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Premier League preview - Week 8 - October 16/17, 2010
The international break proved to be rather unsuccessful for the home nations, with none of the five sides able to register a victory during the fortnight. Domestic football is back on the agenda this weekend though, as the league tables begin to take shape.
Chelsea continue their title defence with a potentially tough trip to Villa Park on Saturday evening. After weeks of debate and speculation, Aston Villa finally appointed Gerard Houllier as manager of the club. In the absence of a permanent manager on the touchline, Villa had struggled for consistency, picking up seven points at Villa Park but just three on their travels this season. With the former Liverpool manager now settled in, expect the club to make giant strides in the coming months, starting this weekend.
Elsewhere, West Brom face the daunting task of a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo must be admired for employing a flamboyant style of football at the club since his arrival in 2009, and it has led to plenty of success - not least this season. The Baggies occupy sixth place and have already claimed a massive scalp away from home with a 3-2 victory over Arsenal, so will be full of confidence for the trip to Manchester.
United will be disappointed with what they will consider a lacklustre start to the campaign. Their home form is faultless as you would expect with maximum points from three games. However, on the road they have recorded four successive draws, letting leads slip on two occasions - something that Sir Alex Ferguson will be keen to address.
In Saturday’s other games, Arsenal welcome Birmingham to the Emirates desperate to register a victory after going three games without a win. Having hit the heights of a top half finish last season, the Blues have been far less successful this time round with just one win from their opening seven games.
The bottom two sides Wolves and West Ham face off at Molineux in what could prove to be an early relegation six pointer. The Hammers look to be improving under the guidance of Avram Grant and they will be keen to continue where they left off before the international break. In contrast, the two week break was much needed for Mick McCarthy’s side, who had gone four games without registering a point while receiving wide range criticism for their hard fought style of play. The Wolves boss is sure to have rallied his troops though, and they will be raring to go come Saturday afternoon.
Sunday looks sure to be an unforgettable day, with the whole of Merseyside set to come to a stand still when Everton and Liverpool lock horns at Goodison Park. Liverpool have had a clear edge in recent years, unbeaten in seven Premier League encounters between the sides while winning the last three league meetings at Goodison Park. However, they have never entered a Merseyside derby in such bad form and Everton will look to add to their problems and earn the bragging rights for their fans on Sunday afternoon.
It’s fair to say Blackpool are enjoying life in the top flight of English football. A 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield is sure to go down as one of the club’s finest achievements and a home victory over second placed Manchester City on Sunday would cap a remarkable few months for the Seasiders.
Game of the weekend: Everton vs. Liverpool
The Merseyside derby is always an eagerly anticipated clash but this weekend’s contest is being billed as the most significant meeting for years. Both sides have made torrid starts to the Premier League campaign, Everton languishing down in 17th while Liverpool sit one place lower in the bottom three. The off field problems at Liverpool are clearly having an impact on the pitch, giving Everton their best opportunity in years to get one over on their local rivals.
Blast from the past: Monday 16th April 2001 – Everton 2-3 Liverpool
A stunning 45 yard free kick from Gary McAllister deep into stoppage time saw Liverpool snatch the bragging rights on Merseyside. David Unsworth looked to have secured a point for Everton, converting from the penalty spot just seven minutes from time. Liverpool were to have the final say however, an ingenious free kick from McAllister caught goalkeeper Paul Gerrard off guard and snatched the points in a typically action packed derby.
On this day: 10 years ago – 2000/2001
Leeds United edged out Tottenham 4-3 thanks to second half braces from both Mark Viduka and Alan Smith in a thrilling encounter. Manchester United saw their unbeaten run ended by bitter rivals Arsenal, allowing Leicester City to move top of the Premier League with a goalless draw at Sunderland.
Five years ago - 2005/06
Chelsea maintained their 100% start to the season with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Liverpool, stretching their lead at the top to nine points. Surprise package Charlton let a two goal advantage slip at the Valley, eventually losing 3-2 to Tottenham, who moved up to third as a result.
One year ago - 2009/2010
Chelsea moved back to the top of the Premier League table courtesy of a hard fought 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Portsmouth fans finally had something to celebrate as they picked up their first points of the season, narrowly defeating newcomers Wolves 1-0 at Molineux.
Week 8 fixtures
Saturday 16th October
Arsenal vs. Birmingham - 15.00
Bolton vs. Stoke - 15.00
Fulham vs. Tottenham - 15.00
Manchester United vs. West Brom - 15.00
Newcastle vs. Wigan - 15.00
Wolves vs. West Ham - 15.00
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea - 17.30 - Live on ESPN
Sunday 17th October
Everton vs. Liverpool - 13.30 - Live on Sky Sports
Blackpool vs. Manchester City - 16.00 - Live on Sky Sports
Monday 18th October
Blackburn vs. Sunderland - 20.00 - Live on Sky Sports
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
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