England Premier League: Week Three Preview

Week three marks the end of the first part of the Premier League race with no more games until mid-September because of international matches.

Because of the UEFA Super Cup game this coming weekend, Manchester United’s game with Fulham has been postponed. As a result, Liverpool and Chelsea will be five points ahead of United after the international break when United travel to Anfield and Stamford Bridge in successive weeks.

After two weeks of action we are a poor nine and 11, putting us clearly in Mark Lawrenson territory

Bolton vs West Brom
Bolton must have friends in the Premier League scheduling office. They opened up the season at home to Stoke and now they get another promoted team at home. West Brom have tried hard against Arsenal and Everton this season but they look a little short of class. I expect Bolton to get all three points from this game.

Everton vs Portsmouth

After losses against Chelsea and Manchester United, Portsmouth must get at least at point at Goodison. David Moyes has promised to bring in several players this week before the transfer window closes. I expect this one to be a hard fought game that ends in a draw.

Hull vs Wigan
This has the making of a very interesting game. Hull has been the surprise team of the Premier League so far and will be playing in front of a packed and rocking Kingston Communications Stadium.

Wigan have made a lot of improvements under Steve Bruce and were very competitive against Chelsea last week. This one could go either way but I am looking for both teams to split the points.

Middlesborough vs Stoke
Stoke got a huge win last week at home last week, but I think they will find the Riverside to be a much harder place to play. I expect the Boro to bounce back from last week’s disappointing loss at Anfield and grab all three points.

West Ham vs Blackburn
While all the attention will be on Paul Ince’s return to Upton Park, this is really an important game for both teams heading into the international week. West Ham continues to have injury problems, and I expect Blackburn to steal all three points here, just like they did at Everton in week one.

Arsenal vs Newcastle
Arsenal’s loss to Fulham was terrible and I don’t expect them to lose two in a row. Newcastle usually struggles in London and I expect those troubles to continue. Three points for the Gunners.

Chelsea vs Spurs
This London derby is always full of action and excitement. Spurs have had made a terrible start to the season and I cannot see them ending Chelsea’s four year home unbeaten run. Chelsea are just too good and I expect them to win this one by a couple of goals.

Sunderland vs Man City
These are two teams who both had good victory’s last weekend. Sunderland is bringing in a lot of new player and it will take time for them to all gel together. Mark Hughes is building a good team at City and I expect this one to end up a draw.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool
An interesting game, especially with the transfer window looming and Gareth Barry’s future undecided. What color shirt will Barry we wearing in this one? If it is Villa’s colors then I expect that Villa will grab a share of the points from a Liverpool team that is unbeaten but not convincing.