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Premier League preview - Week 7 - October 2/3, 2010
Chelsea were brought back down to earth with a bang last Saturday when Manchester City handed them their first defeat of the Premier League season. The defending champions remain top of the pile though and look to have strong credentials again this season. In contrast, things go from bad to worse for Roy Hodgson and Liverpool, who dropped more points at home to Sunderland last week and sit 16th in the league table, sandwiched between Wolves and Blackpool.
Back to the business end though, the two most successful clubs in the country’s capital city do battle when Chelsea face Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Both sides suffered defeats last weekend but got back on track with midweek Champions League victories. Arsene Wenger firmly believes this is the year his developing squad can mount a title challenge. However, doubts remain over first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who let in three against West Brom, including a howler on his part. He was replaced in midweek by Lukas Fabianski who stepped up to the plate with an accomplished performance in Serbia and he could well fill the goalkeeping berth for the weekend’s big clash. Chelsea welcome back Didier Drogba who was suspended in midweek, but are still without influential midfielder Frank Lampard who continues his recovery from a hernia operation.
Manchester United’s search for a first Premier League away win continues on Saturday when they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on a Sunderland side who have already taken points off Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this season. Doubts remain over the fitness of Wayne Rooney who has struggled to cope under the media spotlight in recent weeks. In his absence, Dimitar Berbatov has thrived with six league goals already this season and he’ll be looking to add to his tally at the weekend.
Everton remain the only side yet to register a win this season and their task doesn’t get much easy on Saturday with a tough away trip to Birmingham on the agenda. Although he’s sure to be concerned with his side’s lacklustre start, Toffees’ manager David Moyes believes they’ll quickly move up the table once they discover a cutting edge in front of goal. Their Merseyside rivals Liverpool will look to kick-start their campaign with three points on Sunday when they welcome newly promoted Blackpool to Anfield. Spanish forward Fernando Torres has just one goal to his name under Hodgson and the Liverpool boss needs his star striker firing on all cylinders as soon as possible if they still hold hopes of a top four finish.
Finally, Manchester City take on Newcastle United at the City of Manchester Stadium still on a high after last weekend’s narrow victory over Chelsea. That could well ignite a title charge from Roberto Mancini’s side who certainly have the quality to mount a challenge. Newcastle have experienced all the highs and lows of the Premier League just six games into the season. A 6-0 thrashing of Aston Villa at St James Park and three points away at Everton had the Toon Army dreaming of Europe. Successive home defeats at the hands of Blackpool and Stoke have ensured their feet stay firmly on the ground as they concentrate on securing their status as a Premier League club for next season.
Game of the weekend: Chelsea vs. Arsenal
There is no doubt that the game of the weekend on paper comes from Stamford Bridge on Sunday when Chelsea and Arsenal lock horns again in a game that splits the capital. Chelsea have had the better of recent meetings, winning four of the last five Premier League games between the two. However, Arsene Wenger has his young squad in high spirits and they are sure to provide a stern test for the champions.
Blast from the past: Monday October 1, 2007: Tottenham 4-4 Aston Villa
Tottenham came from 4-1 down to snatch a point from Aston Villa in an unforgettable encounter. Berbatov put the hosts ahead before a quick-fire brace from Villa centre-half Martin Laursen was followed by goals either side of half-time from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Craig Gardner. Tottenham launched a spirited comeback though, with Younes Kaboul levelling in the dying seconds after Pascal Chimbonda and Robbie Keane had given Spurs hope.
On this day: 10 years ago - 2000/01
Manchester United dropped points as Tore Andre Flo scored twice to earn Chelsea a share of the spoils in a six-goal thriller at Old Trafford. Leicester couldn’t take advantage though and stayed second having been held to a 1-1 draw by Everton.
Five years ago - 2005/06
A Morten Gamst Pedersen brace inspired Blackburn to a memorable 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Chelsea pulled further clear of their title rivals, coming from behind to snatch the points against Aston Villa.
One year ago - 2009/10
Wigan handed to Chelsea their first defeat of the season, the dismissal of Petr Cech key to their 3-1 victory at the DW Stadium. Elsewhere, Fernando Torres notched an impressive hat-trick as Liverpool thumped Hull for six while Portsmouth suffered their seventh straight defeat at home to Everton.
Week 7 fixtures
Saturday October 2, 2010
Wigan vs. Wolverhampton - 12.45 - Live on Sky Sports
Birmingham vs. Everton - 15.00
Stoke vs. Blackburn - 15.00
Sunderland vs. Manchester Utd - 15.00
Tottenham vs. Aston Villa - 15.00
West Brom vs. Bolton - 15.00
West Ham vs. Fulham - 15.00
Sunday October 3, 2010
Manchester City vs. Newcastle - 13.30 - Live on Sky Sports
Liverpool vs. Blackpool - 14.05
Chelsea vs. Arsenal - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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