Premier League Weekend Preview

After some enthralling mid-week European action, there is a full Premier League fixture list to look forward to again this weekend. Top of the bill is Sunday’s summit clash at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Manchester United in what should be a full-blooded encounter. The Football Blog takes a look at this, as well as the weekend’s other games. 

Chelsea vs Manchester United

A win on Sunday would put Chelsea five points clear of the title holders. The Blues are in somewhat of a purple patch right now, having thrashed Bolton twice in the space of four days in both the Carling Cup and the league, and securing Champions League qualification on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti will be hell bent on securing yet another three points for his side.

Frank Lampard is obviously confident of his sides chances, claiming, ‘we’re in good form, very good form and that shows in the results but there’s always room for improvement’. Defeat for United would deal a huge blow to their title chances and the midfielder’s warning will only serve to increase the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to perform.

The meet at Stamford Bridge will prove crucial for Manchester United. Victory could place them at the top of the table but losing could place them behind current third spot holders Arsenal, providing they win their game against Wolves. The North London side currently have a goal difference of nineteen compared to United’s twelve.

With Rio Ferdinand forced to miss the champions’ game against Blackburn, it looks as though Ferguson will continue to have to find defensive cover. The England defender is still suffering with a calf problem and Ferguson’s troubles don’t end there, with Ferdinand’s defensive partner Nemanja Vidic struggling with a similar injury.

Ferguson will however remain confident that his team can beat the west London side. The Manchester United boss has said he has ‘no worries about facing Chelsea’, praising deputees Jonny Evans and Wes Brown. Despite bouncing back from their Anfield misery in a reassuring 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers, United will probably go into the game as slight underdogs, not that that will concern them.

The crucial league encounter will have added tension after it was announced that both teams have plans to make a bid for Spanish ace, David Villa. It is believed that Chelsea are preparing a £25m bid while Man United could be lining up a £40m deal for Villa and his team mate David Silva.

Liverpool v Birmingham City

Liverpool will face fourteenth place Birmingham on Monday night and after various reports claiming Rafa Benitez’s days are ‘numbered’, both manager and team will be keen to forget about their two most recent games and build on their victory over Manchester United. The fact remains however, that Liverpool have suffered five league losses to date and trail leaders Chelsea by nine points.

Liverpool were reduced to nine men at Craven Cottage last week, where they were beaten 3-1 by a more than capable Fulham side. Benitez’s critics have suggested he is more interested in doing well in the Champions League and if the Merseyside team were to face further defeat against Birmingham, the club’s fight for the Premier League title could be over before Christmas.

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish will be aiming to take advantage of Liverpool’s poor form, especially if Benitez pulls out another 63rd minute substitution for Torres. After a powerful performance against Manchester City, which earned Birmingham a point, McLeish will be determined to work on his team’s final touch. Goalkeeper Maik Taylor will also be looking to retain his place after keeping his first clean sheet for his team since his return to Premier League action.

Best of the rest

Elsewhere, Spurs face Sunderland at White Hart Lane where Harry Redknapp will be looking to stop the rot after two defeats on the spin. Could Darren Bent return to haunt him? After a 4-0 victory against Wigan at Fratton Park, Redknapp’s old club Portsmouth will be determined to continue their league revival against Blackburn Rovers. Whilst at the KC Stadium, will it be make or break for Phil Brown when his Hull City side take on Stoke City?

As ever, let us know your thoughts on the games this weekend and enjoy the action.

Rachel Thompson

November 6, 2009