EPL Preview: Predictions, Team News, Match timings and What to Expect this Weekend as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all Play on the Same Day

Sep 15, 2012 12:23 AM EDT

With the international break giving everybody a chance to catch their breath, after a thrilling first three weeks of the English Premier League, the action returns this weekend, with eight matches scheduled for Saturday, and one each for Sunday and Monday.

All four big teams - Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea - play at the same time Saturday, 15.00 BST kickoff.

Here's a look at the matches ahead, along with the predictions.

Saturday: Norwich vs West Ham United at Carrow Road: The early kickoff (12.45 BST) will witness an intriguing game, where a struggling Norwich side, who have played well but failed to get a win as yet, take on the Hammers, who will be without Andy Carroll.

That will give Carlton Cole the opportunity to find his first goal of the season; West Ham will, however, miss Carroll after the burly striker created havoc in the Fulham defense, in their previous game. Chris Hughton will be hoping his players convert the promise to better results, but I see a draw in this match.

Prediction: 1-1

Arsenal vs Southampton at the Emirates: The Gunners are coming off a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, with Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla getting on the scoresheet. Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott are doubtful starters, but Arsenal have enough back-up to not be too hamstrung by that.

Southampton have been extremely unlucky, having seen leads disappear in the final moments of games. They have played some enterprising football, and with Rickie Lambert in their team, the Gunners can expect a tough match-up inside the penalty box.

Steve Bould will be hoping his defensive drills continue to have an effect for the Gunners, who are yet to concede a goal this season.

Prediction: 3-1 to Arsenal

Manchester United vs Wigan at Old Trafford: United have been far from impressive this season, and needed an inspired Robin Van Persie hat-trick to take away all points against Southampton last time around. Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa have both been declared fit for Saturday's match and that is sure to come as a huge boost to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Wigan have played well so far, picking up four points from their first three matches, their only blemish that opening round loss to Chelsea. I expect United to find some form at home and pick up a straightforward victory, something that Ferguson has been crying out for all season.

Prediction: 2-0 to United

Queens Park Ranger vs Chelsea at Loftus Road: The spiciest game of the season so far is upon us. All the undercurrents of the trial in which John Terry was found not guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand will come to the fore. The pre-match handshake will be of as much interest as the game in itself, with Ferdinand expected to snub both Terry and Ashley Cole. QPR manager has left it to his players whether they want to shake Terry's hands or not and, rather sadly, these issues are threatening to ruin the more important part, the 90 minutes on the pitch.

Prediction: 2-2 draw, with maybe a couple of red card thrown-in, or a boring 0-0 draw, an anti-climax to all the brouhaha surrounding the match.

Stoke City vs Manchester City at the Britannia: City, like United, have not been convincing but have found a way to pick up points. The champions might have Sergio Aguero back for the match, and despite the Potters always putting up stiff resistance at home, I see a City victory.

Prediction: 2-1 to City

Aston Villa vs Swansea City at Villa Park: Swansea are unbeaten and Villa have been extremely poor this season. However, I think Villa are due a good performance under new manager Paul Lambert and I expect the home team to edge it.

Prediction: 2-1 to Villa.

Fulham vs West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage: Fulham were terrible against West Ham, and Martin Jol will be desperate to see a reaction from his players against a West Brom side that have picked up 7 points in their opening three matches.

Prediction: 1-0 to Fulham

Sunderland vs Liverpool at Stadium of Light: The late game for Saturday (17.30 BST) sees an emotionally-charged Liverpool side, after reports on the Hillsborough disaster were made public, take on a Sunderland team that are yet to pick up a win, having drawn their two games so far. Liverpool, however, have only one point from three matches, and lie third bottom. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a better performance and I envisage a different Liverpool team coming out to the park Saturday.

Prediction: 2-0 to Liverpool

Sunday: Reading vs Tottenham at Madejski: Two teams that are struggling face off with Andre Villas-Boas anxious to turn the ship around for Spurs. Reading, however, are a good side and can give any team a run for their money.

Prediction: 1-0 to Spurs

Monday: Everton vs Newcastle at Goodison Park: The Monday night match is an interesting one with two teams that are expected to fight for a place in Europe at the end of the season. David Moyes will look to Marouane Fellaini to impose himself yet again while Alan Pardew will be hoping for Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse to strike form up front.

Prediction: 1-1 

Get the Most Popular Stories in a Weekly Newsletter
Array

Join the Conversation

  • Get Connected
  • Share
  • Like Us on Facebook
  • @sportswr
  • Recommend on Google
Real Time Analytics