chengafunga
Sep 29, 2012 13:45:00
By David Bonuke
Just a week after football fans all over the world were treated to a ‘Super Sunday’, filled with so much entertainment and drama in equal measure, another game week rolls in. The actions starts even earlier this time round as the London derby is scheduled for an early Kick-off. Arsenal play host to their London rivals Chelsea at the emirates. Bearing in mind John Terry’s ongoing saga, much of the pre-much build-up will most likely revolve around it. Maybe it should, maybe it shouldn’t but for the sake of the good game, a more worthy cause should take centre stage. That of Arsenal’s main man, Arsene Wenger, he just can’t stop reaching those notable landmarks. This time round, the Professor will achieve his 16th anniversary in charge of the Gunners come Monday. What a better way to crown that achievement than to win on Saturday’s early Kick off. A win will surely guarantee Wenger his 350th win in the premier league as arsenal’s Boss.
Image Curtesy of carefree.com
Much is at stake in this match, I know it’s a bit early in the season but both teams would want to maintain their unbeaten record, their pride as well as the three points that are up for grabs. In the previous season, this fixture ended in a barren draw, and with both teams boasting with the joint best defensive record in the league, it’s possible to expect a low scoring event. But then again it being a derby, you just don’t know what to expect. This is probably Chelsea’s sternest test in the domestic league. As for Arsenal, say something like a litmus test to their title challenge surge. Varmaelen is expected back in the starting eleven after missing out in last week’s encounter with Manchester City due to illness; Jack Wilshere is also expected to play some part in the duel after a long time out due to injury. Another notable appearance would be that of former ‘Three lions’ skipper John Terry, who missed the midweek trainings due to FA Hearings.
Prediction: Arsenal 1:2 Chelsea
Curtesy of whoscored.com
Manchester United seems to be that team that every other football fan, apart from its own fans love to hate. The team not only has lady luck on its side, but also the referees, don’t get me wrong, United is a good team, but it seem to get it easy when it comes to crucial game changing decisions. Whether it’s a mark of true champions or not, time will tell. Away with that rant, Manchester United faces a familiar opposition in the name of Tottenham, a team that United seem to enjoy playing. Statistics show that out of the 40 games played between these two sides, Tottenham have only managed three wins and none at Old Trafford in their previous twenty attempts. Is it karma, or will the new Tottenham Boss disregard statistics and history in order to defy the odds. Tottenham have so far shown some promise with their quick attacking style of football while the once impenetrable United’s defence seem to be a leaking one too many goals this campaign. Ferguson will be glad to welcome back Rooney, who will most likely play in the middle of the pack to inject the much needed creativity. Valencia is a doubt as well as Rafael through injury. If only Dembele could repeat his heroics and Bale to attack down the left, then they might just give United some food for thought.
Prediction: Manchester United 3:1 Tottenham
Curtesy of whoscored.com
Everton have really shown what working as a team can produce. They can take on any team on their day. Could that day be now? Moyes would certainly hope so. They have certainly orchestrated some of the most thrilling football in this campaign thrashing the high and mighty United on their way. This weekend they play Southampton at home hoping to keep the momentum going. It won’t be easy though as they face a team that is full of confidence after recording their first win in the top flight against Aston Villa. Though the Saints will be hoping to get some points, Goodison Park is definitely not the place to get them, *ask United.
Prediction: Everton 2:1 Southampton
Curtesy of whoscored.com
Elsewhere, the defending Champions will be hoping to put aside their dismal start of the season with a win against Fulham. Both teams come into this game full of unpredictability. Though Manchester City remains unbeaten so far, they have only managed to get 9 pts on their five opening games from a possible 15pts. Manchester City just like the other Manchester club seems to be struggling with defense. Being a shrewd manager, Mancini will be hoping to tighten the defence since he knows that defence wins you titles, a good example is Chelsea on their road to Munich. Manchester city though are unbeaten in their last seven games against Fulham, and will be hoping to make that eight.
Prediction Fulham 0:3 Manchester City
Curtesy of whoscored.com
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