FULHAM VS ARSENAL Saturday 12:45pm Do not be fooled by what many called a mini resurgence from Arsenal in the Champions League. The Gunners...
Do not be fooled by what many called a mini resurgence from Arsenal in the Champions League. The Gunners performed far better in taking down Fenerbahce 3-0 midweek, putting one foot in the competition's group stage in the process.
That win, however, cannot mask severe deficiencies in the team. Namely the toothless attack, which, without urgent investment, will be exposed in 2013/14.
Fulham, meanwhile, showed exactly how to win a game without the ball as they squeaked to victoryagainst Sunderland and will try to reproduce that same form to suck the life out of Arsenal.
Matin Jol and his boys will give Arsenal everything they can handle at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers took down Sunderland on the road in their EPL opener, and Martin Jol just completed the transfer signing of former Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker to bolster his roster. Playing at home, Fulham will have all the momentum against Arsenal.
Hitting the road after dropping their Premier League opener at Emirates Stadium to Aston Villa, Arsene Wenger and the Gunners need a strong showing against Fulham to avoid posting a goose egg on the table through two matches.
With the Gunners weak in the middle of the field, nursing players with injuries (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thomas Vermaelen and others) back into form and coming off a Champions League match against Fenerbahce on Wednesday, all signs point to Fulham starting the year with six points after their second match.
ASTON VILLA VS LIVERPOOL Saturday 5:30pm
The Reds looked strong against Stoke City last week, using a Daniel Sturridge first-half goalto outlast the Potters in a 1-0 final score.
Even without Luis Suarez, Brendan Rodgers' side performed well in their first opening-week win since 2008. New signings Iago Aspas (assist) and Simon Mignolet (late penalty save) both had strong showings.
Although the Reds will travel to Villa Park for this match, the Lions will be playing their third match in eight days when the action kicks off on Saturday evening.
Paul Lambert's side has come a long way since the end of last season, as evidenced by their victory versus Arsenal. In position to secure a draw at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Villa faltered late and will be heading into this match on a sour note.
Expect Benteke to trouble the Reds defence by the way. The in form striker tops the goal chart with 3 goals having scored a stunner against Chelsea added to the brace in the opener at the Emirates
SAMPDORIA VS JUVENTUS Saturday 7:45pm
The 2013-14 Serie A campaign is officially here. The new season is much anticipated with the influx of stars to the league this season. Carlos Tevez, Higuain, Dries Mertens, Callejon and Albiol, Mario Gomez, Kevin Strootman and Maicon amongst others. The peak of the ties will see the defending champions against Sampdoria. Expect an explosive encounter. The old lady lost to their opponents both home and away last season. But with Juventus determined to win their third scudetto in a row, it will be difficult for Sampdoria are just trying to stay afloat once again to repeat their heroics.
Antonio Conte has an almost completely healthy squad to choose from. Only Claudio Marchisio is missing. The 26 year Old Italian long injury putting Pogba in the starting lineup allowing Pogba to continue his growth and development on what we've seen in the 12 months he's been with Juventus
Up front the Tevez-Vucinic partnership has gotten the job done. They seem to be on the same page when it comes to their movements and passes up front and they have that added bit of combined flair to break down an opposing defense or do some fancy kind of back heel when needed.
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MALAGA VS BARCELONA Sunday 8pm
Malaga host Barcelona in La Liga on Sunday night looking to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to Valencia last Saturday.
However, they come up against a high-flying Barcelona side who destroyed Levante 7-0 in their opener, with Lionel Messi and Pedro helping themselves to a hat-trick each.
Unfortunately for Barca, the fitness of Messi remains uncertain following the knock he picked up in the Super Cup against Atletico Madrid, but there are no other injury concerns.
If he does not play, Gerardo Martino could be tempted to hand a first start to Brazilian Neymar, after he rescued a draw on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Malaga manager Bernd Schuster takes charge of a team against Barcelona for the first time since he led Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory over the Catalan club at the Bernabeu in May 2008.
He could hand a debut to Bartlomiej Pawlowski, after the forward received international clearance for his transfer. Malaga will remain without Eliseu and possibly Flavio Ferreira for the clash as they look to respond with a good performance.
Manchester United Vs Chelsea Monday 8pm
As ever, Monday night's game is expected to be a close affair. These teams faced each other five times last term and four of those outings saw just a single goal separate them.
Chelsea were victorious in three of those matches, winning their last clash 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams in May. United had already been crowned champions by that point, but it was still an excellent result for the Blues, with Juan Mata's late goal helping them secure a Champions League spot.
Although the Blues will be playing in their third match in 10 days when they visit Old Trafford on Monday, Mourinho's impact with Chelsea has been evident through their first two matches. With the Red Devils still struggling to find consistency in the middleof the pitch, the Blues take advantage of an opportunity to pick up an important point in the table on the road.
The spotlight will be on Juan Mata who's position at Stamford Bridge is strengthened with Willian's imminent from Anzhi and Wayne Rooney, another target for "the special one".
Will we see United at their devastating best on Monday? Or can Mourinho continue his excellent record at Old Trafford where he has lost just once against United? We wait to find out.
Thanks for reading!! What are your predictions for these matches?? Drop a comment
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Will we see United at their devastating best on Monday? Or can Mourinho continue his excellent record at Old Trafford where he has lost just once against United? We wait to find out.
Thanks for reading!! What are your predictions for these matches?? Drop a comment
Become a fan on facebook and twitter today Follow @wolexis :)
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