The tie of the weekend is undoubtedly Arsenal‘s trip to the north west to face under-fire Liverpool. Liverpool take many positives from their Fiorentina defeat during the week with the comeback of Fernando Torres to spearhead the Red attack and the debut of Italian saviour Alberto Aquilani. Glenm Johnson is set for a recall to the line-up after being rested against La Viola, as does Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher. Alberto Aquilai may be rewarded for his patience with a starting berth beside Javier Mascherano after a solid debut. Back-to-full-fitness looking Steven Gerrard will captain the side behind the main man, Fernando Torres. Arsenal’s young guns lost out during the week in their final Champions League tie, so a waft of changes are expected for the trip. Cesc Fabregas will return to the middle of the park, as will Andrey Arshavin who will be keen to emulate his already iconic four-goal haul at Anfield last season. Arsenal are still without Robin van Persie with his long term ankle injury, and Tomas Rosicky has been ruled out after limping off last week. Theo Walcott played against Olimpiacos, and might start on the right on Sunday. Aaron Ramsey’s recent impressive displays will grant him a spot in the squad.

In another appealing tie, on-form Aston Villa travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester Utd who have come within two points of league leaders Chelsea. After midweeks demolition of Wolfsburg shielded by a make-shift defense, their injury problems have somewhat eased. Nemanja Vidic returns to bolster a weakened back-line, but will be paired with Michael Carrick for the first time in the position, moving Darren Fletcher back in to the midfield. Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov have both overcome slight knocks, and Ryan Giggs will be at his freshest after a weeks rest. Aston Villa have also been bolstered with the return of defender James Collins who has missed the last month with injury. However, Carlos Cueller’s recent run of form may secure another game alongside Richard Dunne in the defense. The ever impressive James Milner will take up his new role in the centre of the park where his magnificent versatility has seemed to find him his best position, while Stewart Downing and Ashley Young will take up the wide areas.

This week’s games:

Stoke v Wigan
Birmingham v West Ham
Bolton v Man City
Burnley v Fulham
Chelsea v Everton
Hull City v Blackburn
Sunderland v Portsmouth
Tottenham v Wolves
Man Utd v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool v Manchester City 12:45, Anfield

With just one win in their last five, Liverpool host Man City at Anfield who have drawn their last five. City have been one team tipped to take Liverpool’s top four spot, and here is their chance to prove a point. Liverpool have been handed a major boost ahead of this one as four of their starting eleven travelled to the magical Serbian horse placenta treatment. Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera are all expected to be involved now, as well as Steven Gerrard. Fernando Torres won’t be included, but Jamie Carragher returns from suspension.

For City, Robinho makes his long awaited return to the side after getting injured in an international against Brazil in September. Craig Bellamy has overcome an injury to make the squad, but Martin Petrov is out with a knee injury.

Prediction: Liverpool are bolstered with the return of some big names, home win.

Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers 15:00, Stamford Bridge

Chelsea haven’t conceded at home since the opening day of the season, as Mick McCarthy and co. travel to Stamford looking to end to their run without a win. Chelsea are without dynamic duo Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, as well as Michael Ballack, Jose Boswinga and Deco. Gael Kakuta, the player at the centre of the poaching young players row, is expected to start on the bench.

Wolves are pleased to have defender Kevin Foley back after knee ligament damage. The Irishman has only made three appearances this season. Ronald Zubar is a doubt, while Michael Mancienne is ineligible to play against his parent club. Kevin Doyle is expected to start from the bench after the French game midweek.

Prediction: Despite missing Lampard and Drogba, a home win.

Sunderland v Arsenal 15:00, Stadium of Light

In-form and injury hit Arsenal visit the Stadium of Light which hasn’t seen a loss in five games. Marton Fulop returns to the number one spot in place of Craig Gordon who broke his arm against Spurs two weeks ago. Fraizer Campbell should start with Jones sitting out the second of his three match ban. Michael Turner is suspended, but Lorik Cana returns to the centre field.

Arsenal are without Robin van Persie who suffered an ankle injury on international duty. Kieron Gibbs is also out, but England winger Theo Walcott returns from a knee problem. Nicklas Bendter is still short of fitness, but Denilson, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela and Armand Traore all return to the fold.

Prediction: Losing RVP is a big blow, but Arsenal should have enough firepower in Fabregas, Eduardo and company.

Manchester United v Everton 17:30, Old Trafford

Man Utd have won five and drawn one of their six home matches this season and face an Everton side who have lost only one of their last six fixtures in the Premier League. Nemanja Vidic is the main returnee for Utd after overcoming a thigh injury. Rio Ferdinand is out however, along with John O’ Shea who limped out of the Stade de France.

Everton are without the suspended Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. Tim Cahill is a doubt after returning from national duty with Australia, as David Moyes faces a selection headache with no Louis Saha, Jack Rodwell, Leon Osmon, Phil Neville or Steven Pienaar.

Prediction: Man Utd will have too much firepower for Everton to handle.

Saturday 21st November 2009

Birmingham City v Fulham – Home
Burnley v Aston Villa – Away
Hull City v West Ham United – Away

Sunday 22nd November 2009

Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers – Away
Tottenham Hotspur v Wigan Athletic – Home
Stoke City v Portsmouth – Home

Since then, via Scunthorpe, Luton and Preston, Burnley’s Mr. Dependable has at last reached his destination. The Premier League.

At 38 years old Alexander, known to his team mates as ‘grandad’, is the oldest outfield player in the Premier League. Yet a new lease of life in his first ever season in England’s top flight has got him playing as if he were a 21 year old again.

Formerly a right back, Alexander now just sits in front of Burnley’s back four. It is a role made famous by Claude Makelele, and a role that Alexander has been a consistent performer in. His continued honesty, hard-work and passion make him an integral part of Owen Coyle’s side.

Noses were turned at Turf Moor when the club shelled out a six figure fee to near neighbours Preston North End for the services of the Coventry born Scottish international. Noses are now being turned at Deepdale, where they have been forced to endure watching as Alexander has been inspirational in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League and their start to life in one of the world’s richest leagues.

2009. Graham Alexander is showing no signs of slowing down.

‘Grandad’ marked his 100th Burnley appearance and 900th club appearance with a brace in Burnley’s 2-0 triumph over Hull City. A result of massive importance to the Clarets in their return to England’s top flight. The reaction to his second, a 20-yard screamer, proved that his passion is burning as bright as ever.

Goals aside, his performances this season have been as full of life as anyone else in the Burnley side. His desire to chase down men and his knowledge to bellow at his colleagues have been clear for all to witness.

His experience and leadership in battle is no doubt vital to Burnley and he is under no illusions of how much hard work is required to retain his and the Claret’s Premier League status.

Capped forty times by Scotland, he has recently spoke of how he and everyone at the club deserve their shot at the Premier League where ‘there is no better place to play football.’ However he was quick to add that it is now important for everyone to prove themselves at their new level. A surefire sign that no one is getting carried away by Burnley’s success. Their feet are well and truly grounded.

Over a hundred career goals to his name, Alexander notched his latest against Manchester City. A penalty in a thrilling 3-3 draw against the big spenders at Eastlands. The match referee, Stuart Attwell, was eleven years Alexander’s junior.

Some questioned his move to Burnley. Some questioned his ability to step in to the Premier League. But after 61 appearances last season, and his continued presence this, there is certainly no signs that the evergreen Alexander will be proving his doubters right anytime soon.

Saturday, 12th September 2009

Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers, 3:00

With only one point from their opening three games, Blackburn will be determined to pick up their first win of the season against Wolves. The visitors lie in thirteen place, but are without a number of important players including Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Michael Kightly and Kevin Foley. Chris Iwelumo is also missing, but new signings Segundo Castillo and Stefan Maierhofer are both in line for debuts. Stephen Reid is a long term absense for Rovers, along with N’Zonzi and Salgado.

Prediction: Wolves to grab an away draw

Fantasy League pick: Kevin Doyle

Liverpool v Burnley, 3:00

Liverpool will be keen to improve on their sluggish start with a win over newly promoted Burnley who are on the same number of points. Fabio Aurelio is welcomed back for the first time this season and might feature in defense. Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva may be late arrivals after travelling with their national squads during the week, but the Reds have no new injury fears after the break apart from the long term injuries to Agger and Aquilani. Burnley also have a number of important players travelling home from duty, including Stephen Fletcher, Martin Paterson and Andre Bikey who didn’t train until Friday. Coyle is without Stephen Caldwell who is injured, while loanee David Nugent should make his debut.

Prediction: Comfortable home win, but not without conceding.

Fantasy League pick: Glen Johnson

Man City v Arsenal, 3:00

Unbeaten Man City meet Arsenal at the Eastlands on Saturday, as the Citizens will be keen bring Arsenal to a standstill with their recent form. Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure both face their old club for the first time. City are sweating over the fitness of Robinho, while Carlos Tevez has been ruled out to join Roque Santa Cruz and Vincent Kompany on the sidelines. Andrey Arshavin is the biggest absense for Arsenal, while Tomas Rosicky might be struggling for fitness. Theo Walcott has returned to training, so he may feature.

Prediction: Hard to call, but we predict City to snatch a home win in a thrilling game.

Fantasy League pick: Shaun Wright-Phillips

Portsmouth v Bolton, 3:00

It’s 20th versus 19th as neither of these sides have picked up a point this season, but that will change tomorrow. David James will make his return for Pompey, as they have a number of debutants including Danny Webber, Tal Ben-Haim, Kevin Prince-Boateng, Jamie O’Hara, Mike Williamson, Aruna Dindane and Hassan Yebda. On-loan striker Ivan Klasnic will be included for Bolton, while Sean Davis is suspended. Johan Elmander will be fit enough to play, too.

Prediction: The new signings to take Pompey off the bottom.

Fantasy League pick: Aruna Dindane

Stoke City v Chelsea, 3:00

Chelsea sit top of the league unbeaten, while The Potters are placed surprisingly one spot outside the top four, in fifth. James Beattie is to undergo a late fitness test for Stoke, while Sidibe will miss out. Pulis welcomes back Glen Whelan and Liam Lawrence from international duty with Ireland, and they both should play. Chelsea are without Deco, Alex and Yuri Zhirkov while Joe Cole and Paulo Ferriera are not yet fit enough to be featured.

Prediction: Chelsea to stay unbeaten

Fantasy League pick: Didier Drogba

Sunderland v Hull City

Sunderland have picked up two wins so far this season, while Hull will look to add their second away win of the season. Steve Bruce will might have to debutise Trevor Carson due to injuries to Martin Fulop and Craig Gordon. George McCartney is out, while Michael Turner will line out after his move from Hull. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink should make his debut for Hull, but Jozy Altidore might miss out due to arriving late from duty with the USA. Ian Ashbee, Jimmy Bullard and Dean Marney are all long term absenses for Hull.

Prediction: Score draw

Fantasy League pick: Steed Malbranque

Wigan v West Ham

Wigan haven’t won since their opening day shock victory over Aston Villa, while the Hammers have only picked up one win and a draw this season. Wigan have a fully fit squad to choose from, welcoming back Olivier Kapo into the team. Jason Koumas has shaken off an injury and should feature. West Ham have concerns over Kieron Dyer, but Alessandro Diamanti should make his debut since joining from Livorno.

Prediction: West Ham win

Fantasy League pick: Mark Noble

Tottenham v Man Utd, 5:30

Tottenham are unbeaten so far, sitting second to Chelsea on goal difference. Man Utd have lost one game, but will be looking to pick up from their win against Arsenal. Luka Modric is the big absentee for Spurs, who broke his leg two weeks ago. Niko Kranjcar will make his debut, and Ledley King will undergo a late test on his groin. The visitors are without John O’ Shea as well as van der Sar but Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville return. Antonio Valencia may make the bench after a long travel home from international duty.

Prediction: A very close game, with Spurs edging it.

Fantasy League pick: Aaron Lennon

Sunday, 13th September 2009

Birmingham v Aston Villa, Noon

Birmingham have four points from four games, while Villa have picked up two wins from their opening three including victory over Liverpool. McLeish may have to hand Christian Benitez a full debut due to a ever lenghtening injury list. New Villa centre halves Richard Dunne and James Collins could make their debut as Curtis Davies is out. Emile Heskey is struggling with a tight hamstring after duty with England.

Prediction: Derby win for Aston Villa

Fantasy League pick: James Milner

Fulham v Everton, 4:15

Both these sides sit on three points with just one win in their opening three games. Andy Johnson returns to face his old side, while Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora are both set to make returns. However ‘keeper Mark Schwarzer is a doubt putting Pascal Zuberbhler on standby. Johnny Heitinga and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will both make their debuts, Sylvain Distin will start in defense and Jo should feature up front.

Prediction: Score draw

Fantasy League pick: Steven Pienaar