Premier League football returns this weekend and although there are no genuine mouthwatering fixtures, there’s plenty to keep us interested. Before the international break, Manchester United and City sent out a message to the rest of the league with two brilliant performances at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane. It looks as if it’s up to the rest to chase them down and Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea have a chance to close the gap up on Wearside.
Chelsea don’t seem to be up to full speed as yet and I felt their win against Norwich flattered them a little. The Fernando Torres debate rages on and the out-of-form Spaniard will get another chance against Sunderland to open his account this season as Didier Drogba is sidelined with a concussion. These two clubs have produced some absolute belters over the past few meetings, especially the Black Cats’ 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge last term. I watched Sunderland’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle and I was amazed they didn’t score. They missed so many chances early on, but I fancy them to get it right tomorrow. A home win looks a step too far, but Sunderland are certainly capable of getting a point.
Everton have had a seriously tough few weeks. It must be heartbreaking for fans to see the likes of Stoke splashing cash, while Everton’s top players exit and are not replaced. David Moyes will have been delighted to nick all three points from Ewood Park last time out, but he must be concerned about where the goals are coming from. I just don’t see Everton scoring and that leaves a bucket load of pressure on the back five.
Aston Villa are 4.1 to get the win at Goodison Park and that is just too good a price to ignore. Alex McLeish will be sweating on the fitness of Darren Bent and if he does start, Everton will face an even tougher job.
Owen Coyle has the daunting task of figuring out how to stop the defending champions in tomorrow’s late kick off. United were unplayable against Arsenal, and frankly it could have been even worse for the Gunners. Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young’s hugely promising partnership continued to blossom for England and Bolton will need to keep a very close eye on the pair.
Keeping Gary Cahill was a huge bonus for Bolton and they’ll need their star defender at the top of his game. Bolton have given United a run for their money recently and they twice held the lead in their last game at the Reebok before it finished 2-2. However, with the way that United have started the campaign I can see the league leaders edging this one.
Betting on BETDAQ – Alan’s Punts:
Sunderland v Chelsea: back the draw at 3.8
Everton v Villa: back Villa at 4.1
Bolton v Man United: back United at 1.45
