Saturday 30th August sees the kickoff of round 3 of the English premier league. With several mouth-watering fixtures promising a closely fought battle and several others looking to provide entertainment value through multiple goals, this round be the most entertaining round of the season thus far. Manchester united and Fulham are out of action this week due to Manchester's European obligations and the rest will be welcomed by Roy Hodgson's cottagers whom have just come off an impressive display against a dismal Arsenal.
Bolton Wanderers v West Bromwich Albion at Reebok Stadium
These two sides have never met in the top division and considering recent form it could be a closely fought battle. Bolton are coming off a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in Round 2 and a defeat to third division side Northampton town in the Carling Cup mid-week. West Bromwich come off a loss to Hartlepool united in the Carling Cup and a close game against Everton finishing in a 2-1 defeat. With both teams looking to make amends for recent disappointment, this match looks to be settled by a draw or a one-goal swing to either side.
Players to watch: Johan Elmander looks the key man for the Wanderers. After an impressive debut against Stoke City, he was substituted against Toon last weekend and failed to perform in the Carling Cup. Ishmael Miller looks the strike man for Bromwich after being unlucky not to score against both Everton and Hartlepool.
Outcome: Bolton 2-1. A match decided on defensive efforts will go the way of the team who have had experience defending against the likes of Chelsea whilst West's aren't solid enough at the back to keep out the likes of Nolan and Elmander.
Everton v Portsmouth at Goodison Park
Head to head over the last 10 matches, Everton have a 70% winning record against the men from the south. Judging by form, that trend will continue after Portsmouth have conceded five goals and not netted one in their two outings this year. Admittedly against the top two sides from last year, could this be the motivation needed to get them across the line? Everton have also disappointed with a loss to Blackburn at the Goodison Fortress and a close game against Browich.
Players to Watch: Mikel Arteta is the form player of the competition with 2 assists and a goal in just two games. Has he returned to the form of 2006/2007 where he was the danger man of the competition? Portsmouth combination of Defoe and lanky Crouch upfront should provide headaches for the injury ravaged Everton defense.
Outcome: 1-1. Both sides have had poor defensive showings and little flare in attack however this game will be one of the games of the week.
Hull City v Wigan Athletic at KC Stadium
With just the one game between the two going Hull's way from the same stadium, they'll take a confidence boost into this encounter. Furthermore, their victory over Fulham in the opening round at home will provide the tigers with the hope to take 3 points against Wigan and continue their dream maiden campaign in the top flight. Wigan has been impressive this season with good showings against Chelsea and West Ham but has come up empty handed.
Players to Watch: Giovannni has been central to Hull's offense this season and that should continue against a Wigan outfit with a relatively good back-line given their performance against Chelsea last week. Wigan's new signing Zaki should be crucial if Athletic are to challenge Hull with him appearing to be the only goal threat in the side.
Outcome: A difficult game to call but Hull's home advantage should put them in with a shot for a draw. Whether 0-0 or 1-1 or even a small win to either side will be dependent on some luck, something neither Hull has started with and Wigan without.
Middleborough v Stoke City at Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough has had a near dream start to their campaign with a superb effort against Liverpool last week they deserved to win and a 2-1 victory against Tottenham last showing at the Riverside. Stoke on the contrary have had an incredibly obscure start to the season. With a 3-1 dismal effort in their first match, they showed up to down European favorites Aston Villa at home. Both sides won their Carling Cup fixtures midweek against poor opponents and will bring confidence into this important mid-table clash.
Player to Watch: the attacking combination of Downing in midfield and Alves up front should prove difficult for any defense, especially a Stoke that has conceded 5 goals in the first 2 games. That puts extra pressure on Sorensen to keep the Middlebrough attack at bay. Should he do that, we're in for a great game.
Outcome: Middlesbrough 2-0. Whilst Stoke played commendably last week to beat a poor Villa defense, the Boro defense should be too difficult to break down. Only a lucky speculator with a few deflections would put the visitors on the board.
West Ham v Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park
The worst performance of last week was brought to you by West Ham losing 3-0 to Manchester City, the second worst was brought to you by Blackburn after a 1-1 showing with newly promoted Hull at home. That should mean that this game isn't even worth knowing about but yet promises to be one of the highlights of the week. Two struggling sides looking to pick up their form of week one where they both came off convincing victors showing they can find the back of the net.
Players to Watch: With Mark Noble's suspension in place until next round, Scott parker will lead the central midfield against the Blackburn outfit. Whilst failing to show anything special in the opening weeks, if he produces his full capability on Saturday, West Ham could run riot against an unconvincing Blackburn backline. if that was to happen, Paul Robinson would become all important in the Blackburn goal. After gradually getting worse over the last two seasons and losing his English position to David James of Portsmouth, he'll be looking for a clean sheet to send his side to the top of the table.
Outcome: 2-1 Blackburn. With both sides capable of goals, this should prove an exciting match. Could be a close one and a result going the other way would definitely be a possibility.
Arsenal v Newcastle at Emirates
Following their worst performance in the clubs history last weekend against the Cottagers, Arsene Wenger's side will be looking to claim a win over the in form Toon. Cesc Fabregas returns from a Hamstring injury for the Gunners and proved his quality in the Champions League qualifier yesterday with an assist in his 45 minutes on the pitch. Newcastle following a draw against the premiers and a win against Bolton last week will have every opportunity to build on their good start with three points away from home.
Players to Watch: Fabregas was the inspiration behind the Gunners near title victory last year. His injury and absence has been evident in the Gunners lack of creation and Adebayor and van Persie have been woeful upfront. Should those three play well, there could be a lot of work for Shay Given. Arguably the best keeper of the opening weeks, he has kept Manchester United to one goal and saved a penalty to seal 3 points last week.
Outcome: Arsenal 3-0. Should be a comfortable victory despite recent form of the two teams. Notorious for their away success, Arsenal should have too much firepower for the Toon who despite two good showings were playing a mid to low table Bolton squad and an injury ravaged Red Devils outfit.
Sundays match previews will be published tomorrow.
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