SoccerAnchor's English Premier League preview: Round 9

What a round of football it promises to be in England this weekend, as Manchester United and Manchester City meet in a top of the table clash at Old Trafford, and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all look to maintain their impressive performances last time around...

Saturday, October 22 2011

Wolves v Swansea

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to put an end to a five-game losing streak, while Swansea will attempt to record their first away points of the season. The Wales side are one point better off on the league table, however the drop zone is never too far out of either side's peripheral.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy may have to use striker Kevin Doyle as the lone man up front with Steven Fletcher touch-and-go after missing the defeat to West Brom last week. Defender Kevin Foley has undergone successful surgery on his ankle and hopes to return by Christmas.

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers lauded his team after their 3-1 loss to Norwich last week saying his side was 'magnificent' and urged the team to keep persevering. The newly-promoted side has been able to keep four clean sheets this season, however they concede on average three goals in away fixtures thus far, nine of the twelve coming against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Wolves' lack of fire power up front and Swansea's fighting determination could provide for a tight contest, with Molineux the only variable seperating the two sides on paper.

Prediction: Wolves 0-0 Swansea

Aston Villa v West Brom

Aston Villa finally succumbed to their first defeat of the season against Manchester City last weekend in a 4-1 rout. West Brom extended their unbeaten run to three games when they comfortably overcame Wolves 2-0.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has been Villa's shining light this season, the versatile forward scoring three goals in four home matches this campaign. Defenders James Collins and Carlos Cuellar have injury clouds looming over them, the latter rated a stronger chance to return to the starting eleven.

The Baggies only have one injury concern with midfielder Zoltan Gera continuing his stint on the sidelines. The choice to not  operate on forward Peter Odemwingie's ankle payed dividend last week as the striker scored a 75th-minute winner to secure three home points for Hodgson's men.

The corresponding Birmingham derby last season went down to the wire with Villa prevailing 2-1, veteran striker Emile Heskey scoring the winner on that occasion.

Prediction: Aston Villa 3-1 West Brom

Bolton v Sunderland

Bolton ended their six-game losing streak last week to lift themselves off the bottom of the table, while Sunderland have only managed one point from their last three games.

Ex-Manchester United player Chris Eagles was the Wanderer's hero last week, firstly assisting Nigel Reo-Cocker, then scoring the sealer to round off a 3-1 victory. Striker Ivan Klasnic was left on the bench last week despite his bright start this campaign. Defender Gary Cahill will be January's number one talking point, however his side's defensive record is the worst in the competition.

The Black Cats were gallant in defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates last week. Midfielder Sebastian Larsson proving his worth with a stunning free kick in a goal of the year contender. The score line could have easily swung in the favour of Sunderland had midfielder Lee Cattermole headed home his point blank chance, a chance that manager Steve Bruce laments. 

Despite being winless in three games, Sunderland's performances have not been at all poor by any stretch, which will challenge the home side looking to resurrect their season beginning with an all important away win last week.

Prediction: Bolton 1-1 Sunderland

Newcastle v Wigan

Newcastle continued their unbeaten run with a 2-2 draw at home to Tottenham last week. In contrast, Wigan have lost five in a row, the most recent a 3-1 defeat to bottom-placed Bolton, which places them only ahead of Blackburn on the league table.

The Toon came from behind twice courtesy of strikes by Demba Ba and substitute Shola Ameobi. Forgotten midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa was able to come on much to the delight of the Geordie crowd.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez waited only 45 minutes before he re-introduced star striker Hugo Rodallega last week after a month lay-off with a knee injury. Defender Emmerson Boyce looks likely to miss again.

A Newcastle victory, and a result at Old Trafford between the league leaders could mean the Magpies end October as one of only two undefeated teams. The contrasting ladder positions suggests an easy win for Newcastle, however The Latics have had their fair share of surprises in the Premier League over the years.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Wigan

Liverpool v Norwich

Liverpool return to Anfield this week lamenting the chance to close the gap at the top after a thrilling 1-1 draw last week against Manchester United, however Norwich will prove no easy beat having won three of their last four.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard made a return to the first eleven last week, his impact immediate with a free kick that put his Reds ahead. Dirk Kuyt worked tirelessly in a rare start, while Andy Carroll looked on from the bench. Star striker Luis Suarez continues to battle against racism accusations in an incident with United's Patrice Evra.

A brace from midfielder Anthony Pilkington brushed aside Swansea 3-1 last week, which sees the Canaries sit pretty in mid-table. The last month has been promising for the Premier League's new boys, their 2-0 loss at Old Trafford two weeks back the only loss in a hot streak.

Liverpool  will head into the clash as overwhelming favourites as they continue to push for the all important top four position. Suarez has been lethal in his home appearances this season and is a hot chance to continue his scoring record.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Norwich

Sunday, October 23 2011

Arsenal v Stoke

Arsenal have won their last three home matches, including a stirring 2-1 victory against Sunderland last weekend. Stoke have lost their last two on the road, however they still sit just above the north London club on the league table.

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has lead Arsenal's revival with five goals this campaign, two of which came last weekend. Midfielder Tomas Rosicky has enjoyed more game time in the absence of Jack Wilshere, and the return of Laurent Koscielny means Alex Song can step back into his customary defensive midfield role. Aaron Ramsey started as a substitute after recovering from a hamstring injury, then scored the goal against Marseille which kept Arsenal on top of their Champions League group midweek. Defender Carl Jenkinson hobbled off with an injury which gave Johan Djourou a chance to perform at the vacated right back position left by Bacary Sagna.

Stoke left it late at home to defeat Fulham 2-0 courtesy of strikes from Jonathan Walters and Rory Delap last league start, with a Europa clash at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday night providing a hurdle in preparation for the Emirates on Sunday. Striker Kenwyne Jones could make his first league start after scoring midweek in his side's Europa League win.

The corresponding fixture last season was decided by a Sebastien Squillaci header early on, before the Potters returned the favour with a 3-1 victory at home.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Stoke

Fulham v Everton

Fulham were brought back down to earth last week after their 6-0 thumping of QPR with a 2-0 away defeat to Stoke, while Everton could not handle a red hot Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Cottagers were defeated 1-0 in Poland on Thursday night in their Europa League tie against Wisla Krakow, manager Martin Jol resting players such as John Arne Riise, Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora for the weekend.

Everton announced the returning of James McFadden during the week after the Scot was shown the door by Championship side Birmingham. The 28-year-old bolsters a slim looking attack which has been headed by midfielder Tim Cahill in a lone role while Victor Anichebe continues to recover from a groin injury. Greece international Apostolos Vellios has made a claim for a starting berth with a goal off the bench in their defeat to Chelsea.

Both sides inconsistencies see them sit level on seven points apiece, the west Londoners with the superior goal advantage. Despite their midweek travels to eastern Europe, Fulham will look to keep their unbeaten home record in one of the weekend's toughest fixtures for the tipsters.

Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Everton

Manchester United v Manchester City

Click here for an in-depth preview of the Manchester derby.

Blackburn v Tottenham

Blackburn's solitary point in the last three games grounds them at the bottom of the table. In complete contrast, Tottenham are flying with four wins and a draw from the last five.

The Rovers have re-ignited their protests to dismiss manager Steve Kean ahead of Sunday's clash with a march outside Ewood Park. Midfielder Martin Olsson will miss the clash due to suspension, while David Dunn continues to recover from injury.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp used out-of-favour striker Roman Pavlyuchenko in Thursday night's 1-0 Europa League win, the Russian delivering with a stunning free kick to make his claim for a league start. Rafael Van der Vaart has scored three goals in his last three appearances. Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, Younes Kaboul and Sandro all had limited game, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Bale looking on from the stands.

The Spurs will hope for a Newcastle slip up after losing the chance to hop the Toon last week in a battle for fourth, which includes Liverpool. However, Blackburn should not be written off as the playing squad looks to get behind manager Kean.

Prediction: Blackburn 1-3 Tottenham

QPR v Chelsea

Chelsea will travel to neighbours QPR in red hot form after dispatching Genk 5-0 midweek, while Loftus Road is yet to host a victory this campaign.

Rangers striker DJ Campbell will miss two months with a fractured metatarsal, joining Kieron Dyer on the sidelines. Manager Neil Warnock continues to manage the fickle Adel Taarabt, who came on as a substitute last start after reportedly announcing his desire to leave.

Chelsea will be delighted with the form of Fernando Torres who scored a brace midweek, while John Terry and Juan Mata played no part in the European fixture. There are no real injury concerns at Stamford Bridge with the increased depth acquired over the summer covering for injured stars Ramires and Michael Essien.

A Chelsea victory and a slip up by Manchester United in the derby will see the Blues move into second position, however Warnock's men will attempt to win over the home fans' hearts for the first time this season.

Prediction: QPR 0-2 Chelsea

SoccerAnchor's EPL round-up - Round 8: United held at Anfield, while City thump Villa to go top

Sunday, October 16 2011

Newcastle v Tottenham

Newcastle are incredibly still unbeaten, after a high scoring draw with Tottenham at St. James' Park.

Goals were always expected in this match, however it took 40 minutes for the first, as Rafael van der Vaart dispatched from the spot, after Emmanuel Adebayor was fouled in the area.

Demba Ba restored parity early in the second half, however shortly after coming on as a substitute, Jermaine Defoe's left-footed drive reclaimed the lead for Spurs, as they went in search of a victory that would have taken them into the top four.

However, as the game neared an end, a Shola Ameobi thunderbolt was too good for Brad Friedel in goal, ensuring the Magpies maintain their unbeaten run.

Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham

Arsenal v Sunderland

Arsenal recorded just their second victory of the campaign, but what a crucial one it was, accounting for Sunderland at the Emirates.

Having drawn on both occasions when they met last term, the Gunners were keen to make amends for that, as well as their recent poor record against the Black Cats, and took just 28 seconds to open the scoring through Robin van Persie.

The hosts were completely dominating possession and dictating the play, until Mikel Arteta gave away a soft free kick just outside the area. Sebastian Larsson stepped up to take the free kick, and sensationally curled it into the top corner, to restore parity completely against the run of play.

The visitors could have doubled their advantage just after the break, had it not been for the goalkeeping heroics of Wojciech Szczeny, and just when all looked lost, van Persie popped up at the other end, with a superb free kick of his own, to record a crucial three points for Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland

West Brom v Wolves

West Brommade light work of Wolverhampton, extending their opponents dismal run of form, following their impressive start to the season.

The Baggies took just eight minutes to open the scoring, as Chris Brunt slotted home the first in clinical fashion, to continue his solid start individually thus far.

Wolves offered little in resistance, and their hopes were effectively killed off 14 minutes from time, when Peter Odemwingie got on the end of a great ball, to finish off a commanding display by the hosts, and attain their second victory of the season.

West Brom 2-0 Wolves

Saturday, October 15 2011

Liverpool v Manchester United

A Steven Gerrard free kick, cancelled out by an opportunistic Javier Hernandez saw one of football's great rivalries end in a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson produced a starting line up which raised many eye brows. Six changes from their latest 2-0 win against Norwich meant the substitute bench included the likes of Wayne Rooney, Nani, Hernandez and Antonio Valencia, with Nemanja Vidic sitting out despite playing for Serbia mid-week. Anfield welcomed back their favourite son Steven Gerrard for his first start in seven months, while Dirk Kuyt made a rare appearance amongst a midfield-heavy starting eleven.

The first half-chance of the match fell to the visitors when Patrice Evra found an unmarked Phil Jones at the back post, the 19-year-old finding the side netting with his ill-directed header.

Just past the half hour mark and Liverpool should have taken the lead. A Charlie Adam deflected shot fell to the feet of Luis Suarez, who shimmied to his right, before striking the ball with his left only to be thwarted by a stern David De Gea.

The second half started in complete contrast to the first, Liverpool stretching United and using the aerial ball to create scoring opportunities. A handball shout against Jonny Evans after a Charlie Adam corner found Dirk Kuyt was waved away by referee Andre Marriner.

On 68 minutes Liverpool took the lead, from none other than returning captain. A charging run by Adam was stopped unfairly by Rio Ferdinand just outside the 18-yard box. Liverpool's favourite son stepped up and clipped the ball through the wall to leave De Gea stranded.

Ferguson acted quickly by bringing on Rooney and Nani for Ashley Young and Ji-Sung Park, then using his third and final substitute replacing Jones with Hernandez, and did it pay off.

United won a corner, which Nani played into Danny Wellbeck, who got the vital flick into the path of an opportunistic Hernandez, slipping defender Martin Skrtel before heading home ten minutes from time.
Only minutes later and Liverpool almost regained the lead. A wonderful Stewart Downing ball found a lunging Dirk Kuyt who forced a great save from De Gea.

Substitute Jordan Henderson had two chances to become an Anfield hero in the dying minutes. Firstly from an improvised lob volley which forced yet another wonderful save from De Gea, then glancing a header just over the bar. Suarez had the chance to head home after a goal mouth scramble but a desperate Rooney showed his defensive qualities by thwarting the Uruguayan.

For the first time in four years, United were able to come away from Anfield with a vital point.

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Norwich v Swansea

Norwich won the battle of the newcomers with a 3-1 victory thanks to a brace from midfielder Anthony Pilkington.

In a stunning opening, Norwich took a first-minute through a Pilkington strike after Steve Morrison cleverly found the midfielder with a headed pass. Minutes later and the home side made it two through Russell Martin.
Swansea's Danny Graham ended a remarkable opening 10 minutes with a strike into the bottom right corner to bring the Welsh side back in contention.

Pilkington secured his brace and Norwich's third just after the hour. Some dreadful defending by the Swansea defence allowed the midfielder to strike home from close range to restore a two-goal advantage.

Norwich 3-1 Swansea

Wigan v Bolton

Bolton lifted themselves off the bottom after a vital 3-1 victory away from home to Wigan.

Nigel Reo Coker gave the visitors the lead on 8 minutes when he struck home a Chris Eagles cross, before
Wigan levelled on 40 minutes through Mohamed Diame. The midfielder sent his right footed shot from outside the box into the top right hand corner.

Just before half time and Bolton regained the lead, this time through David N'Gog. The ex-Liverpool striker accepted a pass from Kevin Davies, shook off defender Gary Caldwell and fired home past Ali Al Habsi for just his second goal in 35 games.

on 72 minutes Bolton were awarded a penalty when defender Caldwell fouled Dedryck Boyata. Kevin Davies stepped up and hit it straight at 'keeper Al Habsi, before the rebound went flying over the bar.
Wigan tried desperately to salvage a draw, but the Wanderers provided a sucker punch to secure all three points when midfielder Chris Eagles struck home late.

Wigan 1-3 Bolton

QPR v Blackburn

Queens Park Rangers ensured their winless home record continued when they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

QPR manager Neil Warnock stamped his authority by starting Adel Taarabt on the bench after the playmaker expressed his desire to leave Loftus Road last week.

it was striker Heidar Helguson who gave the West Londoners the lead on 16 minutes when he struck home  into the top left corner following a corner kick.

Just eight minutes later and Blackburn levelled. Towering defender Christopher Samba climbed high to head home from a Jason Lowe corner.

Despite several attempts by the home side, fans left Loftus Road yet to see a home victory this season.

QPR 1-1 Blackburn

Manchester City v Aston Villa

Manchester City went top of the league after a 4-1 trouncing of Aston Villa to line up a mouth watering contest at Old Trafford next Sunday.

City started the match well, controlling possession and looking dangerous through the creativity of Mario Balotelli.

Italian Balotelli was rewarded for his early influence when he gave the home side the lead on 28 minutes by striking high into Shay Given's net following a Micah Richards pass. His fifth goal in three games against Villa was also his fourth in four for the Sky Blues.

Just minutes after the break and City doubled their lead. Yaya Toure put through winger Adam Johnson who made no mistake sending his left foot shot into the bottom left corner.

Captain Vincent Kompany added a third for his side in a devastating five minutes after the restart. The defender rose high above the Villa defence to glance home a header from a Johnson cross.

Villa defender Steven Warnock pulled a goal back for the visitors just after the hour mark with a strike that hit the underside of the bar, Charles N'Zogbia providing the assist.

ex-Villa midfielder James Milner made it four on 71 minutes when he willingly accepted a David Silva square pass to drill his shot into the top left corner.

Manchester City 4-1 Aston Villa

Stoke v Fulham

A late flurry from Stoke City saw them overcome a Fulham side by two goals to nil at the Britannia Stadium.
Jermaine Pennant had the home side's best chance of the first half after playing a one-two with Peter Crouch, before slipping a defender, only to send his shot passed Mark Schwarzer and the upright.

Bobby Zamora almost gave the visitors the lead minutes before the break when his header from a Chris Baird cross went agonisingly wide.

Stoke peppered the Fulham goal throughout the second half but could not find a lucky break, Schwarzer and his defence holding firm.

However, against the run of play the Cottagers almost took the lead. A two-touch free kick lead to a venomous John Arne-Riise strike that thundered against the cross bar.

The pressure valve finally released just ten minutes from time when Stoke midfielder Matthew Etherington's cross found striker Jonathan Walters who struck home from six yards.

Minutes before full time the Potters put the game beyond doubt through Rory Delap. The midfielder headed home another Etherington set piece to secure three deserved points for the home side.

Stoke 2-0 Fulham

Chelsea v Everton

Chelsea closed the gap on second-placed Manchester United to one point with a convincing 3-1 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea opened the scoring against the run of play on the half hour mark when Ashley Cole's first-time cross found Daniel Sturridge at the back post to nod home the simplest of headers. Juan Mata the architect in Cole's forward movement, Sturridge completing the interplay with his fourth of the campaign.

The Blues doubled their lead virtually on the half time whistle when a Frank Lampard diagonal ball from a set piece found the head of captain John Terry. Questions must be asked of Everton 'keeper Tim Howard's ownership of his six yard box who failed to meet the cross with any conviction.

Everton began the second half with a flurry and almost pulled one back when midfielder Leon Osman struck the outside of the post with a curling effort.

Just after the hour and Chelsea made it three. A swift counter attack that began with Mata, who continued his run to receive the return ball off Didier Drogba before squaring for Ramires to tap home the easiest of finishes.

Everton pulled one back ten minutes before time when Royston Drenthe found space on the left before delivering a low cross to meet a lunging Apostolos Vellios, who despite being on the pitch for twelve seconds, was able to direct his touch into the bottom right corner.

Chelsea 3-1 Everton

Adel Taarabt stuns QPR by announcing he wants to leave for money

Queens Park Rangers star Adel Taarabt has dramatically announced he wants to leave the club to earn more money, according to the Daily Mail. 

The 22-year-old has announced his silence after walking out following his substitution in QPR's away loss to Fulham on Sunday.
"I want to leave QPR during the January transfer window. It is for financial reasons," Taarabt said from his national side Morocco's training camp.

The talented youngster was deemed to be QPR's highest paid player up until the club's promotion which saw the signings of Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Taarabt, who can be said to have a temperament not too dissimilar to that of Mario Balotelli, was recalled to the Moroccan national squad after he turned down his selection earlier this year.

"It was a youthful mistake. However, I have no regrets about what I did," the ex-Spurs player said.
The Marseille-born youngster has been promising in his return to the Premier League and is sure to attract attention from bigger clubs.