for Everton manager David Moyes, giving his team a chance to regroup and start again this weekend after picking up just one point from their opening three games. Premier League champions Manchester United are the visitors on Saturday afternoon and Wayne Rooney is sure to receive a hostile reception when he faces his former club. Everton have not been beaten at Goodison Park in the Premier League since the turn of the year and are sure to provide stiff opposition for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Blast from the past: 20th January 2010 - Arsenal 4-2 Bolton Wanderers
Arsenal came from two goals down to beat Bolton and move to the top of the Premier League table in an action packed encounter. Gary Cahill put Bolton ahead after seven minutes and Matt Taylor doubled their lead from the penalty spot to silence the home crowd. Tomas Rosicky pulled one back just before half time before the Gunners turned on the style after the break, goals from Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Andrei Arshavin completing a memorable comeback.
On this day : 10 years ago - 2000/2001
Manchester United hit Bradford City for six, Quinton Fortune netting twice while Andy Cole, David Beckham and Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer completed the rout. Elsewhere, Derby County came from three goals down to snatch a point against Middlesborough in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Pride Park.
Five years ago - 2005/06
Luis Garcia was the hero for Liverpool, his 87th minute strike securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield. Charlton Athletic continued their dream start to the campaign with a surprisingly comfortable 3-0 success away at Middlesborough.
One year ago - 2009/2010
Liverpool twice came from behind to defeat a spirited Bolton Wanderers side, Steven Gerrard netting the crucial winning goal with just seven minutes remaining. Elsewhere Manchester United ran out narrow victors against Arsenal, Abou Diaby’s second half own goal proving decisive.
Week 4 fixtures
Saturday 11th September
Everton vs. Manchester Utd - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Arsenal vs. Bolton - 15.00
Fulham vs. Wolverhampton - 15.00
Manchester City vs. Blackburn - 15.00
Newcastle vs. Blackpool - 15.00
West Brom vs. Tottenham - 15.00
West Ham Utd vs. Chelsea - 15.00
Wigan vs. Sunderland - 15.00
Sunday 12th September
Birmingham vs. Liverpool - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
Monday 13th September
Stoke City vs. Aston Villa - 20.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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