Who's Playing Who?

We kick off our coverage of the EPL with a fantastic round of matches- let’s get stuck in!

Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Villa have been under performing heavily this year, evidenced by their loss to Liverpool last time out, but at home they should at least scrape a draw against a surprisingly impressive West Brom side.

Adrian’s Tip – Draw. An interesting clash between a side which is pushing for decent spot on a ladder and another which is fighting to stay as far away from the relegation zone as possible. While you’d think WBA would be certains to win this one, I’m feeling the draw.

Everton v Wigan

Matt’s Tip – Everton. Everton are seemingly cruising through this year, yet sit just outside the relegation zone. This should be a big clash at home against fellow relegation stragglers Wigan, and they need to pick up as many points as possible before January when they will lose form midfielder Tim Cahill. Cahill to score and get them home.

Adrian’s Tip – Everton. Very interesting to note Everton’s position on the ladder- I didn’t think they were doing too badly! Having said that, they should win this comfortably, with the form of Cahill at the moment, who would back against them?

Fulham v Sunderland

Matt’s Tip – Fulham. I thought an impressive showing against fellow Londoners Aresnal last week by Fulham, with the class of Samir Nasri being the difference. At home they need points, and this may be the game but Sunderland are playing with great confidence and flair so they will need to play well to win.

Adrian’s Tip – Draw. Sunderland are very underrated in my opinion, and away from home, a draw against Fulham would be a solid result. I’m sure though that they think a win here is very much achievable.

Stoke City v Blackpool

Matt’s Tip – Blackpool. Stoke seem to be going very well, but their failure to put away chances against Wigan last week cost them, and I can see it happening again. Blackpool had the week off, and will be raring to go.

Adrian’s Tip – Stoke. With the week off last week, I’m sure the Blackpool side will be fresh and full of confidence heading into this clash. That’s a pity, because they’re going to be leaving the Britannia Stadium empty handed.

West Ham v Manchester City

Matt’s Tip – Man City. With the scoring form of Carlos Tevez at the moment, its hard to back against City. West Ham have had a horror run so far, and will struggle to take any points from this one.

Adrian’s Tip – Man City. If City are genuine title contenders, they have to put away the sides at the bottom of the ladder, so a win here is a must. Despite the tension between Manager Mancini and his captain Tevez, they should chalk up a win here.

Newcastle v Liverpool

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Liverpool have improved drastically following a relegation scrap early on, and are starting to hit their straps. But fear the first time manager, and Newcastle’s hot and cold form could turn burning with all the players out to impress new manager Alan Padrew.

Adrian’s Tip – Liverpool. The return of Liverpool to the victor’s circle as of late is welcome for their many fans, after their shocking start to the season. And if I’m to be believed, they’ll be taking another win here away against a Newcastle side which is playing some good football.

Bolton v Blackburn

Matt’s Tip – Bolton. Another of the surprise packets this year, Bolton have impressed many with their knack of getting results. Blackburn are still reeling from the thrashing at the hands of Man Utd, despite a win last week, and shouldn’t take anything away from the Reebok this weekend.

Adrian’s Tip – Bolton. Sitting in 6th spot just behind Spurs, Bolton are not doing too badly, which may come as a surprise to some. Blackburn bounced back from a 7-1 thrashing to record a 3-0 win over Wolves last week. I can’t see them doing the same against a Bolton side that has quite a few goals in them.

Wolves v Birmingham

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Wolves have been better than their position on the ladder suggests, but their counterparts were more than impressive against Tottenham last week. They should share the points here.

Adrian’s Tip – Wolves. It’s always hard to pick games between sides who are down on their luck, but in this case, I’m backing Wolves to get up- they need to win sometime… right?

Tottenham v Chelsea

Matt’s Tip – Draw. Tottenham were disappointing last week, Chelsea equally so. I can see a very attacking encounter here, with both sides not afraid to go on the attack. A 3-3 draw.

Adrian’s Tip – Draw. Should be an epic encounter. Chelsea are slowly fading from the top of the ladder after starting the season all guns blazing. Did they show their hand too early perhaps? I’m not really sure. What I can see happening here however is neither side claiming victory, but with plenty of goals being scored.

Manchester United v Arsenal (Podcast Match of the Round)

Matt’s Tip – Man Utd. 1 vs 2 is always going to be a massive game, and this should live up to all expectations. Man Utd should get home, but only because they are at home. Aresnal have the strike power to beat them, but I worry about their leaking of goals in big games, which will play into the Red Devils’ hands.

Adrian’s Tip – Man Utd. What a fantastic game this shall be, between the sides placed 1 and 2 at this time. It’s going to be close, but at home, I can just see United getting the win. Our man, the “Prized Cow” Wayne Rooney would do himself good to get a goal in such a high profile game!

That’s the Premier League previewed for this week… Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!