Manchester United VS Manchester City
20/09/2009, 20:30
Everton VS Blackburn Rovers
20/09/2009, 22:00
20/09/2009, 20:30
This is perhaps one of the biggest Manchester derbies in recent memories, as Man Utd welcome the visit of big-spending Man City looking to show who is boss in Manchester - until the next derby that is. I have given United a hard time in my previews previously but they have impressed me. They went into half-time at 0-0 with Wigan, but they found it in them to score 5 in the second-half. They trailed Arsenal 0-1 and were playing horribly, but they found it in them to score 2 in comical circumstances. They conceded a first-minute strike from Jermain Defoe, but they found it in them to score 3 in reply. They may be without Cristiano Ronaldo, but they are every bit as Man Utd as before. Following big games against Arsenal and Tottenham, United now seek to add City to their hit list. City have started the season with 4 straight wins. They strolled past Blackburn, Wolves, Portsmouth and Arsenal. They know, however, Man Utd is a different kettle of fish altogether. They know also that a win against United here will underline their status as one of the hottest teams on the planet.
Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson is without the experienced Paul Scholes, who serves a suspension. Rio Ferdinand and Rafael are doubts ahead of this game, while Owen Hargreaves, Gabriel Obertan and Edwin Van der Sar are out. Scholes' absence in midfield means Darren Fletcher should partner Michael Carrick in the middle, even though Anderson is a chance as well. Nani and Luis Valencia should take the wings, with Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney upfront. In a game this big, look no further than Rooney to put on a show. I expect him to score, and I expect him to do it in the first-half. For Man City boss Mark Hughes, he is without top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, who is serving a deserved 3-game ban. Robinho is missing as well, but Stephen Ireland, Vincent Kompany, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz are a chance to play. If Tevez fails to make the cut, City would look a lot like last season in terms of attacking personnels, with Craig Bellamy, Martin Petrov, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Stephen Ireland making up the front 4. The newly recruited defensive qualities of Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure should prove particularly useful today.
I do not think this is a hard game to call. I expect United to establish themselves yet again as the team to beat in the Premiership with a good win against the Citizens. Ferguson rested Dimitar Berbatov, Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher and Anderson in midweek's game against Besiktas, while Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Luis Valencia were all substituted with time remaining. Man City have been arrogant - no doubt about it. Mark Hughes has done a bit of trash talking in the press, while players like Emmanuel Adebayor has followed suit. I don't think Man City have a right to look down on other teams at the moment because they have achieved nothing as yet. I think their arrogance will prove their downfall today. If Tevez fails to pass a lateness fitness test, City should look weak on paper. I like the combination of Toure and Lescott in central defence, but I also like the abilities of Rooney and Berbatov to carve up any defence in the world. I am going to back the home side for a comfortable win. The HT/FT bet looks good value.
Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson is without the experienced Paul Scholes, who serves a suspension. Rio Ferdinand and Rafael are doubts ahead of this game, while Owen Hargreaves, Gabriel Obertan and Edwin Van der Sar are out. Scholes' absence in midfield means Darren Fletcher should partner Michael Carrick in the middle, even though Anderson is a chance as well. Nani and Luis Valencia should take the wings, with Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney upfront. In a game this big, look no further than Rooney to put on a show. I expect him to score, and I expect him to do it in the first-half. For Man City boss Mark Hughes, he is without top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor, who is serving a deserved 3-game ban. Robinho is missing as well, but Stephen Ireland, Vincent Kompany, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz are a chance to play. If Tevez fails to make the cut, City would look a lot like last season in terms of attacking personnels, with Craig Bellamy, Martin Petrov, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Stephen Ireland making up the front 4. The newly recruited defensive qualities of Gareth Barry, Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure should prove particularly useful today.
I do not think this is a hard game to call. I expect United to establish themselves yet again as the team to beat in the Premiership with a good win against the Citizens. Ferguson rested Dimitar Berbatov, Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher and Anderson in midweek's game against Besiktas, while Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Luis Valencia were all substituted with time remaining. Man City have been arrogant - no doubt about it. Mark Hughes has done a bit of trash talking in the press, while players like Emmanuel Adebayor has followed suit. I don't think Man City have a right to look down on other teams at the moment because they have achieved nothing as yet. I think their arrogance will prove their downfall today. If Tevez fails to pass a lateness fitness test, City should look weak on paper. I like the combination of Toure and Lescott in central defence, but I also like the abilities of Rooney and Berbatov to carve up any defence in the world. I am going to back the home side for a comfortable win. The HT/FT bet looks good value.
Fate85 Recommends:
Manchester United @ -0.75 Handicap
Total Goals: Over
Manchester United @ -0.75 Handicap
Total Goals: Over
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Everton VS Blackburn Rovers
20/09/2009, 22:00
Everton made light work of AEK Athens in the Europe League in midweek, but they need to really put some points on the board now in the Premiership or risk being sucked into a relegation dog fight later on. Everton have done poorly this season in the League, losing 3 of their opening 4 games. They were destroyed 1-6 by Arsenal in the first game. They then traveled to Turf Moor to lose 0-1 to newly promoted Burnley. They did okay against Wigan, winning 2-1, but they were brought back down to earth immediately as they suffered yet another defeat, this time a 1-2 reverse against Fulham. They welcome the visit of a Blackburn side that have played well without getting the deserved results. The Rovers played well and dominated proceedings against Man City, Sunderland and West Ham, but found themselves getting just 1 point from those 3 games. They made things right last time out with a 3-1 win against Wolves, but seeing as it was a home game against a newly promoted side that have a poor history playing away from home in the Premiership... I will reserve my praises for now.
Everton manager David Moyes has been rocked by the news that club captain Phil Neville is going to be out for about 3 months with a posterior cruciate ligament tear. The Toffees have done well with the signing of Lucas Neill as a quality cover, but the Australian should be deemed too unfit to play a full game at the moment. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is a doubt with a groin strain. Victor Anichebe, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka all join Phil Neville on the sidelines. Jo kept out Louis Saha last time out, and he should start again. Marouane Fellaini was benched last week but with Neville missing, he should slot right into midfield. For Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, he has a fully fit squad - how often can we say that?! Steven Nzonzi and Benni McCarthy both return from injuries as Blackburn go in search of only their second Premiership win this season. Jason Roberts has been very impressive this season, and I expect him to start upfront, supported by Morten Gamst Pedersen, El-Hadji Diouf, David Dunn, Vince Grella and Keith Andrews from midfield. I feel Blackburn's over-reliance on Roberts might hurt them though.
Everton come into this match as slight favourites, but Blackburn are not going to travel to Goodison Park to lie down and die without putting up a good fight. Last season, Blackburn secured all 3 points in the corresponding fixture with goals from David Dunn, Roque Santa Cruz and Andre Ooijer ensuring a 3-2 win. Having said that, I feel Everton should win this. They are better than we give them credit for most of the time, and the players they have got are of a certain quality. They may have lost Joleon Lescott, but the signing of Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga more than make up for the loss of the Englishman. Blackburn have adopted the famous Sam Allardyce style of play, being the physical approach, but with the Toffees having some hard nuts in there in the form of Fellaini and Cahill, I doubt Blackburn could have it all there way in the physical department. I have some serious doubts about the Rovers defence, albeit at full-strength. I think in Jo and Cahill, Everton should find a way to wiggle their way through Blackburn's suspect defence. Following last season's 2-3 loss, it's payback time!
Everton manager David Moyes has been rocked by the news that club captain Phil Neville is going to be out for about 3 months with a posterior cruciate ligament tear. The Toffees have done well with the signing of Lucas Neill as a quality cover, but the Australian should be deemed too unfit to play a full game at the moment. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is a doubt with a groin strain. Victor Anichebe, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka all join Phil Neville on the sidelines. Jo kept out Louis Saha last time out, and he should start again. Marouane Fellaini was benched last week but with Neville missing, he should slot right into midfield. For Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, he has a fully fit squad - how often can we say that?! Steven Nzonzi and Benni McCarthy both return from injuries as Blackburn go in search of only their second Premiership win this season. Jason Roberts has been very impressive this season, and I expect him to start upfront, supported by Morten Gamst Pedersen, El-Hadji Diouf, David Dunn, Vince Grella and Keith Andrews from midfield. I feel Blackburn's over-reliance on Roberts might hurt them though.
Everton come into this match as slight favourites, but Blackburn are not going to travel to Goodison Park to lie down and die without putting up a good fight. Last season, Blackburn secured all 3 points in the corresponding fixture with goals from David Dunn, Roque Santa Cruz and Andre Ooijer ensuring a 3-2 win. Having said that, I feel Everton should win this. They are better than we give them credit for most of the time, and the players they have got are of a certain quality. They may have lost Joleon Lescott, but the signing of Sylvain Distin and John Heitinga more than make up for the loss of the Englishman. Blackburn have adopted the famous Sam Allardyce style of play, being the physical approach, but with the Toffees having some hard nuts in there in the form of Fellaini and Cahill, I doubt Blackburn could have it all there way in the physical department. I have some serious doubts about the Rovers defence, albeit at full-strength. I think in Jo and Cahill, Everton should find a way to wiggle their way through Blackburn's suspect defence. Following last season's 2-3 loss, it's payback time!
Fate85 Recommends:
Everton @ -0.5 Handicap
Total Goals: Under
Everton @ -0.5 Handicap
Total Goals: Under
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Chelsea FC VS Tottenham Hotspur
20/09/2009, 23:00
Chelsea are in blinding form. Following 5 straight wins in the Premiership, Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Portuguese giants Porto. With 6 wins from 6, the Blues should come into this match brimming with confidence. They play a Tottenham side that started the season brightly, storming past Liverpool, Hull, West Ham and Birmingham. However, their run came to an abrupt halt when they played champions Manchester United last time out. Having taken the lead through Jermain Defoe, Spurs conceded 3 to lose 1-3 in the end. They would be keen for an immediate rebound, but seeing as they are away at Stamford Bridge playing a Chelsea side that seem incapable of doing any wrong currently, I do not fancy their chances. Chelsea have won their last 4 games at home in the Premiership, scoring 10 goals in the process, while only shipping 2. Spurs may have won their last 2 away games in the League, but Hull and West Ham are never in the class of Chelsea.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is not going to risk Joe Cole. Paulo Ferreira and Yuri Zhirkov are the other two definitely missing. Defender Alex and midfielder Deco are doubts. Ancelotti had Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended in midweek, but they both return today. Nicolas Anelka should retain his spot in the starting eleven following his winner against Porto. He should partner Didier Drogba. Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda should feature in one of the strongest looking midfield quartets in the world. For Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, he has doubts over the fitness of Gareth Bale. Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric are all missing. Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane should again keep out Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko. Aaron Lennon, who has been impressive this season, should start on the right wing yet again, with Niko Kranjcar on the left. Wilson Palacios and Tom Huddlestone must find a way to win the midfield battle coming up against Michael Essien and Michael Ballack.
You've got to like Chelsea for this one. Tottenham may have made a good start to the season, but they failed their first major test of the season when they went down to Manchester United last time out. That should take some self belief and momentum out of them for sure. Chelsea have continued to roll on, and they have justified bookmakers' pre-season favouritism of them being the front runners for the Premiership title of 2009/2010. Didier Drogba had a trouble-laden campaign last season, but he has returned to his usual self, firing in shots and scoring goals for fun. Michael Essien has developed into one of the most complete midfielders in the world, being able to defend as well as link up with the attacking players. With pace down the wings from Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka, I have a good feeling about Chelsea scoring in the first-half, and maintaining that lead throughout. Tottenham will fight for every ball, but they lack the all-round quality to compete on even grounds.
20/09/2009, 23:00
Chelsea are in blinding form. Following 5 straight wins in the Premiership, Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win over Portuguese giants Porto. With 6 wins from 6, the Blues should come into this match brimming with confidence. They play a Tottenham side that started the season brightly, storming past Liverpool, Hull, West Ham and Birmingham. However, their run came to an abrupt halt when they played champions Manchester United last time out. Having taken the lead through Jermain Defoe, Spurs conceded 3 to lose 1-3 in the end. They would be keen for an immediate rebound, but seeing as they are away at Stamford Bridge playing a Chelsea side that seem incapable of doing any wrong currently, I do not fancy their chances. Chelsea have won their last 4 games at home in the Premiership, scoring 10 goals in the process, while only shipping 2. Spurs may have won their last 2 away games in the League, but Hull and West Ham are never in the class of Chelsea.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is not going to risk Joe Cole. Paulo Ferreira and Yuri Zhirkov are the other two definitely missing. Defender Alex and midfielder Deco are doubts. Ancelotti had Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa suspended in midweek, but they both return today. Nicolas Anelka should retain his spot in the starting eleven following his winner against Porto. He should partner Didier Drogba. Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda should feature in one of the strongest looking midfield quartets in the world. For Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, he has doubts over the fitness of Gareth Bale. Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric are all missing. Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane should again keep out Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko. Aaron Lennon, who has been impressive this season, should start on the right wing yet again, with Niko Kranjcar on the left. Wilson Palacios and Tom Huddlestone must find a way to win the midfield battle coming up against Michael Essien and Michael Ballack.
You've got to like Chelsea for this one. Tottenham may have made a good start to the season, but they failed their first major test of the season when they went down to Manchester United last time out. That should take some self belief and momentum out of them for sure. Chelsea have continued to roll on, and they have justified bookmakers' pre-season favouritism of them being the front runners for the Premiership title of 2009/2010. Didier Drogba had a trouble-laden campaign last season, but he has returned to his usual self, firing in shots and scoring goals for fun. Michael Essien has developed into one of the most complete midfielders in the world, being able to defend as well as link up with the attacking players. With pace down the wings from Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka, I have a good feeling about Chelsea scoring in the first-half, and maintaining that lead throughout. Tottenham will fight for every ball, but they lack the all-round quality to compete on even grounds.
Fate85 Recommends:
Chelsea FC @ -1 Handicap
Total Goals: Over
Chelsea FC @ -1 Handicap
Total Goals: Over
