Preview Of This Week’s English Premier League Matches + Latest Odds [Week 2]

Sunderland vs. Newcastle

A derby game already in place for the new season and I’m sure this North West derby will be a feisty affair as it always is between these two sides.

Sunderland produced a good second half performance last week againstLiverpool and hopefully they can build some momentum and produce a similar performance from the first minute.

Newcastle produced a good performance last week against Arsenal but the result was probably overshadowed by Joey Barton’s scuffle with Arsenal’s new signing Gervinho. I really hope Joey Barton takes part in this game as he’s definitely a character and someone who’s very much suited to this type of game. I do feel he was treated unfairly by the media last week but to be honest I did think Gervinho dived so I understand his frustration. But the extravagant tumble to the floor by Gervinho’s womanly slap didn’t help matters either. So let’s just hope his football does the talking this weekend as I believe he’s a good footballer.

I’m going for a home win as I was quite impressed with Sunderland’s performance last week but I’m expecting an entertaining game which would be great especially with a surprising early kick off time of 12pm.

My Prediction

Sunderland WIN

Sunderland 3 – 1Newcastle

Goal Scorers – Sessegnon x2 (Sunderland), Gyan (Sunderland) & Joey Barton (Newcastle)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Sunderland	21/20	11/10	6/5	11/10	6/5	11/10
Draw	12/5	9/4	21/10	9/4	23/10	23/10
Newcastle	12/5	13/5	5/2	13/5	23/10	5/2

Correct Score

Sunderland2 – 1	15/2	15/2	8/1	7/1	7/1	8/1
Draw1 – 1	11/2	5/1	6/1	11/2	11/2	5/1
Newcastle2-1	11/1	11/1	11/1	11/1	10/1	11/1
Sunderland3-1	18/1	16/1	18/1	16/1	16/1	18/1

Anytime Scorer

Asamoah Gyan	5/4	7/5	6/5	11/8	6/5	6/4
Stephane Sessegnon	13/8	23/10	7/4	2/1	7/4	7/4
Demba Ba	7/4	12/5	15/8	11/5	5/2	2/1
Joey Barton	7/2	11/2	5/1	4/1	7/2	5/1

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Arsenal vs. Liverpool

What a great match we have on a Saturday afternoon with both clubs desperate to claim their first win of the season after disappointing draws on the opening day.

This time last week we were talking about Cesc Fabregas’s imminent departure to Barcelona which we know has been completed and in fact he’s already made his debut this past Wednesday and claimed his first trophy for the club. Not a bad start after being trophy less in the last six years with Arsenal (sorry Arsenal fans, I had to mention it). But now this week there’s a new player in the spotlight with Samir Nasri close to leaving Arsenal and completing a move to Man City. There’s not long left before the transfer window closes so Arsene Wenger needs to move quickly and sign some quality players as Arsenal fans are becoming restless.

I think this is probably the best time to play Arsenal as they have lost their captain and most likely another key player this week in Samir Nasri and the squad is weakened as no additions have been made as of yet. Furthermore Arsenal have a very long injury list which includes Jack Wilshire, Tomas Rosicky, Johan Djourou, Abou Diaby, Armand Traore and Keiran Gibbs. Plus Gervinho and Alex Song are also unavailable due to suspension. Liverpool on the other hand have no injury worries apart from Glen Johnson and Kenny Dalglish has revealed Steven Gerrard is making great progress in his rehabilitation which is good news for the reds. But it’s important Liverpool start the game in positive fashion, similar to last week against Sunderland but chances have to be coveted as it proved to be costly in the end.

I’m predicting an away win as I feel Liverpool are currently too strong for Arsenal and have not been interrupted by any European football this past week which is a bonus.

My Prediction

Liverpool WIN

Arsenal 0 – 2Liverpool

Goal Scorers – Stuart Downing (Liverpool) & Andy Carroll (Liverpool)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Arsenal	13/8	11/8	8/5	6/4	11/8	6/4
Draw	21/10	9/4	11/5	11/5	9/4	9/4
Liverpool	7/4	2/1	7/4	15/8	2/1	9/5

Correct Score

Arsenal 2 – 1	8/1	8/1	17/2	8/1	8/1	17/2
Draw0 – 0	8/1	8/1	17/2	15/2	9/1	9/1
Liverpool1 – 0	15/2	15/2	15/2	15/2	8/1	7/1
Liverpool2 – 0	16/1	12/1	14/1	12/1	12/1	12/1

Anytime Scorer

Marounne Chamakh	12/5	12/5	2/1	23/10	7/4	12/5
Theo Walcott	2/1	11/4	11/4	13/5	5/2	3/1
Andy Carroll	13/8	15/8	7/4	2/1	9/4	2/1
Stuart Downing	7/2	4/1	7/2	10/3	5/1	9/2

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Aston Villa vs. Blackburn

Alex McLeish’s first home game this season as manager of Aston Villa and its important his team gets off to a good start. It will be interesting to see what type of reception Alex McLeish he recieves from the fans as I’m sure there’s a section amongst supporters who are still displeased with his appointment. Last weeks game against Fulham was a good performance but the team just lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

Blackburn got off to a great start last week with debutant Mauro Formica opening the score line with a clinical finish but unfortunately his side couldn’t capitalize on the early lead and Wolves took advantage of Blackburn’s weak defense with players pressing up the field. I did mention this last week but I have to repeat that it is vital for Blackburn to buy a centre back as their status in the Premier League will not last for long. If I was Steve Kean I would make a move for Liverpool’s Soto Kyrgiakos who is available as he is only a squad player at Liverpool and his chances will be limited. He is a solid defender with great physical presence and will organize the back four with his experience. Plus he will not command a huge transfer fee which is an important factor.

Anyways back to the game I’m predicting a home win for Aston Villa as I think they’re very hard to beat at home and I feel Blackburn do not have the quality to cause any damage or havoc to Villa’s back four.

My Prediction

Aston Villa WIN

Aston Villa 2 – 0Blackburn

Goal Scorers – Darren Bent (Aston Villa) & Charles N’Zogbia

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Aston Villa	8/11	3/4	3/4	4/6	8/11	8/11
Draw	5/2	12/5	11/5	12/5	5/2	13/5
Blackburn	15/4	4/1	9/2	5/1	4/1	4/1

Correct Score

Aston Villa1 – 0	11/2	11/2	13/2	5/1	6/1	11/2
Draw1 – 1	6/1	6/1	13/2	6/1	11/2	6/1
Blackburn 1 – 0	10/1	13/1	12/1	11/1	8/1	11/1
Aston Villa 2 – 0	6/1	7/1	15/2	6/1	6/1	13/2

Anytime Scorer

Darren Bent	1/1	10/11	4/5	5/6	11/10	10/11
Charles N’Zogbia	2/1	23/10	7/4	2/1	9/4	7/4
Mauro Formica	12/5	3/1	10/3	3/1	5/2	3/1
David Hoilett	10/3	7/2	4/1	7/2	3/1	4/1

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Everton vs. QPR

Everton will be playing their first game of the season as last week’s match with Tottenham was postponed due to the safety reasons. But you would expect the team to be fresh as they’ve not been in action or it could be the other way round where the week off may affect their overall match fitness so it remains to be seen. But to be honest I can’t see Everton losing this game as QPR were given a warm welcome by Bolton with a thrashing and it is evident that their defense is very weak.

The news of Malaysian Businessman Tony Fernandes taking over at QPR is good for the club and exciting times for the fans. But the club has to invest quickly into quality players who are proven in the Premiers League as the experience will be vital for their quest to survive. Hopefully Adel Taarabt will remain at the club but I have a sneak he may be leaving and his possible destination could be Arsenal (another prediction).

I’m going for a home win as Everton are simply too strong for QPR and Goodison Park is always a tough away fixture.

My Prediction

Everton WIN

Everton 3 – 0 QPR

Goal Scorers – Jermiane Beckford x2 (Everton) & Leighton Baines (Everton)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Everton	1/2	8/15	11/20	8/15	8/15	8/15
Draw	3/1	11/4	3/1	11/4	14/5	3/1
QPR	11/2	6/1	5/1	6/1	11/2	11/2

Correct Score

Everton 2 – 0	11/2	6/1	13/2	5/1	6/1	11/2
Draw1 – 1	7/1	13/2	15/2	6/1	11/2	7/1
QPR 1 – 0	14/1	16/1	14/1	11/1	8/1	14/1
Everton 3 – 0	10/1	10/1	10/1	9/1	11/1	9/1

Anytime Scorer

Jermaine Beckford	5/4	5/4	6/5	11/8	11/10	5/4
Leighton Baines	4/1	5/1	5/1	4/1	6/1	5/1
Adel Taarabt	10/3	11/4	11/4	13/5	7/2	11/4
Jay Bothroyd	10/3	5/2	11/4	13/5	3/1	11/4

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Swansea vs. Wigan

Swansea had a tough opening fixture out of all the newly promoted teams and this was proved evident with Sergio Kun Aguero producing a masterclass performance. But I see a lot of potential in this team. I read a stat on twitter which showed Swansea made 523 passes which is more than any Premier League side on the opening day and 149 more than Man City. That is an incredible stat and shows Swansea are a complete footballing team which is great for the league.

Here’s the link to view the stats:

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/chalkboards/j4Y07a9zE7o9a788rW8O?commentpage=last#end-of-comments)

Wigan have started the season well by winning a point last week against Norwich and the team showed a lot of promise. But it was just unfortunate that Wigan’s Goal Keeper Ali Al-Habsi, who I think is a great keeper, made the error to concede the goal. Victor Moses had a fantastic game and showed what a great young talent he is. I believe he will have an important role this season especially with the departure of Charles N’Zogbia. But I think that would be too much pressure on his shoulders so another wide player added to the squad would be a good idea.

I think this game will result to a draw but I’m expecting am entertaining game as both managers like the play free flowing football which is great for the neutrals.

My Prediction

DRAW
Swansea 1 – 1Wigan

Goal Scorers – Scott Sinclair (Swansea) & James McCarthy (Wigan)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Swansea	11/10	6/5	23/20	23/20	6/5	11/10
Draw	9/4	23/10	9/4	9/4	23/10	12/5
Wigan	12/5	23/10	5/2	12/5	23/10	12/5

Correct Score

Swansea 1 – 0	11/2	11/2	6/1	11/2	7/1	6/1
Draw0 – 0	8/1	15/2	8/1	8/1	8/1	9/1
Wigan 2 – 1	11/1	10/1	11/1	10/1	10/1	11/1
Draw1 – 1	11/2	5/1	6/1	11/2	11/2	11/2

Anytime Scorer

Scott Sinclair	13/8	9/5	6/4	15/8	6/4	7/4
Nathan Dyer	7/2	4/1	5/1	5/1	7/2	5/1
James McCarthy	5/1	11/2	11/2	9/2	5/1	5/1
Victor Moses	11/4	7/2	7/2	10/3	5/2	7/2

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Chelsea vs. West Brom

A disappointing start for Chelsea last week as they are already trailing behind Man United in the league and it’s very important to start well as these points may make the difference at the latter stages. But I think an away fixture against Stoke was always going to be difficult especially for a new manager who is still getting accustom to the English Premier League. I feel Chelsea lacked creativity at times so it’s important the club invests in new players sooner rather than later if they are to mount a serious challenge for the title and other competitions.

West Brom played very well against Man United and I believe were unlucky not to claim a point. But this will be another tough fixture for West Brom and it’s a shame they have to play the top two sides in the opening weeks of the Premier League. But I think West Brom will do well this season and the signing of Shane Long was a great bit of business in my opinion and Peter Odemwingie signing a new contract is great news for the club.

I believe Chelsea will win this game but not without a fight as West brom showed against Man United they will give up till the final whistle.

My Prediciton

ChelseaWIN
Chelsea 2 – 0 West Brom

Goal Scorers – Fernando Torres (Chelsea) & Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Chelsea	2/7	2/7	1/3	2/7	1/4	3/10
Draw	15/4	4/1	19/5	4/1	9/2	4/1
West Brom	10/1	11/1	9/1	11/1	11/1	10/1

Correct Score

Chelsea1 – 0	6/1	6/1	7/1	11/2	7/1	6/1
Draw 0 – 0	14/1	14/1	14/1	14/1	14/1	14/1
West Brom1 – 0	22/1	25/1	20/1	18/1	16/1	22/1
Chelsea2 – 0	5/1	11/2	6/1	5/1	5/1	5/1

Anytime Scorer

Fernando Torres	10/11	8/13	4/7	5/6	4/6	8/11
Romelu Lakaku	–	11/10	1/1	–	6/5	11/8
Shane Long	7/2	9/2	11/2	9/2	4/1	5/1
Chris Brunt	11/2	13/2	7/1	13/2	7/1	6/1

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Norwich vs. Stoke

Norwich started their Premiership campaign with a good draw and hopefully they can build on that but it will be a tough game against Stoke. Grant Holt didn’t have the best of games against Wigan but he needs to be playing at his best if he is to cope with the physicality of Stoke’s play.

Stoke did very well last week against Chelsea and also a great victory on Thursday in the Europa League. But I think their form will be affected as the season progresses due to the number of Europa League games and also the traveling which can affect the player’s fatigue. The signings of Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson have been good for the club and I’m sure more signings will be made before the transfer window closes.

I’m going for a Stoke win but I expect it to be a close game.

My Prediciton

Stoke WIN

Norwich0 – 1 Stoke

Goal Scorer – Matthew Everington (Stoke)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Norwich	13/8	6/4	6/4	6/4	6/4	7/5
Draw	9/4	9/4	11/5	9/4	23/10	23/10
Stoke	13/8	9/5	15/8	9/5	9/5	19/10

Correct Score

Norwich 1 – 0	13/2	13/2	13/2	13/2	7/1	6/1
Draw 1 – 1	11/2	5/1	11/2	11/2	11/2	5/1
Stoke 2 – 0	12/1	12/1	14/1	12/1	10/1	12/1
Stoke 1 – 0	7/1	7/1	7/1	7/1	7/1	7/1

Anytime Scorer

Grant Holt	13/8	15/8	6/4	15/8	7/4	7/4
Wes Hoolahan	11/4	3/1	11/4	13/5	3/1	3/1
Kenwyne Jones	13/8	9/5	6/4	15/8	13/8	7/4
Matthew Etherington	10/3	7/2	4/1	7/2	5/1	4/1

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Wolves vs. Fulham

Wolves produced a good result last week against Blackburn with Mick McCarthy’s team dominating the play and opening the score line with a great header by Steven Fletcher. I was quite surprised by the result as I predicted Wolves to lose but I was clearly proven wrong. The signing of Roger Johnson has been great for the club as the back four looked very assured under his leadership and I can see Wolves doing well this season. But I still feel they need to sign a striker in order to secure Premiership status comfortably.

Fulham did very well last week against Aston Villa as it was an even matched game and it could have gone either way. I believe under Martin Jol the team will play good attacking football which is good for the fans. I’m hoping the team is not affect by fatigue from the mid week Europa League tie as it tends to be the case.

I’m going for a Fulham win but I expect the match to be evenly match and lots chances on goal.

My Prediction

Fulham WIN

Wolves 0 – 1 Fulham

Goal Scorer – Moussa Dembele (Fulham)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Wolves	13/10	13/10	5/4	13/10	11/8	7/5
Draw	9/4	9/4	11/5	9/4	9/4	23/10
Fulham	2/1	21/10	23/10	21/10	2/1	19/10

Correct Score

Wolves1 – 0	6/1	6/1	6/1	6/1	7/1	6/1
Draw0 – 0	7/1	7/1	15/2	8/1	8/1	17/2
Fulham 2 – 0	12/1	14/1	16/1	12/1	11/1	12/1
Fulham 1 – 0	7/1	15/2	15/2	15/2	7/1	7/1

Anytime Scorer

Moussa Dembele	11/4	11/4	9/4	5/2	5/2	5/2
Andrew Johnson	7/4	9/4	15/8	11/5	9/4	2/1
Steven Fletcher	13/8	21/10	7/4	2/1	7/4	2/1
Stephen Hunt	4/1	11/2	11/2	9/2	7/2	5/1

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Bolton vs. Man City

This will be a cracking game if we’re going according the last weeks results. Bolton have been playing some great football under Owen Coyle which is great to see and  Bolton exploited QPR’s weaknesses with ease. Rumours’ suggesting David Ngog is on his way to Bolton whilst Gary Cahill may be heading to Liverpool in a separate deal but that remains to be seen.

I have to say I believe Man City are real title contenders this season and will be the closest challengers to Man United as the quality in their squad is frankly quite frightening and with the imminent signing of Samir Nasri its clear to see Man City mean business. It remains to be seen whether Carlos Tevez stays at the club but Man City already have a new star in Sergio Aguero who is simply top quality. I’m very excited to see more of him in action and I’m sure he’ll be scoring more spectacular goals from Aguero as the season continues.

I believe Man City will win this game butBoltonwill be competing throughout the 90 minutes.

My Prediction

Man City WIN
Bolton 1 – 2ManCity

Goal Scorer – Aguero (Man Ciy), Dzeko (ManCity) & Ivan Klasnic (Bolton)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Bolton	7/2	7/2	17/5	10/3	4/1	7/2
Draw	5/2	5/2	13/5	5/2	5/2	5/2
Man City	3/4	5/6	4/5	5/6	8/11	4/5

Correct Score

Bolton 1 – 0	12/1	11/1	11/1	9/1	12/1	11/1
Draw 1 – 1	6/1	11/2	13/2	6/1	13/2	6/1
Man City 1 – 0	6/1	11/2	13/2	5/1	7/1	11/2
Man City 2 – 1	7/1	7/1	15/2	7/1	8/1	15/2

Anytime Scorer

Sergio Aguero	11/10	11/10	6/5	11/8	4/5	5/4
Edin Dzeko	6/4	17/10	6/4	15/8	6/5	11/8
Ivan Klasnic	12/5	11/4	11/4	13/5	3/1	11/4
Kevin Davies	11/4	11/4	11/4	13/5	5/2	11/4

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Man United vs. Tottenham

This game will be full of goals in my opinion as both teams are high on confidence from recent victories and encounters between the two sides are usually quite exciting.

A good performance by United last week even though I felt they didn’t play to their best but that’s the sign of champions where they aren’t required to play in full gear just to claim a victory.

Tottenham’s game last week was postponed but their display in the Europa League against Hearts was fantastic and it’s really good to see Jermaine Defoe playing back to his best after a difficult year due to injury. There’s still a lot of uncertainty around the club in regards of Luka Modric and if I’m honest I don’t expect Modirc to be at Tottenham after the transfer window. But its important Harry Redknapp strengthens the squad in the right areas which I’m sure he will.

My Prediciton

Man United WIN

Man United 3 – 2 Tottenham

Goal Scorers – Rooney (Man United), Ashley Young (Man United), Nani (Man United), Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham) & Van Der Vaart (Tottenham)

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Latest Odds:

Win Draw Win

Man United	8/13	8/13	4/6	4/6	8/13	4/7
Draw	11/4	13/5	3/1	13/5	11/4	14/5
Tottenham	9/2	5/1	15/4	9/2	9/2	5/1

Correct Score

Man United 2 – 1	7/1	13/2	7/1	7/1	7/1	7/1
Draw 0 – 0	12/1	11/1	12/1	9/1	12/1	12/1
Tottenham1 – 0	12/1	14/1	14/1	11/1	12/1	12/1
Man United3 – 2	25/1	19/1	22/1	25/1	25/1	25/1

Anytime Scorer

Wayne Rooney	11/10	1/1	8/11	5/6	4/5	10/11
Nani	13/8	15/8	6/4	15/8	5/2	2/1
Ashley Young	9/4	23/10	6/4	15/8	3/1	2/1
Jermaine Defoe	11/4	11/4	10/3	3/1	3/1	3/1
Rafael Van Der Vaart	11/4	11/4	10/3	3/1	5/2	3/1