EPL Talk » Premier League

Premier League Preview, Nov. 21-22

Randy Capps — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:05:05 +0000

After an International break that completed the 32-team field for the World Cup next summer in South Africa, the EPL surges back to action this weekend with an important fixture at Anfield.

That game is on ESPN in glorious high definition. Here’s the entire TV schedule.

Now, on to the previews:

Liverpool vs. Manchester City

Two teams with designs on playing in the 2010-2011 Champions League meet Saturday morning at Anfield.

Table watch: The Reds are in seventh place on 19 points, just one point south of sixth-place City.

Paging El Niño:Fernando Torres seems in line to make the start up front for embattled gaffer Rafa Benitez, and he may also have Steven Gerrard and a match-fit Alberto Aquilani from which to pick.

The Barry watch: City manager Mark Hughes may have Gareth Barry back in the lineup, assuming he shrugs off a groin strain.

Craig Bellamy also has a similar injury.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Birmingham vs. Fulham

Call this an elevator match as Fulham tries to continue its rise to the top 10 while Birmingham tries to steer clear of the relegation zone Saturday morning at St. Andrews.

Table watch: Birmingham is in 15th place on 12 points while the Whites are in 11th spot with 15 points.

Drawing conclusions: City finds itself only two points above the relegation fray despite posting back-to-back draws against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Injury watch: Birmingham will be without Garry O’Connor (hip), Martin Taylor (ankle) and David Murphy (knee), while Fulham’s Diomansy Kamara (ankle) is likely to miss out while Danny Murphy (knee) and Andrew Johnson (groin) are question marks.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Burnley vs. Aston Villa

A pair of top 10 sides meet at Turf Moor on Saturday as the Villans come calling.

Table watch:Burnley is in 10th place on 16 points while Aston Villa is in fifth place on 21 points.

Options, options:Villa boss Martin O’Neill might have Emile Heskey and James Collins back in the fold for the trip to Turf Moor.

Second anniversary:Burnley manager Owen Coyle is celebrating his second year on the job. “I’ve said before that he’s been terrific for all of us,” Burnley’s Wade Elliott told the Lancashire Telegraph. ”When he came, the first thing he said was he wanted us to go out and express ourselves, be positive, that there would be no comeback if we made mistakes trying to do the right thing.

“That probably sums up his ethos, aside from what’s come with him getting us promoted.”

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Chelsea vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Front-running Chelsea welcome Wolves to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Table watch: Chelsea is in first place on 30 points while Wolves is in 19th position on 10 points.

They said it: “We’ll be the underdogs and have got nothing to lose, so we might as well go there and go for it. This is the reason why we wanted to play in the Premier League to play against teams like this. Of course it’s difficult but it’s another good experience and we’ll be going there ready to give it everything we’ve got.” – Wolves captain Joey Craddock, to Sky Sports

Yeah, but it’s not broken: Apparently, a fractured tibia may not keep Chelsea’s Ashley Cole off the pitch this weekend, according to a report on ESPN International.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Hull City vs. West Ham United

Two of the league’s biggest underachievers to date tangle at the KC Stadium this weekend.

Table watch: Hull has 11 points, good for 17th place. West Ham is in 18th place on 10 points.

Last time: West Ham won 2-0 when these teams last met back in January.

Looking ahead: Despite their win before the International break, Hull City has been struggling a bit. West Ham has as well. So it’s tough not to see this one as a relegation six-pointer.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Sunderland vs. Arsenal

The Stadium of Light is the venue as Arsenal meets the Black Cats.

Table watch:Sunderland is in eighth place on 17 points while the Gunners are in second place on 25 points.

Injury report:Arsenal’s injury list grows as Robin van Persie picked up a knock during the break. Add him to a list that includes Nicklas Bendtner (hernia), Gael Clichy (back), Denilson (back) and Johan Djourou (knee). But Theo Walcott (knee) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) might see time for Arsenal.

Sunderland has a couple of long-term injuries and will also be without Michael Turner and Kenwyne Jones through suspension.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Manchester United vs. Everton

The Red Devils suddenly find themselves five points off the pace and in third place in the league standings as the Toffees visit Old Trafford for the Saturday finale.

Table watch:United is on 25 points, good for third, while Everton is in 12th place on 15 points.

In the dugout:Even though he was hit with a two-match ban this week, Sir Alex Ferguson will be in the dugout for this match. The ban won’t start until next week against Portsmouth.

Match facts:From Eurosport - 33 percent of the goals Manchester United have conceded have come from shots from outside the box, the highest percentage in the top flight. … Everton are yet to score a goal in the opening 15 minutes of any Premier League match this season. … 35 percent of Manchester United’s goals have been netted in the final 15 minutes of games – a league high. … United are the only team in the Premier League who have not dropped any points from a winning position in the league this season. … Everton have only won one of their last 28 Premier League meetings with United.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Bolton Wanderers vs. Blackburn Rovers

Two teams hoping to avoid the drop zone tangle at the Reebok Sunday morning.

Table watch: Bolton is on 11 points in 16th place while Blackburn is in 14th place on 13 points.

A repeat performace:Blackburn’s results through 11 games under Sam Allardyce are identical to the 2008-2009 team’s efforts under since-fired coach Paul Ince.

Streaking – the wrong way:Bolton has just won win in tis six home matches while Rovers have dropped five straight league matches, allowing 18 goals and scoring just three in that span.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wigan Athletic

Spurs will be hoping to hang on to their place in the top four as the Latics visit White Hart Lane.

Table watch:Spurs are in fourth place on 22 points while Wigan is in 13th spot on 14 points.

Modric still out:Tottenham’s Luka Modric won’t feature this weekend, but is nearing a return from his fractured fibula.

Don’t bet the draw:It has been 12 matches since Spurs had a draw at home and it has also been a dozen matches since Wigan forged a draw on the road.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Stoke City vs. Portsmouth

The Potters will try to keep Pompey in the basement when the two sides meet in the late game on Sunday.

Table watch: Stoke is in ninth place on 16 points while Portsmouth is in 20th place on seven points.

Injury report: The Potters will be without Mamady Sidibe (hamstring), Salif Diao (calf) and Amdy Faye (back), while Portsmouth may be without John Utaka and Steve Finnan (both groin). Linvoy Primus and Hermann Hreidarsson (both ankle) will be out for sure.

Don’t go down: Stoke City and Portsmouth are the only teams yet to recoup any points after falling behind in a Premier League game this season.

Predict the winner of this match with the EPL Talk Predictor

Premier League Preview, Nov. 7-9

Randy Capps — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:09:11 +0000

Does it get much better?

Manchester United visits Chelsea this weekend with first place on the line.

I could stop there, but then this wouldn’t be much of a preview, would it?

Before we get into the games, check out the TV schedule.

And don’t forget to tab the winners with the EPL Talk Predictor.

Now, back to the matches.

Table watch: Chelsea is in the pole position with 27 points, just two ahead of second-place United.

Another classic?:Chelsea and United have provided us with some thrilling games in recent years, including the Blues’ FA Cup win in 2007 and United’s Champions League triumph in Moscow a year later.

History lesson: This is the 35th Premier League meeting between the sides. Each has won 10 to go along with 14 draws. Four of those 10 wins for the Red Devils came at Stamford Bridge.

Injury report:United’s Rio Ferdinand won’t play in this one due to a – depending on the source – a calf or back injury, but Darren Fletcher is expected to feature. In addition, Sir Alex Ferguson told the team’s Web site that Nemanja Vidic, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov will be ready for the key encounter. Aside from Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea have no major injury issues.

They said it: “We have no choice, we have to win because we are two points in front and we want to stay in front. It’s going to be a big, big, big game and we have to play at our best level in front of our fans. ‘We have a (good) home record and we’re trying to keep it. Before the international break it would be a good result to win at home. To be five points clear would be a good thing for us, we have never been five in front for a long time.” – Chelsea’s Florent Malouda, to the team’s Web site.

Aston Villa vs. Bolton Wanderers

After a disappointing loss to West Ham in mid-week, Aston Villa welcomes Bolton to Villa Park to start the weekend.

Table watch: Villa is in seventh place on 18 points while Bolton resides in 15th place on 11 points.

Banned:Habib Beye picked up a red card and Stilyan Petrov racked up his fifth yellow card in the loss to the Hammers, making both ineligible for Villa on Saturday.

Road warriors: Six of Bolton’s 11 points have come away from home this season.

Blackburn Rovers vs. Portsmouth

Blackburn waits at Ewood Park for a suddenly potent Pompey side.

Table watch: Blackburn is in 18th place on 10 points while Portsmouth is still in the basement on seven points.

On a roll: All seven of those points for Pompey have come in the last four matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Wigan last week.

Checking the rear-view mirror: Rovers need a result to stay ahead of Portsmouth in the standings and, with the right results in other matches, Portsmouth could jump three or four places in the table with a win.

They said it: ”Portsmouth couldn’t get out of the hole they are in then all of a sudden they are walking tall. We will be looking forward though to going back to Ewood Park, having played Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United away. No disrespect to Portsmouth.” – Blackburn’s Ryan Nelsen, to the Lancashire Telegraph

Manchester City vs. Burnley

City will look to protect its place in the top four when the Clarets come calling on Saturday.

Table watch: Manchester City is in fourth place on 19 points while Burnley is in 10th place on 15 points.

An unhappy mixture: City is unbeaten in four matches at Eastlands this season while Burnley has dropped all five of its matches away from Turf Moor, getting out-paced 17-2 in the process.

They said it:

“I have no doubts that City can break into the top four. But with expectations being raised the fans will be looking for honours and all those things that go with it. We will pay them the utmost respect but we are capable of getting a positive result. My players have to believe in themselves, trust each other and stay focused. If we can do that we can end this run of away results.” – Burnley manager Owen Coyle, to Sky Sports

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Sunderland

Spurs have designs on the top four as well, and they’ll look to work towards that goal when the Black Cats travel to London this weekend.

Table watch: Spurs are in fifth place with 19 points while Sunderland are just two points behind in eighth.

Picking up the pieces: After coming out on the wrong end of a 3-0 derby result with Arsenal, Tottenham will try to bounce back. “It’s one game and I’m sure this will hurt for a few days yet but once that’s over we have to focus on the next match and try to get back to winning ways against Sunderland,” Ledley King told the team’s Web site.

Less than ideal: Sunderland will have to do without the suspended Lorik Cana and Kenwyne Jones and the injured Lee Cattermole on the trip to White Hart Lane, surely testing the depth of Steve Bruce’s squad.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Arsenal

The streaking Gunners pay a visit to the Molineux to face Wolves in the final Saturday fixture.

Table watch: Arsenal is in third place on 22 points while Wolves find themselves in 17th on 10 points.

Tough run coming: After facing Arsenal, Wolves face Chelsea next week and will face United, City, Spurs and Liverpool before the calendar flips to 2010.

Staying positive: The Gunners are in fine form, but Wolves’ Michael Kightly is still confident. ”If everyone thinks we’re not going to get anything from the games, that will suit us. When we’re the underdogs, we’re a dangerous animal and we can cause teams problems,” he told the Express & Star.

Hull City vs. Stoke City

The slumping Tigers hope to change their stripes on Sunday when the Potters invade the KC Stadium.

Table watch: Hull is in 19th place on eight points while the Potters are in ninth place on 16 points.

History lesson: Stoke took a 2-1 win in this fixture back in May.

Warning signs for the gaffer: “Phil (Brown) will be manager on Sunday but there’s no point me saying he’s got a job for life, that’s not the case. We need results, quickly, and that puts pressure on everyone at the club,” new chairman Adam Pearson said this week.

West Ham vs. Everton

The Hammers needed that win over Villa, and they’ll look to continue picking up points when the Toffees visit London.

Table watch: West Ham has 10 points, good for 16th place, while Everton has 12 points and resides in 13th spot.

Trend watch:Everton has won five of the last seven meetings between these two clubs.

History lesson:Everton won this fixture, 3-1, last season against a 10-man Hammer squad.

Wigan Athletic vs. Fulham

Two teams with very different mindsets clash at the DW Stadium on Sunday.

Table watch: Wigan is in 12th place on 13 points while Fulham is in 11th on 14 points.

Turning the knife: If Rafa Benitez and Liverpool didn’t have enough problems, Fulham stung them 3-1 at Craven Cottage last week. Wigan, on the other hand, were drilled at Fratton Park against Portsmouth.

No kidding, gaffer: ”We had too many probably (distractions) this week, with one of the players getting sentenced, and all the paper talk. But that is not an excuse. We had enough time to prepare for the game. We knew it was going to be a very tough game. To put it simply, we did not have any intensity, any clarity in our play on the ball,” Wigan boss Roberto Martinez told the team’s Web site.

Liverpool vs. Birmingham

After last week’s loss at Fulham and a come-from-ahead draw in Champions League play at Lyon on Wednesday, Liverpool hopes a visit from Birmingham will be just the right tonic on Monday.

Table watch: Liverpool is in sixth place on 18 points while Birmingham is in 14th spot on 11 points.

The aftermath:Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher both saw red cards last week, and both will miss out on Monday due to suspension. Of course, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard continue to be injury worries, just adding to the Reds’ issues.

On the other hand: City earned a 0-0 draw against Manchester City last week, and were probably unlucky not to find a winner.

Premier League Preview, Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Randy Capps — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:42:50 +0000

The North London Derby highlights this week’s slate of games as Arsenal prepares to entertain Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Somebody in Bristol is smiling today, as the early match on ESPN figures to be the most-watched game yet on the network.

It’s on at 8:45 a.m. on ESPN2, if you’re wondering.

Here’s the rest of the TV schedule.

Let’s get right into the derby.

The series: Arsenal has 67 wins in all competition, compared to 50 for Spurs. There have also been 46 draws.

Table watch: Arsenal is in third place on 19 points, ahead of fourth-place Spurs on goal difference.

They said it: ”You look at the two squads and we’re definitely on a par,” he said. ”In the last four or five years Arsenal always managed to get ahead of us but if you look now it is even. It will be judged at the end of the season but if you look at the bench we have, it is probably a bit stronger than their bench.” – Spurs’ striker Robbie Keane, to ESPN

In and out:Arsenal’s first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia could return to the lineup Saturday. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Aaron Lennon will miss the tie with an ankle injury.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

And now, the rest of the games:

Bolton Wanderers vs. Chelsea

The Blues will likely need a result to maintain their grip on the top spot in the standings when they visit Bolton on Saturday.

Table watch: Bolton is in 12th place on 11 points while Chelsea is in first with 24.

Deja vu?: Chelsea whipped Bolton, 4-0, in Carling Cup playon Wednesday at Stamford Bridge. And that Chelsea team didn’t feature Petr ?ech, Frank Lampard or John Terry.

Turning the tide: ”If we don’t approach it in the right manner, the same thing will happen again,” Bolton manager Gary Megson told Sky Sports. “We have got to find a way to upset Chelsea, and I don’t mean physically. We have got to play at a tempo that suits us because last night, Chelsea dictated the tempo – they dictated absolutely everything, from minute one to 90.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Burnley vs. Hull City

The Clarets will look to take advantage of a Tigers’ team in turmoil at Turf Moor this weekend.

Table watch: Burnley is in 11th position on 12 points while Hull City is in 18th place on eight points.

Changing the nameplates – or not: According to the club, Phil Brown is still in chargeof the Tigers. Chairman Paul Duffen did, however, resign this week.

Road weary: Hull have one point in five away matches this season and have been outscored 15-4 in those contests.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Everton vs. Aston Villa

The Toffees hope to right a recent drop in form as Aston Villa comes calling.

Table watch: Everton has 11 points, good for 14th spot while Villa in in seventh place on 17 points.

Same ol’ Everton, always hurting: Saturday’s match will be the fourth in 10 days for the Toffees, and the injury list is piling up.

Leon Osman (ankle), Joseph Yobo (concussion) and Steven Pienaar (knee) might play, but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (thigh), Leighton Baines (calf), James Vaughan (knee), Phil Neville (knee), Victor Anichebe (knee), Phil Jagielka (knee) and Mikel Arteta (knee) will likely miss out on the match.

Recent history: Aston Villa has two wins and a draw in its last three visits to Goodison Park.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Fulham vs. Liverpool

The Reds stayed in the title race with a 2-0 win over United last week, but a trip to Craven Cottage awaits this time out.

Table watch: Fulham are on 11 points in 13th place while Liverpoolhave 18 points and sit in fifth place.

Last year’s fixture: Yossi Benayoun scored an injury time winner as the Reds took a 1-0 win at Fulham in April.

They said it: Despite crashing out of the Carling Cup to Arsenal in mid-week, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt is feeling confident:

“We still go with a lot of confidence to Fulham because everyone knows this is a big week for the club and a few big games are coming up,” Kuyt told the Sporting Life. “If we can win this game hopefully we will be back in it.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Portsmouth vs. Wigan Athletic

Money problems and a transfer ban are the latest Pompey troubles as they gear up to host Wigan this weekend.

Table watch: Portsmouth is in 20th spot on four points while Wigan is in 10th position on 13 points.

A sinking ship?: Portsmouthhas been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently. They been hit with a transfer ban, and the club has been sniping with media outlets over interviews with its owner.

Did I mention the table?

Taking on nobility: Meanwhile, Wiganboss Roberto Martinez took a few shots at Sir Alex Ferguson and a few other Premier League managers in an interview with the Spanish paper, AS.

Now, he’s backing off a bit.

“It was an unfortunate article, I looked at the article and I found it really disrespectful and full of bad taste. It doesn’t represent myself or any of my views.” Martinez told Sky Sports News.

“I have spoken witheveryone, with Sir Alex Ferguson, Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce and Rafa Benitez.

“Obviously, I want to have things very, very clear. I’ve got the utmost respect for all of them and their achievements in management and as colleagues in the best league in world football.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Stoke City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

The Potters will try to stay in the top 10 when Wolves arrive at the Britannia on Saturday.

Table watch: Stoke City is in ninth place on 15 points while Wolverhampton has nine points, good for 17th spot.

Match facts: From our friends at Eurosport - Stoke have won only once in their last seven meetings with Wolves. … Wolves have suffered only one defeat in their last five away trips against Stoke. … Stoke have shipped a league-high 45 per cent of their goals against) in the final 15 minutes of their games (five conceded in this period). … A victory over Stoke would move Wolves into double figures in terms of Premier League wins, giving them their 10th. … Only one of the last seven meetings between these two sides (all Championship games) has ended in a victory for the home side.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Sunderland vs. West Ham United

The Black Cats will look to keep the Hammers mired in the drop zone when the two meet at the Stadium of Light.

Table watch: Sunderland is in eighth place on 16 points while West Ham resides in 18th position, eight points back.

Getting Bent back?: Darren Bent could feature this weekend, according to reports. ”

“He should be alright for the weekend,” manager Steve Bruce told the SunderlandEcho. “We didn’t take any risks with him during the week and it’s mainly been rest and recuperation for him because he jarred his knee badly in the game. But he’s responded well and I expect him to be available for what is an important game to us.”

Something to build on?: Fighting back for a 2-2 draw against Arsenal last week was an important result for manager Gianfranco Zola’s side. The Hammers have won only one match so far this term, but it was a road victory…

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Manchester United vs. Blackburn Rovers

The Red Devils head back to Old Traffordfor a date with Blackburn this weekend.

Table watch: Manchester United are in second place on 22 points while Blackburn is in 16th place on 10.

Bad omen: Blackburn won at Old Trafford in 2005. It is the only win at the Theatre of Dreams for Rovers in 15 Premier League tries. Of course, Phil Dowdis the referee. And he’s shown five red cards to United players, including two of them in the match with Fulham last March.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Birmingham City vs. Manchester City

The lone Sunday match is a clash at St. Andrews Stadium between Birmingham and Man City.

Table watch: Birmingham is on 10 points in 15th place while City has 18 points and sits in sixth.

A trend both ways: Birmingham has dropped four of its last five Premmeetings with City, but have beaten them three of the last four times they’ve met at St. Andrews.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Premier League Preview – Oct. 24-25

Randy Capps — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:12:34 +0000

It’s hard to look at the table and see a “9″ in the “played” column and call the next match on the schedule a must-win.

But that may just be the case for Liverpool on Sunday when Manchester United visits Anfield.

The Reds are already seven points adrift of table-topping United, so going 10 down with 10 games in the books is not the stuff of which title-winning dreams are made.

Factor in a 2-1 loss to Lyon on Wednesday in Champions League play and things aren’t looking rosy on that front, either.

So, at the risk of using an incredibly bad pun, the Red Devils can “bounce” Liverpool out of the title race on Sunday. And with two of the remaining three group stage fixtures on the road, advancing in Europe won’t be easy.

Perhaps it’s just a coincidence that Liverpool’s team shop has sold out of beach balls this week.

Or maybe it isn’t.

The injury woes are piling up for Liverpool, as Glen Johnson, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are all doubts for the crucial clash.

Think you’ve got the winner pegged? Try your hand at the EPL Talk Predictor.

Of course, there are other games this week.

Here’s where to find them on TV.

And here are some previews:

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Aston Villa

Wolves will look to improve their home record as Aston Villa comes calling Saturday.

Table watch: Wolves are in 16th place on eight points while the Villans are in sixth place on 16 points.

Staying the course: Aston Villa is flying high after last week’s win over Chelsea, but manager Martin O’Neill is looking for his side to stay focused on Wolves.

“We will be up for the game. We can still lose the match, but we will be right for the game,” he told Sky Sports.

“The players have gained a lot of confidence from the Manchester City and Chelsea matches.

“We’re ready for it. I’ve already said to the players how difficult the game is going to be. They will be as ready for the game as we possibly can. That might not be good enough on the day – but they will be ready for it.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Birmingham vs. Sunderland

The Black Cats may have to do without the beach ball at St. Andrew’s this weekend when they visit Birmingham.

Table watch: Birmingham is in 17th spot on seven points while Sunderland is in seventh place on 16 points.

Drumming up support: Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is hoping for a loud crowd this weekend.

“I am delighted with the enthusiasm that has been generated this last week or so and the fans are buzzing,” he told the UKPA. “People are looking forward with anticipation. It is a new era. I personally would love to see the packed houses at St Andrews, and see the Birmingham fans getting back to their support of a few years ago.”

It’s no fluke: Sunderland gaffer Steve Bruce told the team’s Web site this week, “We’ve produced two wonderful performances against recent weeks against Manchester United and Liverpool, but speak to me again in six months and I’ll tell you what kind of progress has been made. I’m purring inside and things are going along nicely but I will never get carried away. Football has a habit of coming back to kick you.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Burnley vs. Wigan Athletic

Turf Moor is the scene for two teams with designs on a spot in the top 10 this weekend.

Table watch: Burnley is in 10th place on a dozen points while Wigan is two points behind them in 14th position.

They said it: “Games against Burnley are bigger for us than ones against Manchester City. I say that because those are the games that we sometimes lose our focus on, and we need to show more respect to those kinds of opponents.” – Latics skipper Mario Melchiot, to Click Lancashire

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Hull City vs. Portsmouth

It’s early days, but this match has the looks of a relegation six-pointer.

Table watch: The Tigers are in 18th place on seven points while Pompey are rooted to the bottom of the table with three points.

Put me in, coach: Hull’s Jimmy Bullard, who came on as a sub against Fulham last week, says he’s ready for a full run out after his longterm knee injury.

“I’m ready for 90 minutes, otherwise I wouldn’t have made myself available,” he told the Daily Mail. “I’ve been waiting for my first start for a long time and especially with it being a home game too, I can’t wait. I just want to get out there and show people what I can do and help the team really.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Stoke City

Spurs will look to keep the pressure on the top two as they entertain Stoke City on Saturday.

Table watch: Spurs are in third place on 19 points while the Potters are in ninth place on 12 points.

Match facts: From our friends at Eurosport, Tottenham have won five and lost only one of their last seven league meetings with Stoke City. … Stoke have not won away at Spurs since February 1975 – suffering eight defeats in 11 visits since. … Stoke have scored just 20 goals in 27 away league games at Tottenham, failing to score in 13 of those matches. … Tottenham have won nine of their last 10 home games in the league.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Chelsea vs. Blackburn Rovers

Stamford Bridge may be more hostile than usual for visitors after the Blues fell from first place in the standings last week.

Table watch: Chelsea is in second place on 21 points while the Rovers have 10 points, good for 13th spot.

Turning the tide: After falling to Aston Villa last week, the Blues responded with a 4-0 drubbing of Atletico Madrid in mid-week Champions League action.

He said it: Rovers striker and on-loan Chelsea man Franco di Santo hopes his current club can defeat the Blues. “I hope Blackburn win on Saturday,” he told The Guardian. “Now I play for them and want to do my best for them. When I go back to Chelsea, I will want the best for them. Now Blackburn are paying my wages so I want a Blackburn win. I will go to the game because I have a lot of friends at Chelsea and my contract is still with them. I want to go to watch.”

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Bolton Wanderers vs. Everton

Bolton will be looking to pick up three points as the Toffees drop in for a Sunday visit.

Table watch: Bolton is in 15th place on eight points while Everton is in 11th place with as many points.

Fixture congestion: The Toffees are busy. A Thursday match in Portugal against Benfica (which didn’t go well) preceeded this match and a Carling Cup tie against Tottenham on Tuesday at White Hart Lane will follow.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Manchester City vs. Fulham

City will try to climb back into the top four when it hosts Fulham on Sunday.

Table watch: City is in fifth place on 17 points while Fulham jumped five spots in the table last week to 12th on 10 points.

They said it: “Carlos (Tevez) missed all of pre-season, which was a blow to him and a blow to us. He’s still playing catch-up, but every game he plays he’s getting back towards those energy levels.” – City boss Mark Hughes, to the team’s Web site.

They said it, part two: “Unfortunately Danny got injured during our game against Hull on Monday evening. We’re still assessing the injury and hoping it isn’t extremely serious but it’s serious enough to keep him out of Thursday’s game and the game at the weekend and maybe longer but we’re hoping the tendon that was damaged is still attached and that there will be no need for an operation.” – Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, on injured skipper Danny Murphy, to the team’s Web site.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

West Ham United vs. Arsenal

The Hammers need a spark, and they’ll hope a friendly Upton Park atmosphere can help them get one against Arsenal in the final game of the weekend.

Table watch: West Ham is in 19th place on five points while Arsenal is in fourth place on 18 points.

Injured Gunners report: “Rosicky (knee) and Bendtner (groin) are 50-50 but Eduardo (thigh) should be back,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the team’s Web site. “I would say only Walcott is definitely out.”

On the move: After getting swept against the Manchester clubs, Arsenal has won four straight league games. The Hammers aren’t faring quite as well as they are winless since opening day.

Predict the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Are the Best Young Players in the World Shunning the EPL?

Sebastian Shepard — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:42:24 +0000

Who are the very best young players in the world? For the purposes of this article, “young players” are those no older than 22.

First there are the obvious: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato, Francesc Fabregas, Karim Benzema, etc. Their class has been established before this mysterious “young” label vanished, and subsequently they command enormous transfer fees, if their clubs are even willing to part with them. They often aren’t and for good reason. These are players who will win Ballon d’Ors, change Champions League finals in a single play, and will also sell shirts.

Then there is a second tier of young players who might becomes world class, but aren’t quite there yet: Chelsea’s Mikel, Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi, Werder Bremen’s Mesut Ozil, Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, etc. Another way of saying this is, although they wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting position on a Champions League final team, they’d at least be on the bench.

Then there’s a third tier of players who are still unpolished and generally unproven, though many people believe they have the quality to go on a to great things. These are players like Inter’s Santon, Everton’s Rodwell, AZ’s Dembele, Palermo’s Pastore, Bayern Munich’s Kroos, or Athletic Bilbao’s Muniain (the new youngest La Liga goalscorer, or “the Spanish Wayne Rooney”).

What strikes me from these lists, which are meant to be totally cursory and by no means inclusive, is the lack of EPL representation. Considering the league has come under fire for “luring youngsters away from the academies that developed them”, why do football’s future luminaries seem to ply their trade on the continent?

Some might say they don’t, and that the best youth in the EPL could easily match Serie A and La Liga’s best young players. Aaron Lennon, Fellaini, Agbonglahor et al, the argument goes, have just as much class.

Teams like Arsenal, Everton, West Ham, and Manchester United have fine traditions of developing youth players into great players. These traditions, especially at Everton currently, look like they’ll continue.

Yet despite Arsenal’s policy of youth, I see few players who will go on to be world class. Fabregas already is, Nasri has a great chance of becoming, and for Jack Wilshire and Aaron Ramsey, it’s too early to tell. But can anyone see Bendtner as Ibrahimovic’s heir, or Denilson as a second Fabregas (or a defensive midfielder, or whatever they want to make him these days)?

In La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, the Eredivisie, and the Bundesliga, these young players have a greater chance of getting lots of playing time and actually being stars.

Would Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic (in my opinion the second best teenager in the world, behind only Pato), have started for Liverpool in the match in which he scored against them?

Probably not, likely because he isn’t good enough to do so. As exciting a prospect as Jovetic, he still could not have replaced Gerrard, Torres, Benayoun, Riera, or Kuyt because he isn’t a better player than any of them. He does, however, have the potential to be better than the last three especially. Yet in Liverpool he would ride the bench this season, just as he would at Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, or Manchester City. He would get chances at smaller clubs, but he wouldn’t taste Champions League football like he does now at Fiorentina.

At the best clubs in the EPL, the competition is too great for young stars to truly break through, it seems. I don’t mean seeing the least four minutes ten games per season, but rather the chance to play 90 minutes regularly.

With the exception of the “predestined” youngsters – the Fabregases and Messis and Rooneys and Ronaldos – the Serie A, La Liga, Eredivisie, and the Bundesliga provide better opportunities.

It seems the youngsters and their agents realize this too. Javier Pastore, Palermo’s 20 year old midfielder, was hesitant to join Manchester United when the rumors were flying because of the lack of minutes. Instead, he opted to join Serie A’s 8th place Palermo. He might have joined a team in the Champions League, but now he gets to play about 30+ games per season, ninety minutes each. His contract lasts until he’s 25, when by then, he could be one of the premier playmakers in the world.

When the “Big Four” come knocking, the theory goes, you don’t turn down the golden opportunity in your career. It’s supposed to be your big chance to break into the national team, to win trophies, and become an elite player. This doesn’t seem to be the case in the EPL, with the exception of the truly greatest.

For simply the good players, let Chelsea’s Saloman Kalou be a warning. When the Blues signed him in 2006, it seemed like the 21-year old could be Chelsea’s Cristiano Ronaldo – a winger who could score lots of goals and dribble past opponents. Instead, he’s gone from promising star to inconsistent substitute, age 24. One can’t help but wonder what might have happened if the Ivorian had opted to join a German, Italian, or Spanish club instead of one of the EPL’s elite and hyper competitive giants. Would the consistent minutes have made him a better player? It’s very possible.