Premier League Fixtures - Aug 16th, 2008
A preview of all the opening fixtures in the EPL this weekend.
Aug 15, 2008
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
The Gunners host The Baggies at the Emirates Stadium in the lunchtime kick-off (12.45pm BST) with the North-London side huge favourites. But after a midweek journey to Holland to face Steve McClaren's FC Twente in the UEFA Champions League qualifier, Arsene Wenger's side may find it hard going against Tony Mowbray's team. The stubborn Midlands outfit played as well as any side in the Coca-Cola Championship last season, and will treat the opening fixture of their campaign like a bonus. With a little luck, The Baggies can come out of this with their heads held high.
Verdict : A nervy win for Arsenal
Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City
The Trotters, rescued from relegation by Gary Megson last season, have spent well in the pre-season, and will be looking to prove themselves a cut above Championship runners-up Stoke at the Reebok Stadium. With Stoke making a long-awaited return to English football's top flight, manager Tony Pulis will be hoping that pressure and effort will earn them a lengthy stay. But Bolton may just have that little bit of extra quality to see them to three hard-earned points.
Verdict : Trotters too strong
Everton v Blackburn Rovers
At the time of going to press, Blackburn have managed to hold off Machester City's advances for Roque Santa Cruz, and if the talented Paraguayan striker plays, they look likely to cause problems against an Everton side that is still awaiting its first addition of the summer. But Everton have a good home record and David Moyes is likely to set up a centrally-solid midfield with Mikel Arteta given licence to roam. With that in mind, both European hopefuls may well cancel each other out.
Verdict : Low-score draw
Hull City v Fulham
Premier League new boys Hull will be desperate to win what could prove to have been a vital fixture come the end of the season, and with striking talisman Dean Windass up front, will pose Fulham problems. However, Roy Hodgson has created a real feel-good atmosphere at Craven Cottage, and after a miraculous survival in May, has bought quality in forwards Andrew Johnson from Everton and Bobby Zamora from West Ham United. Fulham will not be afraid of throwing caution to the wind, and with Hull still on a high after winning the Play-Off Final, this could be an entertaining clash.
Verdict : Four goals shared at the KC stadium
Middlesbrough v Tottenham Hotspur
With recent aquisitions David Bentley and Luka Modric both expected to start for Spurs, Middlesbrough may have a tough time living with the Londoners' midfield. However, in Afonso Alves, the Boro faithful have a new hero and if he can emulate the form he showed towards the tail-end of last season, the crowd could be in for a treat. With both first-choice goalkeepers from last term moving on, it's all change in both camps between the sticks, which could lead to a few goals.
Verdict : Spurs edge a thriller
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
If this fixture runs true to recent form, then it will be a 'Home Banker'. The Hammers have had the indian sign over the Lancashire outfit for two seasons now, most memorably in their 3-0 victory at the JJB 18 months ago, which led the the London club's amazing survival in the Premier League. But with rumours of unrest abounding at Upton Park, Steve Bruce's Wigan side may have picked a perfect time to play Alan Curbishley's team.
Verdict : Away Day for Brucey
Sunderland v Liverpool
After a woeful performance in their first leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifier on Wednesday night, Rafa Benitez faces Roy Keane's Sunderland in the tea-time clash at The Stadium of Light (kick off 5.30pm BST). And whilst Keane has brought several new players to the North-East, only Irishman Robbie Keane stands out as someone who will improve Liverpool's first team. Whether they can recover from their poor form against Standard Liege will be crucial as to whether Keane's Mackems can pounce on a weakness in a fixture that would normally be looked upon as an away win.
Verdict : Merseysiders make hard work of a win
Aston Villa v Manchester City (Sunday)
With both clubs in UEFA Cup action this week, there were mixed fortunes for both teams. Mark Hughes' City side were beaten at home by unfancied also-rans F.C. Midtjylland 1-0. With the crucial second leg still to come, Hughes will be looking to gain some form in the league. But with defender Richard Dunne ruled out through suspension, and £19m striker Jo at the 2008 Olypmics, the squad is a little bare. Martin O'Neill will be confident his Villains can kick on from their 4-1 victory in midweek to register three points.
Verdict : Easy win for Villa
Chelsea v Portsmouth
With Phil Scolari's summer signings Deco and Bosingwa set to make their Stamford Bridge bows and midfielder Frank Lampard also expected to start following him signing a new five-year contract this week, Chelsea seem favourites to win. But Harry Redknapp's Pompey side had a great season last season, winning one more trophy than their West-London counterparts. With a dogged defence and new strike-force Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe liekly to start upfront, Portsmouth will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Verdict : Chelsea by a nose
Manchester United v Newcastle United
At the time of going to press, striker Dimitar Berbatov looks poised to sign for United. But whether the intuitive Bulgarian is at Old Trafford-bound or not, there only looks to be one winner here. With Michael Owen not fit to play any part for Newcastle, Kevin Keegan will try to flood the midfield and play for the kind of draw which Reading managed to grab this time last season. Wayne Rooney is fit and will probably start alongside Carlos Tevez, who has shown terrific pre-season form.
