Match of the Week: Arsenal v SSC Napoli

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For the first time in many years, Arsenal have had a good start of the season while Napoli are proving that they can play football without Edison Cavani.


Arsenal V SSC Napoli
Champions League Group F
Arsenal Stadium
01-10-2013 @ 19.45 UK









How are the two teams form?

Arsenal are in front of the Premier League after a promising start with 5 wins and a single loss and are walking into the match with confidence. This weekend they won against Swansea despite being without some of the profiles on the team, why we can expect to see some of the reserves tomorrow, as well.

Napoli is going to be one of the most exciting teams to follow this season as they are going into a new era after Edison Cavani left the club earlier this summer. So far it is looking promising as the team is leading the Serie A.

The two sides met in a preseason cup at Emirates this summer, where the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

What are the probable lineups?

Arsenal is without a number of profiles including Lukas Podolski, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott for this match. The Italian visitors is currently without the midfielder Christian Maggio.

Szczesny

Sagna - Koscielny - Mertesacker - Monreal

Arteta - Flamini

Wilshere - Ozil- Gibbs

Giroud
______________________________________________

Higuaín

Insigne - Pandev - Callejón

Hamsik - Behrami

Amero - Britos - Cannavaro - Zuninga

Reina

What to expect from this match?

Both teams have started the season in great form, and this is very promising for the match. Furthermore, Arsenal and Napoli might end as the two teams battling for the win in Group F why a victory tomorrow can be vital.

I expect both teams to show some great attacking football, and hope to see a few goals. There is no doubt that both sides strikers are way  pacier than the opposite defenders and that turn out to be a battle within the match. The question is; which defends is the strongest?

What are the odds?

According to Oddschecker.co.uk, most bookmakers have Arsenal as favorites with odds 1. Meanwhile, a draw gives back 27/10 and a Napoli win 14/5 at BetVictor.
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Keep an eye on: Kasper Larsen

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OB.dk
  • Name: Kasper Larsen
  • Age: 20 (25-01-1993)
  • Position: Centre Back
  • Club: Odense BK (OB)
  • International Caps:
    • Denmark U21
      • 5 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U20
      • 3 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U19
      • 13 matches / 1 goal
    • Denmark U18
      • 7 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U17
      • 13 matches / 1 goal
    • Denmark U16
      • 6 matches / 1 goal
  • Value: £300.000
Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Falk and Daniel Høegh are all players from Odense's youth department who have managed to break through in the best Danish league and for Christian Eriksen in Europe. Now, the youth department have fostered another talent with a high potential; Kasper Larsen.

Like many other boys in Denmark, Larsen started playing football in a very young age as he started in the local club Sanderum Boldklub at the age of 5. After almost 7 years in Sanderum, the talent decided to try himself out in Odense and joined the U15 squad even though he was only 13-years-old, and it was not an easy start for Larsen:

“I played for the U15-team, along with Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Falk, and had some problems at the start. However, as time went by I developed and became a regular part of the youth team."

Not only did Larsen become a regular part of the U15-team, he managed to become a regular starter for all of the youth teams he played for in Odense, despite being repositioned from the attaching midfield to the centre-back. A position where he achieved his first Danish International youth matches, as well. Since he was 15-years old, the defender have won 47 caps for Denmark's youth teams and is one of the leading players on the current U20 national team. The defender is more than happy with his career for Denmark:

"I have had some great experiences with the youth national teams, and have been a significant part of every one of them, so it is something I appreciate."

After breaking through as a defender, Larsen started training with the Superliga squad in OB from the summer 2011 and was given his debut in March 2012 against Fc Nordsjælland. However, it was only 6 months ago he started training regularly with the team, and only as much as his high school would allow him. Luckily for Larsen, he was a part of Sports Class in high school, which allowed absence when he was away with the team or Denmark. 

For Troels Bech, Manager of Odense Boldklub, there were no doubts when he promoted Larsen to the Superliga squad:

"We have a very hungry player, who is capable of playing on a high level and not just here to learn. He wants to achieve something for himself and his team."

When Kasper Larsen was brought into the squad, the competition for the position as centre-back was hard, why the talent was used both as a left back and left wing as well as the central midfield. The talent believes that the many different positions on the pitch has been good for his development, which is supported by his manager:

"It is fantastic for his development that he in a young age already have won over 30 caps in the Danish Superliga. Some of them might have been on different positions, but it has given him some routine and I think it is important to remember that some of the best stoppers in the world started in other positions. Puyol started as a winger, and learned the offensive play that way," Bech says.

In 2009, the newspaper SportFyn reported that a number of unnamed Spanish clubs were following the talent. Larsen never thought of leaving OB back then, and he ensure his manager and the clubs fans that he will stay in Odense and fight to keep his position as centre-back. Meanwhile, Troels Beck believes that his young talent has his time in front of him:

"He doesn’t have to worry about playing abroad, if his development continues like this, it will come all by itself."


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Friday Five: 5 players amazing comebacks

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We seen it before, and now Bendtner has done it as well; made a great comeback. If he keeps up playing as he did against West Brom he will put all the critics words to shame, including myself. This week we take a look on 5 other players who managed to make a comeback.







5. John Terry, Chelsea

It is not really a comeback, but Terry deserves a spot on this list after being stripped of his captaincy by England manager Fabio Capello. The defender has had to endure a lot of criticism after first having an affair with Wayne Bridge's wife and later accused of racism. There is no doubt Terry deserved the criticism, but hats up for his ability to stay focused on playing football.

4. Adrian Mutu, Ajaccio

Just a year after he joined Chelsea from Parma, Mutu was sacked from the club after he was found using cocaine. Despite destroying his reputation, the Romanian managed to get his career back on track, first in Juventus and later in Fiorentina where he was regarded as one of the best strikers in the Serie A. However, since then the striker have been sacked in the Italian club after failing two drug tests and is now to be found in Ajaccio where he has announced his retirement after this season.


3. Kolo Touré, Liverpool

It is funny how drugs often is mentioned along with footballers. In 2011, the Manchester City defender Kolo Touré failed a drug test and was suspended for 6 months despite being supported by his former manager in Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, refusing to believe that the Ivorian had done it on purpose. However, the defender managed to comeback from his scandal and become a regular starter in Manchester City and now Liverpool.

2. Garrincha, Brazil

The Brazilian is regarded by many as one of the best dribbler in football history and was known as the "Angel with bent legs". However, the Brazilians life outside the football pitch caused disturbance which the star luckily managed to comeback from. Despite the sound Christian religion in Brazil, Carrincha was forgiven getting a Swedish girl pregnant and running his own father over during when confronted by an angry mob. Furthermore, the winger left his wife and 8 children for a fling with a Brazilian singer. However, his actions on the pitch were enough to be forgiven and regarded as one of the biggest in Brazilian football history.

1. Paul Merson, Arsenal

Paul Merson was a regular starter in Arsenal when his career was put on the line in 1994. In November 1994, the forward admitted being an alcoholic and cocaine addict on a press conference. Luckily for the Arsenal striker, the club and the FA supported him and arranged for him to go on a 6-months rehabilitation program. The striker returned to the club after 6 months and played a great part in Arsenal winning the Cup Winners' Cup final for the second year in a row!






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Thursdays Transfer Rumours

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It is time for the Thursday's transfer rumours, and this week the papers are sending one manager after the other to Sunderland! Enjoy!

 Arsenal is facing competition from Juventus over Basel's 21-year-old centre-back Fabian Schar (insidefutbol) - Probability: Medium

 Meanwhile, Manchester United are battling with Udinese to land Deportivo Brasil teenager Bruno Gomas (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

 Gianfranco Zola is on Sunderland's managerial shortlist (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

 However, Sunderland is also considering Blackpool boss Paul Ince (Dailmy Mail) - Probability: Low

 Xabi Alonso could end in Liverpool next summer, but Juventus is also in the picture for the Spanish playmaker (talkSport) - Probability: High

 Alan Pardew is ready to spend £8m on Leeds star Sam Byram (The Mirror) - Probability: High

 Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are keeping an eye on Adrea Pirlo for a January transfer (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

 Liverpool are monitoring Kieta Diao at Lazio for a winter transfer (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium


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The Premier League Weekly Predict

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It is Wednesday which means it is time for the Premier League Weekly Predict! In the 6th round of the Premier League, Tottenham is taking on Chelsea on White Hart Lane; A match worth looking forward to.

Tottenham Hotspurs v Chelsea
White Hart Lane
28-09-2013 @ 12.45 UK










Probable lineups:

Tottenham Hotspurs (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose; Dembélé, Paulinho; Lamela, Eriksen, Sigurdsson; Soldado.

Injuries: Adebayor (Personal reasons), Capoue (Ankle), Lennon (Foot). Doubts: Kaboul (Thigh), Rose (Ankle). Bans: None.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Schürrle, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'o.

Injuries: Kalas (Leg). Doubts: Ramires (Hip), van Ginkel (Knee). Bans: None.

Tottenham has started the season in great form and is currently on a shared 1st with 12 points for 5 matches. As a matter of fact, the Spurs have won the 4 last matches they have played and is also in front, in their Europa League group. Meanwhile, Chelsea is currently 4th only two points away from Tottenham why this match can be seen as a top clash in the Premier League. Both lineups are promising for the match as we have a couple of individualists on both teams that can turn out to be decisive on Saturday. Chelsea have won 4 of the last 10 meetings between the two sides, but at the moment Tottenham seems to be in better form, and I believe they can win this match.


Southampton v Crystal Palace
St Mary's Stadium
28-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK










Probable lineups:

Southampton (4-4-1-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Lallana, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Rodriguez; Osvaldo; Lambert.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Fox (Ankle), Lee (Knock). Bans: None.

Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Speroni; Mariappa, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey; Dikgacoi, Guédioura, Jedinak; Puncheon, Chamakh, Thomas.

Injuries: Bolasie (Hamstring), Hunt (Ankle), Murray (Knee), Williams (Ankle). Doubts: McCarthy (Lack of match fitness), Parr (Lack of match fitness), Thomas (Ankle), Ward (Calf). Bans: None.

Crystal Palace is as expected, struggling in the bottom of the Premier League, and the situation is'nt getting better when you look at their injury list. The Saints are currently 7th in the league and have done better than most had expected, and the match against Crystal Palace should be another win for the team. The last meeting between the two teams was in the Championship in 2012. Back then, Southampton won 2-0 by 2 goals from Rickie Lambert, and the new England international can be the star of this match, as well. I would put my money on a Southampton win and Lambert as first goalscorer.


Manchester U - West Bromwich
Old Trafford
28-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Probable lineups:

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Smalling, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Fellaini, Carrick; Valencia, Rooney, Young; van Persie.

Injuries: Fletcher (Illness), Keane (Knee), Rafael (Hamstring). Doubts: Jones (Ankle), van Persie (Groin). Bans: None.

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-1-1): Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Morrison, Mulumbu, Sinclair; Sessegnon; Anelka.

Injuries: Foster (Foot), Gera (Knee), Reid (Knock), Vydra (Hamstring). Doubts: Brunt (Groin), Long (Hamstring), Thorne (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Do you remember the last meeting between these two sides? The match where Manchester United was in front by 3-1 before half time, but the match ended 5-5. It is very unlikely to happen again in this match, however; we can expect a few goals from Manchester United. The Red Devils lost against Manchester City last Sunday and will do everything to give their supporters a new victory. West Bromwich is not showing the same strenght as they had last year and United seem to be a big mouthful for Steve Clarke's men. On paper, United has the best team, and I expect them to win with at least two goals.


Hull v West Ham
KC Stadium
28-09-2013 15.00 UK








Probable lineups:

Hull City (4-4-1-1): McGregor; Elmohamady, Faye, Davies, Rosenior; Quinn, Huddlestone, Livermore, Brady; Aluko; Graham.

Injuries: Chester (Hamstring), Dudgeon (Knock), Figueroa (Personal reasons), Koren (Foot), McShane (Knock). Doubts: Gedo (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

West Ham United (4-3-3): Jääskeläinen; O'Brien, Collins, Reid, Rat; Morrison, Nolan, Noble; Diamé, Maiga, Jarvis.

Injuries: Carroll (Foot), Cole (Hamstring), Diarra (Knee), Downing (Leg). Doubts: Demel (Thigh). Bans: None.

Hull have won 7 points from their last three matches and is in good form before the meeting with West Ham who is struggling in the Premier League. However, the statistics show that Hull have only won one of the six last matches against the East Londoners, but I see them as favorites on Saturday. The Hammers are currently struggling with injuries, and that can turn out to be decisive for the match. I believe Hull will take their first win against West Ham since 2008.


Fulham - Cardiff City
Craven Cottage
28-09-2013 @ 15.00









Probable lineups:

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Stockdale; Riether, Amorebieta, Hangeland, Richardson; Duff, Sidwell, Parker, Kacanniklic; Berbatov; Bent.

Injuries: Briggs (Hernia), Hughes (Thigh), Ruiz (Ankle), Stekelenburg (Shoulder). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Cardiff City (4-3-3): Marshall; Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, Taylor; Gunnarsson, Medel, Kim Bo-Kyung; Bellamy, Campbell, Whitingham.

Injuries: Cornelius (Ankle). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Both Cardiff and Fulham are struggling in the bottom of the Premier League before the meeting at Craven Cottage. While Fulham is trying to get their Berbatov-Bent constellation to work, Fraizer Campbell is showing great form for Cardiff and will look to extend his goal account. Fulham has won their Capital One cup match against Everton yesterday while Cardiff lost against West Ham. The result from the Capital One cup can add some morale to the Fulham team, but I still believe that this match will end in a draw.


Aston Villa v Manchester City
Villa Park
28-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Probable lineups:

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Bacuna, Clark, Vlaar, Luna; Westwood, El Ahmadi, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Injuries: N'Zogbia (Achilles), Okore (Knee). Doubts: Agbonlahor (Knock), Benteke (Hip), Westwood (Knock). Bans: None.

Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Nastasic, Kompany, Kolarov; Navas, Touré, Fernandinho, Nasri; Aguero, Negredo.

Injuries: Demichelis (Knee). Doubts: Silva (Thigh). Bans: None.

Manchester is unbeaten in the last 5 matches after yesterday's Capital One win and the Premier League match against Manchester United last week. Meanwhile, Aston Villa in 13th in the league table and lost against Tottenham in the Capital one last night. Given Aston Villa can be without both Benteke and Agbonlahor they will be very disabled against a strong Manchester City defends. However, from a Danish perspective it might give Nicklas Helenius a chance from the start. Manchester City only missing Demichelis and Silva why they can play with one of the best squads in the Premier League, and I expect them to win comfortable against Villa.


Swansea v Arsenal
Liberty Stadium
28-09-2013 @ 17.30 UK









Probable lineups:

Swansea City (4-2-3-1): Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies; Cañas, Shelvey; Dyer, Michu, Routledge; Bony.

Injuries: Hernández (Hamstring), Tate (Hamstring). Doubts: Williams (Ankle). Bans: None.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Ramsey, Flamini; Gnabry, Özil, Wilshere; Giroud.

Injuries: Cazorla (Ankle), Diaby (Knee), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee), Podolski (Hamstring), Rosicky (Hamstring), Sanogo (Back), Walcott (Pelvic), Zelalem (Knock). Bans: None.

Unlike many other seasons, Arsenal has started almost perfect placing them 1st in the Premier League with 12 points and goalscorer of +5. Swansea have won 2, draw 1 and lost 2 and is currently 7th in the league, before welcoming Swansea to Liberty Stadium. Arsenal is struggling with injuries why Gnabry can come in play as a winger, and even Nicklas Bendtner can play a role in this match. Meanwhile, Swansea is only missing two players and have already shown that they can play well against the bigger teams this season. I, therefore, think that Swansea can take all three points against Arsenal this weekend.

Stoke - Norwich
Britannia Stadium
29-09-2013 @ 13.30










Probable lineups:

Stoke City (4-4-1-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Wilson, N'Zonzi, Arnautovic; Adam; Jones.

Injuries: Muniea (Groin). Doubts: Pieters (Calf). Bans: None.

Norwich City (4-4-1-1): Ruddy; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Snodgrass, Fer, Howson, Redmond; Elmander; van Wolfswinkel.

Injuries: Bennett (Knee). Doubts: Bassong (Hamstring). Bans: None.

Stoke have won 6 of the last 10 meetings between the two sides, and with Norwich current disappointing form it seems as the Potters can add another win to the statistics. That said, it is about time that Norwich new boys show that they are worth the money. After a streak of being unbeaten in 4 matches, Stoke lost against Arsenal last week. However, I believe that they will find their form against and take a small win against Norwich. 

Sunderland - Liverpool
Stadium of Light
29-09-2013 @ 16.00 UK









Probable lineups:

Sunderland (4-4-2): Westwood; Celustka, O'Shea, Diakité, Colback; Johnson, Gardner, Ki, Giaccherini; Borini, Fletcher.

Injuries: Bardsley (Foot), Brown (Calf). Doubts: Dossena (Thigh), Fletcher (Shoulder), Ki (Ankle). Bans: None.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Touré, Sakho, Agger, Enrique; Gerrard, Lucas; Henderson, Suárez, Moses; Sturridge.

Injuries: Cissokho (Ankle), Coates (Knee), Coutinho (Shoulder), Johnson (Ankle). Doubts: Allen. Bans: None.

First match after the short era of Di Canio for the Black Cats, as they take on Liverpool on Stadium of Light. At the moment, there is no new Sunderland manager why they will be leaded by Kevin Ball for the weekends match, and time will show if it will help that the Italian is missing on the bench. Liverpool is fifth in the Premier League after a great start, and and huge favorites for this match. It seems unlikely that Sunderland will come out of this match with 3 points.

Everton - Newcastle
Goodison Park
30-09-2013 @ 20.00 UK










Probable lineups:

Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barkley, Barry, Osman; Naismith, Lukaku, Mirallas.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Alcaraz (Lack of match fitness), Koné (Knee), Osman (Groin), Pienaar (Muscle). Bans: None.

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Anita, Sissoko, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Cissé, Remy.

Injuries: Gutiérrez (Hamstring), R Taylor (Knee), S Taylor (Hamstring), Ameobi (Knock). Doubts: Cabaye (Groin), Obertan (Hamstring). Bans: None.

Everton is just behind their Merseyside rivals Liverpool before Sundays late match against Newcastle United. The Toffees had a good grip on Newcastle last season and are favorites going into this match. However, Newcastle is unbeaten in their last three Premier League matches, and despite being troubled with injuries, they can get a result out of this match. It will certainly help if they can get Cabaye back in action before the match!


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Oh oooh... Bendtner is back!

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After a season in Sunderland and 9 matches for the 'old lady' in Torino, Bendtner is back in Arsenal and can get his first match since 2011 when the Gunners face West Bromwich Albion tomorrow.

It is a crazy time in the world of football; Gareth Bale is the world's most expensive player, Manchester United is 8th in the Premier League while Arsenal is 1st. Furthermore, Nicklas Bendtner is close to a comeback for the Gunners!

Less than a month ago, the Dane was close to signing with Crystal Palace, but in the dying minutes of the transfer deadline, the deal was turned down. Now, after an entire summer where Wenger have been eager to get rid of the problem child, he was suddenly a part of the squad this weekend and can come in play tomorrow against WBA.

What has happened? Is Arsenal really in such significant injury problems that they have to use the Dane? Most Arsenal fans are not happy with Bendtner being back in the squad and he probably wont be welcomed with open arms. Some might even say that a young player as Serge Gnabry should have the chance instead of Bendtner. However, Wenger has decided to show the bad boy his faith once again, saying that Bendtner has learned from his experiences and will be better. Now, it is time for Bendtner to pay back his manager, and show that he is not just a party-boy but a talented striker. Or, at least a striker.


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The Premier League Weekly Predict

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Last week we missed them, but this week you will get your Premier League Predictions from the Great Dane Football Blog!


Norwich V Aston Villa
Carrow Road
21-09-2013 @ 12.45 UK









Probable lineups:

Norwich (4-5-1): Ruddy; Whittaker, Bassong, Turner, Garrido; Snodgrass, Fer, Johnson, Redmond, Elmander; van Wolfswinkel.

Injuries: Bennett (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Lowton, Baker, Vlaar, Luna; Westwood, El Ahmadi, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Injuries: N'Zogbia (Achilles), Okore (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Norwich is probably trying the same formation as they did against Tottenham last week. While they had their problems with Tottenham's small and pacey players Villa's big and strong striker might be an easier task for the defends. That said, Aston Villa is hoping to comeback from their defeat against Newcastle United last week, and will probably be the strongest side in this match. Villa has won the last two meetings between the two sides and can well take a 2-1 victory with them on Saturday. 


Liverpool V Southampton
Anfield Road
21-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Probable lineups:

Liverpool (4-5-1): Mignolet; Wisdom, Touré, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Gerrard, Lucas, Moses, Aspas; Sturridge.

Injuries: Cissokho (Ankle), Coates (Knee), Johnson (Ankle). Doubts: Agger (Knock), Allen (Hamstring), Coutinho (Shoulder). Bans: Suarez.

Southampton (4-4-1-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Rodriguez, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Lallana; Osvaldo; Lambert.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Fox (Ankle), Shaw (Ankle). Bans: None.

Liverpool has had their best start in 19 years winning three and drawing against Swansea last Monday. This weekend Southampton is awaiting at Anfield Road in a match that can be hard for the Merseyside club. Southampton is currently positioned midtable with one win, two draws and a loss, but they have shown how to handle Liverpool before. The last two meetings between the sides have given the Saints 6 points, and they can surprise here again. My predictions will be the second draw in a row for Liverpool.


West Ham - Everton
Upton Park
21-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK








Probable lineups:

West Ham (4-3-3): Jääskeläinen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Diamé, Nolan, Noble; Vaz Te, Maiga, Jarvis.

Injuries: Carroll (Foot), Cole (Hamstring), Diarra (Knee), Downing (Leg), McCartney (Knock). Doubts: Petric (Lack of match fitness), Reid (Knock). Bans: None.

Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barkley, Barry, Osman; Mirallas, Lukaku, Naismith.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Alcaraz (Lack of match fitness), Gibson (Knee), Koné (Knee), Pienaar (Muscle). Bans: None

It is a midtable battle when West Ham meets Everton at Upton Park. The guests from Liverpool are currently 9th while West Ham is 10th with only one point separating them. Everton has started the season best with 1 win, and 3 draws before entering Upton Park to a match than can turn out to be rather one sided. The statistics shows that West Ham have not won against Everton is the last 10 matches between the two sides and Everton usually takes all 3 points at Upton Park.


Newcastle United - Hull
St James Park
21-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Probable lineups:

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Anita, Sissoko, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Cissé, Remy.

Injuries: R Taylor (Knee). Doubts: Gutiérrez (Hamstring), Obertan (Hamstring), Williamson (Knock). Bans: None.

Hull (4-4-1-1): McGregor; Elmohamady, Chester, Davies, Figueoa; Koren, Huddlestone, Livermore, Brady; Aluko; Graham.

Injuries: Gedo (Lack of match fitness). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Newcastle is back on track after their massive 4-0 loss in the opening match against Manchester City. Since then the Toons played a draw and won two against Fulham and Aston Villa. Hull, on the other hand, is still trying to get up to speed in the Premier League and have so far only won 1 match placing them in the bottom of the table. Newcastle is favorites for this match, even though players as Gutiérrez and Obertan will be missing. My prediction will be a slender 1-0 win for Newcastle United.


West Bromwich - Sunderland
The Hawthorns
21-09-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Probable lineups:

West Bromwich Albion (4-4-1-1): Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Yacob, Mulumbu, Brunt; Sessegnon; Anelka.

Injuries: Foster (Foot), Gera (Knee), Reid (Knock), Thorne (Lack of match fitness), Vydra (Hamstring). Doubts: Long (Hamstring). Bans: None.

Sunderland (4-4-2): Westwood; Celustka, O'Shea, Diakité, Dossena; Johnson, Larsson, Ki, Giaccherini; Fletcher, Altidore.

Injuries: Bardsley (Foot), Brown (Knee), Cattermole (Lack of match fitness). Doubts: Giaccherini (Hamstring). Bans: None.

West Bromwich has not been able to live up to last year's surprising and amazing season as they have played 2 draws and lost 2 of the 4 matches so far. Despite names as Anelka, Mulumbu and Olsson the Baggies are struggling to find the right recipe for winning matches. The same matters for Sunderland who is currently last in the table and at the moment seems to be more known for the managers press conferences than their play on the pitch. However, the Black Cats can get their first victory on Saturday as the situation looks bad for West Bromwich with key players as Foster and Thorne on the injury list.


Chelsea - Fulham
Stamford Bridge
21-09-2013 @ 17.30 UK








Probable lineups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.

Injuries: Kalas (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Fulham (4-5-1): Stockdale; Reither, Senderos, Hangeland, Richardson; Ruiz, Sidwell, Parker, Taarabt, Kasami; Berbatov.

Injuries: Bent (Hamstring), Briggs (Hip), Hughes (Thigh), Ruiz (Ankle), Stekelenburg (Shoulder). Doubts: Berbatov (Hamstring). Bans: None.

It is time for the first West London derby of the season when Chelsea and Fulham clash at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, one of the favorites for the trophy, have won 2 of their 4 Premier League matches and finds themselves just outside the top three. Meanwhile, Fulham is 14th with only 1 win in 4 possible. Fulham haven't won against Chelsea since 2009 and the last meeting at Stamford Bridge ended in a 0-0 draw. The Cottagers have enforced the squad this summer, but is struggling with injuries at the moment why Chelsea might be too big a mouthful. Chelsea will probably win this match comfortably. 


Arsenal - Stoke City
Emirates Stadium
22-09-2013 @ 13.30 UK









Probable lineups: 

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Ramsey, Flamini; Walcott, Ozil, Wilshere; Giroud.

Injuries: Arteta (Thigh), Cazorla (Ankle), Diaby (Knee), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee), Podolski (Hamstring), Rosicky (Thigh), Sanogo (Back), Zelalem (Knock). Doubts: Giroud (Knee). Bans: None.

Stoke City (4-4-1-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Wilson, N'Zonzi, Etherington; Adam; Jones.

Injuries: Muniesa (Groin). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Arsenal has gotten a great start of the new season and finds themselves in the top of the Premier League after 3 wins and 1 loss. Stoke have also gotten a better start than many would have thought of and are currently 7th with 7 points after 4 matches. However, they might add another loss to the book on Sunday when they enter Emirates Stadium. Arsenal's new boy in the shirt, Mesut Ozil, had a flying debut last week where he was behind the assist to the first goal. The German international will perhaps be even better in his second match in the Arsenal shirt, and at the same time Olivier Giroud seems dangerous in front of the goal. To me it is a clear Arsenal victory.


Crystal Palace - Swansea City
Selhurst Park
22-09-2013 @ 13.30 UK









Probable lineups:

Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Speroni; Mariappa, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey; Campaña, Guédioura, Jedinak; Puncheon, Chamakh, Gayle.

Injuries: Bolasie (Hamstring), Hunt (Ankle), McCarthy (Lack of match fitness), Murray (Knee), Parr (Lack of match fitness), Williams (Ankle). Doubts: Thomas (Ankle), Ward (Calf). Bans: Dikgacoi.

Swansea City (4-4-1-1): Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies; Dyer, Britton, Shelvey, Routledge; Michu; Bony.

Injuries: Tate (Hamstring), Taylor (Thigh). Doubts: Bony (Back), Hernandez (Hamstring). Bans: None.

 Swansea played a draw against Liverpool earlier this week while Crystal Palace at times played well against Manchester United but lost 2-0. Despite, almost bringing in a whole new squad, Crystal Palace is struggling in the Premier League and Swansea will not be an easy task for the new Premier League club. On paper, Swansea and Crystal Palace can be seen as very equal, but when it comes to experience Swansea is in my opinion the strongest why I believe they will pull of a victory.

Cardiff - Tottenham
Cardiff City Stadium
22-09-2013 @ 16.00 UK







Cardiff (4-3-3): Marshall; Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, Taylor; Gunnarsson, Medel, Kim Bo-Kyung; Bellamy, Campbell, Whittingham.

Injuries: Cornelius (Ankle). Doubts: Bellamy (Knock), Marshall (Hip). Bans: None.

Tottenham (4-5-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose; Lamela, Dembélé, Paulinho, Sigurdsson, Eriksen; Soldado.

Injuries: Adebayor (Personal reasons), Capoue (Ankle), Lennon (Foot). Doubts: Chadli (Thigh). Bans: None.

Cardiff finds themselves midtable after 4 rounds of the Premier League, and have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the league. Meanwhile, Spurs have raised their play since their loss to Arsenal, and last week's match against Norwich showed what the Spurs are capable of. Christian Eriksen is probably to be found in the starting lineup once again and can really hurt the Cardiff defence. This can be a tight match, but I believe that Spurs will win with a 2 goals margin. 

Man City - Man United
City of Manchester Stadium
22-09-2013 @ 16.00 UK









Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Nastasic, Kompany, Kolarov; Navas, Touré, Fernandinho, Nasri; Aguero, Negredo.

Injuries: Clichy (Knock), Demichelis (Knee), Richards (Hamstring), Silva (Thigh). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea; Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Fellaini, Carrick, Zaha; Welbeck; van Persie.

Injuries: Fletcher (Illness), Rafael (Hamstring). Doubts: Jones (Ankle), Kagawa (Illness). Bans: None.

The Manchester Derby is coming up with the legendary meeting between the two sides. The two teams are side by side in the table with 7 points each for 4 matches. United have surprised me as I thought they would have bigger problems adapting with a new manager. Despite their loss to Cardiff Manchester City is playing as good as always and it will be two teams in top form battling for 3 points. We can look forward to a close match between two top teams, but I believe it will end in a draw.







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