Premier League Preview Round 2

Predictions-----------Results
CHE 3 - 0 HUL----------CHE 2 - 1 HUL
AST 2 - 1 WIG----------AST 0 - 2 WIG
BLA 1 - 1 MANC--------BLA 0 - 2 MANC
BOL 0 - 0 SUN----------BOL 0 - 1 SUN
POR 0 - 1 FUL----------POR 0 - 1 FUL
STO 3 - 0 BUR---------STO 2 - 0 BUR
WOL 0 - 2 WHU---------WOL 0 - 2 WHU
EVE 2 - 2 ARS----------EVE 1 - 6 ARS
MANU 4 - 0 BIR--------MANU 1 - 0 BIR
TOT 2 - 1 LIV-----------TOT 2 - 1 LIV

6 Correct Results. 3 Perfect Scores.

What a way to start the season. Before I begin, I want to thank Mark Noble, Hudo Rodallega, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Denilson and Drogba for starting this campaign with a BLAM! 10 games, 24 goals and no goal less draws. Arsenal really made a statement of intent and have the perfect momentum to carry with them to Pride Park to take on Celtic in their Champions League qualifier. But this is another Premier League Preview, for Round 2 of the action.

Many games are called off because of the European commitments of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham. But we still have 6 games which promise to be as good as what we have seen this weekend.

Tuesday

Sunderland vs Chelsea
Kick-Off 19:45
Sunderland 11/2
Draw 13/5
Chelsea 1/2

The Black Cats welcome the Blues to the Stadium of Light. Both teams got off to a winning start and what is more important is that both teams' strikers scored the winners. Sunderland new boy Darren Bent's header was enough to settle an otherwise drab affair while Drogba's brace saw off a highly organised Hull City. Steve Bruce will definitely put up a team to give Chelsea a fight and perhaps frustrate them till the end and try and nick a result, but Chelsea are looking very strong this season. Given Hull City gave them a fight to the finish at Stamford Bridge, but that should not be the deciding factor in this game. Expect a good match but Chelsea to take it in the end.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Sunderland

Wigan vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Kick Off 19:45
Wigan 4/5
Draw 5/2
Wolves 7/2
The Wolves showed some good signs in their opener at the Molineux, but their opposition came back with a tough victory against Aston Villa and that too with a clean sheet. Wigan were outstanding in that game, more than what one can say about the Wolves. They do have goals in them but not enough to unsettle Wigan. Roberto Martinez should look to make it a perfect start for his new team and should not expect anything lesser from his squad. A walkover for the Latics this one.

Wigan 2 - 0 Wolves

Wednesday

Birmingham City vs Portsmouth
Kick-Off 19:45
Birmingham 6/5
Draw 23/10
Portsmouth 9/4

The blues gave a good account of themselves against a Manchester United side who could have finished the game with 6 more goals at least had they taken their chances. James McFadden had a great game and his quality is there to be seen. Pompey has been in the news a lot over the last week and the noises coming from Fratton Park are not ones that the Portsmouth faithful would have been happy to hear. If their takeover is not complete, the team might enter administration and end up with Southampton in League One by 2012. And whatever is going on behind closed doors is clearly reflected in the team's performances on the field. This could be Pompey's big chance to get their season going but it's highly doubtful. I'm being a little gracious in my prediction.

Birmingham 1 - 1 Portsmouth

Burnley vs Manchester United
Kick Off 19:45
Burnley 11/1
Draw 4/1
Man Utd 2/7
Burnley shocked some great teams at Turf Moor last season but don't hold your breath on this one. The Red Devils were very professional against Birmingham and did just about enough to earn a win. But as happy as they are with their clean sheet, they will be disappointed that the scoreline wasn't more one sided. They created as many opportunities in one game as Burnley might all season, but their finishing was just not up to the mark (1 goal from 11 shots on target, 20 overall). Sir Alex might not mind playing the waiting game with the other title rivals longing for a slip-up by one of the Big 4, but he might be wiser pushing his team to start eating into the already superior goal difference Arsenal have established. It could be down to the early defensive problems for the Old Trafford outfit, but, who am I to argue with the great Mr. Ferguson. United to win this one comfortably to make it O for Two for Burnley.

Burnley 0 - 2 Man United

Hull vs Tottenham Hotspurs
Kick Off 19:45
Hull 11/4
Draw 12/5
Spurs 1/1
Tottenham were excellent against Liverpool this week. I would love to say I said so, but the fact that Liverpool were restricted to just 3 shots in 90+ minutes was testament to just how good the Spurs were. The only sour spot might have been Robbie Keane's inability to put some great chances away. The Tigers on the other hand dug in and really got into the faces of the Chelsea players, especially Micheal Ballack who was ready to bite the referee had the game finished at 1 - 1. Hull were appalling at home last year and that is going to remain the same against an obviously in form Tottenham. This should be a walkover for the Spurs if they don't pull a "Tottenham" and don't perform according to their potential

Hull 1 - 2 Tottenham

Liverpool vs Stoke City
Kick-Off 20:00
Liverpool 1/4
Draw 9/2
Stoke 12/1
Liverpool were poor against Tottenham, and that is being charitable. It was their ability to pick up maximum points against the better teams last season that got them to second place with a whopping 86 points. And teams like Stoke came to Anfield and picked up maximum points which might play on their minds especially since they started with a loss. All these thoughts will disappear by the second half when Liverpool come into their own. The Potters do play some attractive football, but Rafa Benitez's men will have too much for Stoke. It won't be comfortable, not by a long shot, but Liverpool should be able to get their title challenge back on track this weekend.

Liverpool 3 - 1 Stoke

It is sad that Arsenal won't be playing in the league this weekend and they will take their game in hand with a smile on their face. Their result was the pick of the weekend and it is great to see Eduardo back. But who cares really, football is back baby. God bless us, midweek football for everyone.

Until then, bring in the beers.