Week 3: Barry Playing (Against) the Reds

Saturday

Arsenal vs. Newcastle
Cesc Fabregas was back in the side at midweek, a 4-0 win in the CL qualifier against porous FC Twente, making a huge difference in the Gunners form. Arsenal are a different team with the Spaniard on the pitch and it will show at the Emirates against Newcastle. They will be steaming on the heels of last week's shock defeat to Fulham.

Arsene Wenger is still looking to strengthen his side and Saturday's match could help sway the level of urgency at the Emirates. Another surprise defeat and they may shell out more than necessary for Xabi Alonso.

Newcastle has looked a tough side early on this season, with Owen on form and some midfield play. The real difference will rest with the erratic defense, who look vastly improved and focused.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle

Everton vs. Portsmouth
David Moyes' frustration over a lack of depth continues as the Toffees welcome Pompey to Goodison Park. A small signing, Danish international Lars Jacobsen, this week should do little to relieve his worries. Louis Saha will join Yakubu up front....until he gets hurt. Everton looks far less motivated this go around and it will be up to Moyes to make do with what he has.

Portsmouth has struggled in their first two matches, but against the likes of Chelsea and Man U, it is too early to panic. Crouch and Defoe have looked completely unsure of one another, but Rednapp will gave the pair a little time before he rushes into a change up front.

Both teams are in need of some kind of result here, which could make from a very tight match.
Prediction: Everton 0-1 Portsmouth

Middlesbrough vs. Stoke
'Boro has looked like a much improved side through these first two weeks. A convincing win against Tottenham and a heartbreaking loss to Liverpool at Anfield have seen two very positive performances from the squad. David Wheater looks to be an emerging star and if Alfonso Alves can find consistency, 'Boro could stick around in the top half of the table for some time.

Stoke is a team that may be taking a little page out of the old Leeds' book, knock 'em around and wear 'em down. They showed their heart against Villa last week, but relying on performances like that every week will eventually starting biting them back.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-0 Stoke

Bolton vs. West Brom
Bolton has been up and down in their first few games. An early Carling Cup exit at midweek is sure to light a fire under the squad. Few thought their 3-0 win against Stoke in week 1 was a sign of things to come, but they'll need more results like that against bottom clubs to stay clear of the relegation zone that they flirted with all last year.

West Brom rolled through the Championship last year, with exciting play and a squad that looked a good bet to avoid relegation in the Prem this year. So far, their play has been anything but exciting. The need to get some offensive flow going in this match.
Prediction: Bolton 2-0 West Brom

Hull City vs. Wigan
Hull City have come out of the box firing. They have that early season promotion passion that, when it slows, can grind a team to a halt. Look for Wigan to frustrate them and counter in spurts.

Antonio Valencia has yet to bust out, and he better soon, or I'm gonna have to stop talking him up. Wigan looked great last week against Chelsea, holding their own and losing a hard fought battle. A tough loss to a side like Chelsea can either deflate or inspire a squad. Steve Bruce is hoping it's the latter.
Prediction: Hull City 0-1 Wigan

West Ham vs. Blackburn
The Hammers will be looking for three points at Upton Park on Saturday after a disappointing 3-0 bow to Man City last week. Curbishley has been the favorite to get the axe early on this year and he will need to rack up some wins to keep himself in good shape.

Rovers are sitting at 4 points after two games and look to be resilient despite losing Bentley and Friedal in the transfer market. Paul Robinson has been dreadful in goal, and looks to be getting worse each year. It's hard to imagine he was once an England number one. Santa Cruz will need some support up front if he is to do his damage.

I like both teams to come out and challenge each other.
Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Blackburn

Sunday

Chelsea vs. Tottenham
Stamford Bridge will be the site of Chelsea's first London derby of the season. I'll admit, Chelsea looks real tough early on, and the edition of Robinho will be frightening if it happens. Scolari will not want to take his foot off the pedal against a floundering Tottenham side.

Tottenham has looked in disarray early on, but that's to be expected somewhat, after a summer of bringing in new faces. Apparently Spurs forgot about all areas of the pitch not in the midfield, where they have a small army of options. It's not just the two loss start, but they have been the poorer team in each outing. For a team with two great center backs, they have little defensive solidarity. Maybe Ramos missed them getting racked up on last year. If they can get some type of cohesion and a set lineup, they will improve greatly throughout the campaign.

This will not be a repeat of last year's Carling Cup final.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Tottenham

Sunderland vs. Man City
The Black Cats not only have a great nickname, they have an ever improving squad under Roy Keane. Keane has made the rare superstar player to coach transition work, because while talented, he was just as gritty on the pitch, so he does not expect perfection from his squad. He keeps adding to the talent pool, with Ferdinand, Cisse, and Healy joining up. Sunderland is for real and will be a top half team by year's end.

Man City is in club limbo right now off the pitch, lacking in forward depth and handcuffing Mark Hughes, who may yet regret his Blackburn exit. The side took three points last weekend against the Hammers, but will be hard pressed to do so at the Stadium of Light.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-0 Man City

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool
Villa Park will be buzzing this Sunday, as the Reds come into town. The Gareth Barry saga is still fresh in the minds of the Villan faithful, and they will be urging their squad on to a fast start. A shock loss last week to Stoke will only add more fuel to the fire. Their is a lot of talent in the Aston Villa squad and they have beefed up their midfield with the acquisition of James Milner.

Liverpool is struggling at the start of their 2008/09 season. Three poor performances have led to three wins, but their luck is bound to run out sooner rather than later. Robbie Keane has looked like he was signed from a pub team, and their wing play has been even more anemic than usual. The loss of Gerrard in the midfield is huge. Rafa will have a decision to make in his lineup, going with Alonso and Mascherano in center midfield could provide no support down the spine to a floundering Keane and Torres pairing. Benitez's act is beginning to wear thin and he will need more magic to produce a win at Villa Park.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool

Idle: Manchester United, Fulham
Feel free to comment with your own predictions and ridicule me for mine. Laters.