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!
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