Premier League Preview

Sausages!

You should know who the author of this post is. All 20 teams are in action this weekend which is the last weekend before International Break. Let's get it going.

Saturday:

Wigan Athletic v. Wolves
Here is a matchup of two squads with identical records. Wigan stand in 18th place within the relegation zone while Wolves linger dangerously above the drop zone with only goal differential saving them at the moment. To be absolutely honest with you, this match should be interesting because Wigan has only scored 2 goals this season thus far...yes, 2. While on paper it doesn't appear to be much, we could see some fireworks at the JJB. Pick: Wolves

Birmingham v. Everton
This is a truly baffling scenario as we are still relatively fresh into the 2010-11 campaign. Birmingham currently reside near the middle of the table in 13th and have played some inspired football drawing Man City earlier in the year. Everton have been downright dreadful coming in last in the EPL with only 3 points. A team that has the talent and ability to play in European competitions have simply underachieved this season. I fully expect this to continue: Pick: Birmingham

Stoke City v. Blackburn
Both of these teams play extremely physical brands of football which to be frankly honest isn't very appealing to the eye. Only a point separate these two squads in the table but don't expect 3 points out of this one. Stoke bring great fans to each match but that won't matter because there will be no victor. Pick: Draw

Sunderland v. Man Utd
Sunderland like Stoke and Blackburn play a physical breed of football. There are always a tough match for the visitor but the visitor in this case happens to be Man U. They are simply playing brilliantly at the moment and should have no trouble dispatching the Black Cats. Pick: Man U

Tottenham v. Aston Villa
Scoring, scoring, and more scoring. Both teams feature high-octane offenses and we should see plenty of goals galore because their defenses both blow. Both teams will look to push the initiative but I can only see their being one outcome in a matchup like this...Pick: Draw

West Bromwich Albion v. Bolton
West Brom are still riding high after a shock victory to my Gunners last weekend. That same attitude has propelled the newly promoted squad to 6th in the table and they return home to face a struggling Bolton outfit. The fans will truly show their appreciation for WBA and see the home squad to an easy victory. Pick: WBA

West Ham v. Fulham
A London Derby, just the way I like it. West Ham have sucked for the past 5 seasons. The only good thing about them at the moment is Green Street Hooligans. They blow. Expect nothing less that Fulham victory (7th place) in this case. Pick: Fulham

Sunday:

Man City v. Newcastle
4th place City host long-tim EPL natives but newly promoted in terms of this season Newcastle. The Magpies have a tough draw going to Man City to face the team that handed Chelsea their first defeat of the season. With an in-form Carlos Tevez, Man City should have no problems. Pick: Man City

Liverpool v. Blackpool
A matchup of the two 'pools. Only one point separates these teams in the table and both are playing truly miserable football to reflect that. Loserpool, excuse me, Liverpool have looked awful this season. Rafa Benitez might be out the door as manager, Torres can't stay healthy and there is talk of a partially distracted captain in Steven Gerrard. Expect goals to be at a premium. Pick: Draw

Match of the Week:
Chelsea v. Arsenal
Here we are, folks. My Gunners are playing hated rivals Chelski (Chelsea) at Stamford Bridge. Both teams are coming off defeats from the past weekend (Arsenal at home to WBA and Chelsea away to Man City). For Arsenal, it will be a battle of attrition in terms of their injury situation. Captain Cesc Fabregas and keeper Manuel Almunia appear to miss this clash joining the growing list of regulars already out of action. Powerful Chelsea hope to get back to their winning ways in this closely-knit affair both in proximity and in relation to the table with Chelsea being the leaders and Arsenal in 3rd. Tempers will flair and true quality will be shown but I see football being the only winner here.
Pick: Draw (2-2)

- KA