English Premier League: Weekend Preview and Picks
By MICHAEL DA SILVA
Losing to Manchester City wasn’t on the agenda for Chelsea, who host Arsenal in the pick of this weekend’s Premier League clashes. Other key games include Aston Villa’s journey to the erratic Tottenham and a tricky journey north to Sunderland for Man United.
Newcastle go to Man City and Liverpool host Blackpool in a game that could have cataclysmic consequences for Roy Hodgson if the Reds don’t pick up all three points. In other words, just another weekend in the Premier League.
Chelsea (-143) vs Arsenal (+400)
Chelsea bounced back from a lethargic display against City with a resounding 2-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League, a game which Didier Drogba had to sit out because of suspension.
But Drogba, who has 12 goals in his last 10 games against Arsenal, is the scourge of the Gunners and is a red-hot favourite to find the net again here – with odds of -138 reflecting that.
Chelsea’s excellent form coincides with the return of Michael Essien, whose presence in central midfield makes him as good as a new signing for Carlo Ancelotti. Essien could only manage 13 starts last season as a result of the serious knee injury that also saw him miss out on Ghana’s run in the World Cup.
Essien’s presence has liberated Florent Malouda (+150 to score anytime) – who remains in tremendous form, especially at Stamford Bridge.
With no Cesc Fabregas in the Arsenal team, who misses out with a hamstring injury – Essien, Malouda and either Mikel or Ramires (depending on who Ancelotti picks) will dominate the midfield battle, proving too strong for the visitors – who are missing several key players.
Arsenal are trying to stay above because of injuries to Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen, Theo Walcott, Robin Persie, as well as long-term absentees Aaron Ramsay and Nicklas Bendtner sitting out. Arsene Wenger also confirmed on Thursday that Abou Diaby will be in the squad but is doubtful, as is goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who hasn’t trained since letting in three goals in the shock defeat to West Brom.
Such serious injury concerns are not what you need ahead of a trip to Chelsea, especially if it means Lukasz Fabianski will have to play in goal - or “Flappy-Hands-ski” as he is affectionately known.
Arsenal’s goalkeeping woes continue to rumble on and, despite saving a penalty on Tuesday against Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League, Fabianski’s inconsistency is a deep concern for Arsenal fans, especially given that Almunia isn’t much better.
A full strength Arsenal would get my backing for a draw, but too many key players missing means that Chelsea, who have won five of the last six games between the two sides at an aggregate score of 14-5, should walk this one 2-0, which can be backed at +700.
Pick: Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal (+700)
Manchester City (-225) vs Newcastle (+750)
Although Manchester City played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday, the strength of their vast squad means that the strains of European football shouldn’t really affect them.
James Milner and Nigel Je Jong played little or no part, for example, and both players are expected to be reinstated to Roberto Mancini’s starting lineup on Sunday.
Milner has been in excellent form for Man City this season, fitting in seamlessly since his move from Aston Villa. His role on the left of a front three, alongside Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson, completes a forward line that is sure to bag plenty of goals this season.
City now have the power to supplement their style since the ‘enforcers’ of Yaya Toure, Nigel De Jong and Gareth Barry were instated within a impenetrable, if somewhat turgid and inflexible, central midfield.
Against the fluid football of Arsenal or Spurs, City may be unlocked. But against Newcastle’s Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan, City will be striving to keep a clean-sheet.
One of City’s main concerns will be the abilities of Newcastle’s skilful new signing Hatem Ben Arfa, who scored a stunner on his debut against Everton, and is showing signs that he will settle well in the Premier League.
City, of course can’t forget about the strong and dynamic Newcastle centre-forward Andy Carroll. Carroll (+225 to score anytime) has already bagged four goals and an assist in six games this season, leading to what is expected to be a call-up to Fabio Capello’s England squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro.
City have finally welcomed Jerome Boateng back to action, reinforcing a defence still struggling with the injuries to Aleksander Kolarov, Wayne Bridge, Micah Richards and, most recently, Pablo Zabaleta.
But I expect City to overcome these issues and prevail comfortably.
Pick: Manchester City 3-0 Newcastle (+900)
Other picks:
Sunderland 1-2 Manchester United (+750)
Tottenham 2-0 Aston Villa (+900)