English Premiership: Weekend Preview and Picks
By Shawn Young
SATURDAY
MANCHESTER UNITED (-0.5 +130) vs. ARSENAL
Man U was idle midweek; Arsenal beat Celtic 3-1 in Champions’ League qualifiers.
Man U woke from early-season slumber in the second half away at Wigan last weekend and banged in five goals. We’re not sure exactly what words Sir Alex told the lads at halftime with it 0-0, but we’re sure it was profanity. The clash with Arsenal is the match of the young season and Man U supporters will argue that the team has rounded into top form not a moment too soon.
The problem is that Arsenal is running even better - in four competitive matches Arsenal have won each by at least two goals. Man U at Old Trafford will be the stiffest opponent yet.
Last season these clubs played four times. Man U won both Champions League fixtures; in the Premiership, Arsenal won 2-1 at home and drew at Old Trafford.
Wes Brown may be recalled to the side for Man U. Rio Ferdinand and Van der Sar remain unavailable for Man U. Eduardo’s dive midweek, whatever the penalty he gets, will not affect Arsenal’s domestic campaign.
Arsenal has been too strong for too long not to take the half-goal.
Prediction: Manchester United 1, Arsenal 1
SUNDAY
PORTSMOUTH vs. MANCHESTER CITY (-0.5 -150, or -1 +130)
League Cup midweek: Portsmouth beat Hereford 4-1 on Tuesday; Man City defeated Palace 2-0 away on Thursday.
It’s been a wild week for Portsmouth. They fell 4-1 to Arsenal , reversed the score against Hereford Tuesday and somewhere along the way Sulaiman Al-Fahim has apparently bought the club. With CEO Peter Storrie’s fate in doubt, the club bought Tommy Smith from Watford and sold Sylvain Distin to Everton.
It won’t matter this weekend. Man City are too good and have too much firepower up front. Further back, Joleon Lescott finally transferred in and Sylvinho came as well. This rendered Richard Dunne surplus to requirements and he was sold to Villa.
Given Man City’s tepid performance after they led Wolves 1-0 last weekend, giving up only a half-goal here might be the best way forward.
Prediction: Portsmouth 1, Manchester City 2