EPL Preview – Week Seven

All is in store for another great week of action this weekend, and EPL co-ordinator James Willoughby brings you his thoughts on the weekend’s matches.

To kick off Matchday seven, in the early kick-off, Birmingham tackle Liverpool at St Andrews with both sides stuck in mid-table. The hosts have only enjoyed victory once, when they defeated fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion and their opponents have also only won the one game. In four games, the European Champions have only scored once and will be looking for goals from striker Djibril Cisse if the Reds are to emerge victorious.

James’ Tip: Birmingham have been struggling of late, and their defence has been leaking goals. Liverpool, after just a goal in four games will come out and attack, and leave St Andrews with all 3 points. Liverpool 3 – Birmingham 1.

Unbeaten Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea going for their seventh successive victory from seven games. The reigning champions are in irrepressible form, and are looking un-stoppable at the moment. Villa are coming off an 8-3 win in the League Cup midweek, so goals shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s the defence where Villa’s problem lies.

Tip: Chelsea are just too good at the moment, and bar a miracle they will come home with another three points. Frank Lampard and Arjen Robben are in sensational form, and Villa won’t come close. Chelsea 2 – Aston Villa 0.

Second last Everton face a potentially difficult assignment against Wigan, at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon. The Toffees, who are about to bow out of Europe, have just secured three points from five games and have made an extremely poor start. Newly promoted Wigan, on the other hand have made a surprisingly successful start and have proved tough to break down.

Tip: Everton desperately need to win, to drag themselves out of the relegation quagmire, and they will, but only after facing stiff opposition from the battling Wigan. Mikel Arteta will hit form, and guide the Toffees to victory. Everton 1 – Wigan 0.

Manchester United have a relatively easy assignment against Blackburn at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils looking for a win that would keep them in the top four. The Rovers, are sitting third last on the table, and after losing 3-0 to Newcastle, need a point to keep them out of the relegation zone. There should be no problems here for Manchester United.

Tip: After two draws in the last two games, United need a win to keep in touch with Chelsea, and I can’t see them slipping up against a lowly Blackburn. I’m tipping Ruud van Nistelrooy to get on the scoresheet again. Manchester United 3 – Blackburn 0.

Newcastle United have a massive game against Manchester City at St James’ Park, with the hosts hoping to get a second successive win on the board. After five games, with just two points on the board the Toon Army were in strife. But after Michael Owen’s first club goal led them to a 3-0 win over Blackburn, Newcastle are back on track.

Tip: Newcastle’s home fans will be hoping for a first home win, and I think they will get it with the Toon Army to continue on from their good form last week. Newcastle’s French left winger Charles N’Zogbia has been on fire lately, and expect him to hit the back of the net again. Newcastle 2 – Manchester City 1.

West Brom have a tough home game against second placed Charlton, at The Hawthorns. The Baggies have started impressively, but tailed off in the last couple of matches and were extremely lucky to snatch a point off Sunderland last week. Charlton last week, saw their bubble burst after 4 successive wins, as they lost to Chelsea 2-0.

Tip: I’m going to go for an upset and tip the Baggies here, I think at home they can turn their form round. Charlton are coming off a loss and with Geoff Horsfield and Darren Carter firing, I’m tipping the Baggies. West Brom 1 – Charlton 0.

The scene is set for a brilliant game at Upton Park, with West Ham taking on Arsenal in arguably the match of the round. Since getting promoted, the Hammers have produced some breathtaking football, with striker Marlon Harewood hitting the net four times in his past two matches.

Tip: I’m a big fan for how West Ham go about their football, and I think that the Hammers can take a point from their game against Arsenal. Their fans have been great, as have the players and it’s great to have such a good club back where they belong. West Ham 1 – Arsenal 1.

In the late kick-off Bolton take on Portsmouth at the Reebok Stadium, the Wanderers ‘long-ball’ style is working to effect, and sees them sitting fourth in the table. Portsmouth are one of seven teams sitting on five points, and are notoriously bad travellers.

Tip: I can’t see Pompey getting anything out of this game, and Bolton will continue on their winning ways. Expect El-Hadji-Diouf to turn on some fireworks, and for Kevin Davies to keep battling up front. Bolton 2 – Portsmouth 0.

And rounding out this week’s EPL action, is the Sunday match which sees the first of this year’s Northern Derbies. Middlesborough tackle newly promoted Sunderland, with the Black Cats needing a win to move themselves off the foot of the table.

Tip: It would need a miracle effort from Sunderland to win this, and even grabbing a point seems unlikely for the Black Cats. Boro to win, and win well with Viduka back on target. Middlesborough 4 – Sunderland 0.

On behalf of all of the EPL team, we hope you have a great week following the world’s greatest football league, and remember SportsAustralia.com is your one stop shop for all things EPL.

Enjoy your football!

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