Weekend Three SEPT 27-28

The biggest Weekend Three yet! Two derbies, the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton and the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. Also West Ham take a visit to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. 

A massive game usually but even more pressure added to this game is the poor starts that both teams have experienced, both teams coming off of a defeats in which they were favourites to win. And with the poor defensive record that both these teams have had this season will continue and I think a red card could be more likely than ever with lot's of players having their very first derby, and going all out for their teams. 

Liverpool must win this game if they want to keep up to pace with all other top four contenders, wether Daniel Sturridge is back or not will be very key for Liverpool as sadly for Red's fans Balotelli hasn't performed alone up front by himself this season and someone making the runs and putting lot's of effort in to take the work load off of Mario will be key.

I can see lot's of goal's going in on this early kickoff simply because of the poor defending Liverpool have displayed this season and the equally bad defending there rivals have shown, with lot's of threats in for set pieces for the Blues with Lukaku and Eto'o also I think it will be a high scoring game simply because of the attacking threat in both the teams side with the sheer pace of Liverpool's front line and Everton's superb attack. 

I can see Liverpool getting a early goal like they usually did last season but I can only see this happening if Daniel Sturridge starts. Personally I would love to see Mario Balotelli score his long awaited first goal in the Premier League for the Red's, Saturday more important than ever simply because of the derby and the crucial win needed he will become an instant Kop hero if he get's the winner and be loved even more than he is right now in Liverpool...well at least the red side. 

Lot's of goal's and drama typically in this result, I'm going to say 3-2 to Liverpool, and don't be surprised to see a red card or two. 

On to the North London derby where Arsenal face Tottenham. Firstly I want to talk about young Danny Welbeck, in a similar situation to Mario Balotelli a goal in a game like this will really give the young lad so much confidence and I really think it will be likely you'll see his name on the score sheet. 

In previous editions to Weekend Three I have thought Tottenham will be a threat and cause other teams lot's of problems attacking wise, but this time I hate to say it but I think it will be a very one sided game and I really can't see Arsenal having too many problems overcoming their rivals. One key thing in a derby is lot's of passion and team spirit, and that's exactly what Tottenham lack, they have no one that will really be commanding during play, who isn't afraid to shout at a team mate if they think that they aren't working hard enough they lack a real captain, Younes Kaboul is very far away from what I would call a captain, he is very quite during games, you never see him screaming at the top of his voice at other player's like Rooney did after United's embarrassing loss last weekend, Tottenham have lacked a figure like this ever since the departure of Ledley King.

I can really see Arsenal going goal crazy and tearing Spurs apart, with the skill and pace of Sanchez and Welbeck. And the Gunners purely bullying Tottenham for 90 minutes. Arsenal's midfield will not just bully Tottenham but also pass them off the park in my opinion, will great strength and skill in the centre of their squad, also I think Mesut Ozil will need to have superb game to get the fans back on his side after some really disappointing performances. 

For me Arsenal will come out on top 3-1. And Danny Welbeck to get on the score sheet.

Finally Manchester United need to get a good result if they want to keep up to pace with the other top end teams but it won't be easy playing against an in form West Ham side. Midfield will be key for West Ham and they need to show the same brute mentality they showed against Liverpool, getting stuck in and not letting United play the ball around the park. 

One thing they mustn't do is invite pressure on to themselves and let all the attacking talent that Van Gaal has at his disposal, giving Di Maria and if it means they have to give away a one or two free kicks just to rough him up a little it may give them the advantage in the long run. 

If Enner Valencia and Sakho play the way they did against Liverpool then I can see them causing United's inexperienced defence lot's and lot's of problems, Valencia's will be very difficult to get off the ball with his strength and pace. It's very important the Hammers don't play like they have in previous seasons where they have played for the draw and looked very dull, I really think they can win this as United don't have many strong players that can boss there way through a team, they are mostly delicate and quick feet players and like I said earlier if they invite pressure they will concede due to United's big money attack.  

All in all I think it will be very tight but I think United will capitulate under pressure if they go a goal down, so Im going for a shock 1-2 win for West Ham. 

Do you think Balotelli will get his first Premier League goal in a red shirt this weekend? Do you agree with me on the Man United game? Let me know what you think about these games in the comments below!

Weekend Three SEPT 20-21

Welcome back to Weekend Three. The weekly series where I preview and predict from a pick of three Premier League games.    

The biggest clash of the weekend is held at the Ethiad this week with visitors Chelsea coming off of a superb result last week beating ....... With a helping hand from Diego Costa scoring three of the goals. City coming off a good result away to Arsenal but will feel a little robbed after giving  away an early lead. What will be the most intriguing thing about this game will be to see if Chelsea can continue their high scoring results against the sky blues, whereas in previous seasons we have been asking the same question but for Manchester City, my answer to it is no, because of the more solid defence that City have compared to the teams they have run riot against. But if Diego Costa really turns up and does the business then It's very likely that I will be wrong, as Chelsea have finally found that long awaited top goal scoring striker to compliment their fantastic midfield. 

I think both teams will score with the equally fantastic firepower that Manuel Pelligrini posses with Argentinian forward Sergio Agüero on top goal scoring form as well, it will be interesting to see how City lineup, wether they will start Dzeko or Jovetic to pair up Agüero who is the likeliest to start. Jovetic the faster option for Pellegrini and the Montenegrin would be my favourite to start. As he has shown great positioning and clinical finishing as demonstrated against Liverpool earlier this season. 

All in all I think it will be a tough game for both sides and hard to predict but I’m going for a 1-2 win for Chelsea heavily influenced by the Spanish pairing of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas.

Next up is Everton vs Crystal Palace. Everton who have just come off a great result after demolishing Wolfsburg 4-1, they also hope to continue their great form with back to back wins in the Premier League this Sunday and they hope to do this against a Crystal Palace side that failed to score any against Burnley last week. 

The key for Crystal Palace this weekend will be the energetic duo of Dwight Gayle and Wilfred Zaha who has really impressed in his second spell at the club. The reason I think he will be key is because the sheer fact that he can beat players and has a great cross on him and mainly the same reason I think Gayle will be key if he plays is the engine he has on him, he can constantly close down defenders and help break down attacks by this, Palace can't let Martinez's side play their game and pass the Eagles of the park. 

Everton will be confident they will not slip up to Palace and I am too, although The Eagles have been known for the occasional upset. I can see Steven Naismith getting a goal after really impressing in the opening part of the season and again the key for Everton will be the sheer pace they now have at their disposal. With Atsu, Eto'o, Mirrillas and Lukaku all very fast players. I think if Everton can play their usual passing game then I think they will win.

My prediction for this game will have to be a 3-0 win for the Blues of Merseyside.

Lastly Liverpool visit Upton Park on Saturday after coming off of a good return to Champions League football but still looking to make up for a disappointing defeat at home to Aston Viila last week. Where their passing looked very average compared to their usual free flowing football. Maybe it was the fact they only started with one up top with Mario Balotelli or the fact that Raheem Sterling wasn’t playing for the majority of the game, but the main reason was the hole left by Joe Allen as Liverpool looked very bare in midfield at times especially on counter attacks as Adam Lallana and Phillipe Coutinho can’t add the defensive bulk to the team that the Welshman can. And keeping him fit will be very key if Liverpool don’t want to concede as many goals as last season. Also to avoid the same result as last week I would start Fabio Borini up front with Balotelli as he played very well midweek and it’s about time he got his chance at the club.

West Ham will really fancy themselves this week as they have seen how other teams break down Liverpool and West Ham are usually known to get stuck in and grind out a result but also have a very exciting attack with Enner Valencia introducing himself to the Premier League on Monday with a fantastic long range goal on his debut. Valencia seems the type of player that could cause absolute havoc for the Reds and don’t be surprised if they nab a goal from set-piece as West Ham that could well be there best chance to get a result with their aieral height and Liverpool’s consistent poor defending from set-pieces. 

I think the game will be very physical and if the Super side of Mario turns up I think Liverpool will win 1-2 which will be a good away result for the Redmen.

Weekend Three SEPT 13-14

Welcome to Weekend Three, this is where I pick three games from the upcoming weekend in the Premier League and predict the scores, this week I will be talking about Arsenal as they face Manchester City also Van Gaal's Man United as they welcome QPR to Old Trafford and finally predict Liverpool VS Aston Villa.

Arsenal versus Manchester City is all set up to be the game of the weekend. With Danny Welbeck set to make his Gunners debut Arsenal fans won't be expecting a thrashing like last season as they have come a long way from that 6-3 defeat at the Etihad. But they know it won't be any easy as the Citizens look to bounce back after a disappointing 0-1 defeat at home to Stoke City last week and consecutive losses for Pellegrini and his men won't be allowed. Danny Welbeck looks like a likely starter with him playing well in this weeks international break and the young Englishman will be familiar with the opposition after signing for Arsenal from United.

But before I make my prediction let's rewind to early August as Arsenal came out 3-0 winners when coming up against City. Although you could argue that City didn't have their most impressive looking team out, Arsenal still looked a much better side. But City have had a great start to the new term despite loosing to Stoke. Beating Liverpool 3-1 and winning against the Magpies 2-0.

A big question for me will be if young Calum Chambers crack's under pressure? As this is his biggest test yet and if he want's to cement his place in the side this season he needs to perform well against top clubs like City. Can he cope with Agüero, Dzeko and Jovetic who are all likely to feature at some point against the Gunners.

I think it will be a very tight affair and I think the gunners will run away with it 2-1. And if he does I think young Danny Welbeck will have a great game.

Moving now to Manchester as the Red side of manchester will all be watching this one with new boy's Blind, Rojo, Falcao are set to make debut's with Angel Di Maria playing at Old Trafford for the first time. This is massive game for United as they have continued their poor form from last season into the start of this term. And with the many millions that Louis Van Gaal has spent he has to be careful the crowd don't start to turn on him as we saw Old Trafford turn against David Moyes and he cracked under pressure completely. And it definitely won't be easy for the red devils with QPR finally starting to get the ball rolling with their season and I can seeing them a getting a goal as Manchester United still haven't sorted out their defensive problems despite Rojo and Blind's arrivals as Van Gaal needs to fill the gaping hole left by the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

I think both sides will score and possibly kick start a great run of form for Man United with Leicester and West Ham in their game's after facing The Hoops. If The Hoops get a draw or win it will be a fantastic result and vital as they as they should be taking quite a few points out of their upcoming fixtures.

I think with all the new talent coming in for Van Gaal will be too much though for Redknapp and his side and I think the Red Devils will prevail 2-0.

Now to Anfield as the red's take on Paul Lambert's Aston Villa. Both side's have had good starts to the season especially Villa compared to recent seasons. Liverpool recently have been hit with international break injuries with Emre Can not looking likely and Allen and Sturridge almost definitely out. This may be a good thing for Bredan Rodgers though as he can see if there is a change in Mario Balotelli's game if he is a lone striker, also with the injury of Allen maybe it gives him a chance to hand Lazar Markovic his first start for Liverpool but that means that Rodgers will be starting a very attacking side with Sterling and Adam Lallana likely to start which all Liverpool fans will be relishing seeing Lallana playing for the first time since his summer switch from Southampton. Anfield will certainly be pumping as it will be home debuts for Mario, Lallana and Lazar if they all start. Personally I would have like to see the typical diamond featuring Gerrard at the back and Henderson and Coutinho in the middle and then Lallana at the point of it. With Balotelli and Sterling leading the attack. Call me crazy for thinking Raheem should play up top but we saw him excel like this when Daniel Sturridge was missing away at Norwich last season as he scored twice against the Canaries.

Onto Aston Villa and their flying start. With seven points in three games they are sitting in a champions league spot, wether they will finish that way we will have to see as they have a very rocky period in front of them as after they travel to Anfield they are set to face Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City. They have been defensively sound this season which will fill Lambert with great delight conceding sixty one goals last season. But I think what will bring them back to earth after their great start will be their lack of strength up front as the gaping hole that Christian Benteke left with his injury will start to show although I wouldn't rule out the Villians getting a goal as Liverpool have a very new back four that will take time to mould.

I'm going to say that Liverpool will come out on top with the score being 3-1.

Deadline Day

Transfer deadline always bring’s drama and this time it doesn’t disappoint with big name’s going too and from the premier league. I will be assessing each team’s dealings in the transfer window.

Arsenal - Arsenal made a statement early on, not following their usual spend little philosophy and buying big with World Cup star Alexis Sanchez for a whopping thirty five million pound and later adding the young defender Callum Chambers for sixteen million. The signing of the Chilean Alexis had lots of Gunner’s buzzing with excitement and for such a great price in this day and age for such a bright and young talent. Arsenal also added David Ospina to the squad who hasn’t been able to have an impact due to injury but will give Sczeseny a good run for his money, I base this guess off of his impressive displays in the World Cup. 

Aston Villa - The most important thing Villa have done this window was keeping Ron Vlaar who will be a rock at the back for them this season, also signing another player who impressed in the hot Brazilian sun in Sanchez and finally adding Aly Cissokho from Valencia. A good window for them.

Burnley - Burnley haven't brought in many new face's apart from loaning out a few youngsters in Chabolah from Chelsea who's yet to make an appearance in the Premier League and Keane who's only come on as a sub once in the top flight. Also bringing in George Boyd from Hull.

Chelsea - Jose Mouriniho has yet again shown his class in the transfer window by signing top players, and for top price’s coming in Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Felipe Luis and Loic Remy. Costa and Fabregas have shown real ambition and quality since joining the club and have got off to a flying start for the blues, with Luis finding it quite hard to implement his place in a top quality back four. But I don’t quite understand the eight million signing of French forward Remy though, selling Demba Ba who was an underrated player in the Premier League and Loic looks set to play the same role that Demba has previously played for the blues. But with eight million price tag Remy was hard to turn down. And selling Lukaku for a big fee of twenty eight million to Everton was very good business. 

Crystal Palace - Palace haven't brought in many new recruits but I think they have bought well when they did make a signing, my pick of the bunch so far would have to Martin Kelly from Liverpool, being a Liverpool fan and watching him progress at the club for many years I think Palace have got a really good young centre back, with a lot of potential, and the way I see it the only reason he didn't properly break through into the Liverpool squad was injuries, the Achilles heel of this player. He is very injury prone. Also bringing in Campbell and Kevin Doyle to help their striking options and signing McCathur for seven million, he will be a great asset for Palace.

Everton - Everton have broke their record transfer fee by smashing it with the twenty eight million signing of Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Everton last season, he is certain to play a big part in the merseyside team’s top four campaign, Roberto Martinez has also brought in Besic from    who had a horror start to his Premier League career by handing Chelsea the win last Saturday with a silly back-heel to no-one but Didier Drogba who set up their sixth goal. But with a small price tag and lot’s of potential he look’s a good signing. Someone who had a complete different start to his Everton career was Samuel Eto’o who scored against his former club Chelsea with his first touch as an Evertonian and with the signing of the Cameroonian Everton look very solid in attack. 

Hull - Hull another club who have broken their record transfer fee this window with the Uruguayan Abel Hernandez, formally of Palermo, this is a signing that will be interesting to see how he plays as he hasn’t been on many team’s radars and could be a bargain if he actually performs. The Tigers have also sold George Boyd to Burnley for  which is a good price for the Englishman in my opinion. Also the Tiger's have really bulked up their midfield with Ben Arfa, Diame and Ramirez with some great deals by Steve Bruce. 

Leicester - The main man this season has been Ulloa who has scored some important goals in the opening part of the season and will play a massive part in them staying in the Premier League also they have brought in two players from Manchester United, Tom Lawrence on a permanent and Nick Powell on a loan, these players probably won't play much unless desperately needed. Their last piece of business was bringing in defender Simpson from QPR.

Liverpool - Liverpool have been one of the most active team's in the Premier League this window bringing in nine players and selling lots as well. They bought most players early to avoid panic on deadline day. They have strengthen their defence with Alberto Moreno and Dejan Lovren who both have had good starts to their Liverpool career. Also bringing in Mario Balotelli to bolster their attack after losing Luis Suarez to Barcelona. Their net spend is thirty three million which is very good considering the talent they have brought in. They have also loaned lot's of players out, one in particular that I will watch closely will be Andre Wisdom to see if he can really perform at a top level as he has been sent out to West Brom. All in all it has been a good window for the mersey siders.

Manchester City - The citizens haven't singed too many player's this window surprisingly. But when they have bought they have bought well, bringing in Mangala from Porto for thirty million and Fernando for twelve million from Porto as well. Also bringing in Caballero who looks set to play the role of cup goalie. City also let Alvaro Negredo leave to Valencia for a season long loan.

Manchester United - The top spenders in this window spending one hundred and fifty million buying two left side defenders in Luke Shaw and Marcus Rojo and also the versatile Daley Blind. Also breaking the british record transfer by signing Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, and also signing Radamel Falcao on loan for six million and potentially buying the Colombian for forty million. But is Falcao what United need and should they have bought more defenders?  

Newcastle - Newcastle have had a lot of new players this window with lot's of attackers coming in to finally fill the void left by Demba Ba's transfer to Chelsea last year, they have singed a total of four new attackers with Perez, De Jong, Ferrerya and Riviere. And adding Jannmat who made some appearance's in the World Cup. But their most impressive of all for me has been the young French talent of Remy Cabella, actually Im surprised Newcastle snapped him up and I think its good to see a player of his quality and potential go to a club that isn't in 'the top six.'

QPR - Now we saw QPR last time they were in the top flight sign lot's of talent and none of it paying off and then resulting in them getting relegated. Let's just hope that they don't replicate this as they are signing big again but will it pay off? They have signed Leroy Fer, Rio Ferdinand, Isla, Vargas, Steven Caulker, Sandro, Jack Robinson. The ten million they have spent on Sandro is too much, for a player that hasn't done that much to prove his worth.

Swansea - Bringing back an old hit at the Liberty in Gyfil Sigurdsson was very impressive and has had a flying start to his return to Wales. Swansea are another club that have bolstered their attack by signing French player Gomis is a good signing for the money they payed. Also buying a solid defender in Fernandez after Canas left Swansea for Espanyol after only twelve months in Wales. 

Sunderland - Sunderland have done some good business this window, bringing in Jack Rodwell was a very good signing and he is beginning to show his good form he had before a poor spell as mainly a bench warmer at Manchester City, apart from Rodwell they haven't signed many others only sterngthening their midfield with Alvarez and Cabral and their defence with the loan signing of Sebastien Coates from Liverpool and Van Annholt from Chelsea on a permanent. They haven't signed any attackers although they were desperately trying to recruit Borini from Liverpool the deal never went through so now they are left with a real problem upfront.    

Stoke - Stoke is a team that have really impressed me over this window, Mark Hughes continuing to try and change the philosophy and play elegant by bringing in lot's of talent the most impressive was the signing of Bojan Krkic, also singing Mame Diouf from Hannover who recently scored a crucial goal to complete a historical win away from home against Manchester City.

Southampton - A sad month or so for Saints fans seeing lot’s of players out the door at St. Mary’s but for big money! Totaling up — from players, they have also bought this window, bringing in Pelle from Eredivise club Feyenoord and Duscan Tadic also from the Eredivise. Also the impressive goalie Fraser Foster from Celtic. 

Tottenham - Maurico Pocehtino has been very active this window signing player’s that are actually needed like Ben Davies for Swansea and Erik Dier from Sporting Lisbon, Dier has had a flying start to his time with Spurs scoring in two of their opening three games from defense and also the introduction of Fazio from Sevilla who will play a key part in their defence after a poor defensive display at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Some player’s also leaving White Hart Lane with Sandro out the door with a ten million price tag which is great business for a player that hasn’t always shone in a Spurs shirt.

West Brom - West Brom another team to break their transfer record with the signing of Ideye who impressed in Russia during his time with Dynamo Kyiv. They have also brought Varela from Porto to bring goals and Andre Wisom and Lescott to make them stronger at the back. And only bringing in Blanco for their midfield. 

West Ham - The hammers have brought in several players for the new term and most importantly new attackers with Enner Valencia who impressed a lot in the World Cup and Zarate who has had a bright start to his career in claret and blue. They've also brought in Amilfitano formally of West Brom, he impressed lot's of people during his loan spell with them last season and will be key and Nolan looks set for a lengthy injury. The last signing I will talk about will be Koyuate who will be very important seeing as they have let Hull snatch Diame from them, Koyuate use to play his football for Anderlecht and received lot's of praise for his defensive and midfield abilities. Also Alex Song on a loan will be great fir the Hammers.

Leave a comment on who you think was the best signing this summer. Also are you happy with your clubs business?