Daves On Soccer

Domestic league action cranks up again after the international break and there are some exciting match-ups in the Premiership. Here's a quick overview of the action ranked in order of most intrigue.

Everton - Liverpool
There's added excitement surrounding this installment of the classic Liverpool derby given that both teams are likely to contend for European places this season. Everton have shown good early form while Liverpool have yet to fully hit their stride and integrate all their new signings. It should be a lively, highly entertaining match. Expect goals and a draw.
Prediction: 2-2

Manchester Utd. - Tottenham
Man. U. are off to a flying start to the season having scored a league best ten goals in winning all three of their games. Tottenham have disappointed by contrast, losing at home to Everton in their last outing. Expect Spurs to make it difficult, but Man. U. should prevail.
Prediction: 2-0

West Ham - Aston Villa
The atmosphere should be phenomenal at Upton Park as Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano make their debut appearance for the Hammers. There's a lot of excitement at Villa as well with a new owner, Randy Lerner, and new coach, Matin O'Neill. As the home side, I might favor the Hammers a touch, but Villa could well earn a draw.
Prediction: 2-1

Portsmouth - Wigan
The rebirth of Kanu has inspired Portsmouth to its current second place standing in the table, but Wigan will prove a more difficult side to break down. Paul Jewell has made once again made some astute signings (Emile Heskey aside) and they should do enough to snatch a point.
Prediction: 1-1


Arsenal - Middlesborough
The additions of Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth should greatly improve Boro's porous back line, but the central defenders will take some time to achieve solidity. Besides, Arsenal has had some rather lopsided wins against Boro recently (7-0 in the last meeting). This is a great opportunity for the Gunners to find some form.
Prediction: 3-0

Sheffield Utd. - Blackburn
I'm not sure how much entertaining football this match will produce, but it will surely be physical. The Blades will depend on their results at home to keep them in the EPL. Even though Blackburn have looked awful so far this season, they should have enough to scrape a draw and point at Bramall Lane.
Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea - Charlton
It never ceases to amaze and annoy me that a team with the unmatched talent that Chelsea possess can produce such generally uninspiring on-field displays sprinkled with flashes of brilliance. Still, they should have no trouble disposing of a Charlton side still searching for an identity under new manager Iain Dowie. Poor Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink must surely ponder what might have been.
Prediction: 3-0

Reading - Manchester City
Reading have looked capable of both scoring goals at this level and of giving them up. They'll need to defend much better and avoid injuries, but I'm backing them to stay up this season. Man. City have stronger side on paper, but their away record is fairly dismal.
Prediction: 2-1

Newcastle - Fulham
It's going to be a long season of struggle for Fulham, I'm afraid. Newcastle, depleted though they may be, should have enough class (Nolberto Solano alone, should do it) to get past the Cottagers.
Prediction: 1-0

Bolton - Watford
Both teams employ a very "English" style of play- a very physical approach with lots of long balls. Bolton can be very disruptive to opponents' midfields and I don't believe Watford can cope with their pressure. It won't be pretty, but Bolton should win handily.
Prediction 2-0

UPDATE: I'm not quitting my day job. 5 correct results (but no correct scorelines), 5 incorrect results.