Subplots aplenty as Premier League action returns

With the international break over, domestic competition resumes tomorrow and there is plenty to talk about without a ball being kicked. Some managers will be cursing a fortnight which has seen some of their star players returning either injured or jet-lagged, with some tricky fixtures this weekend. Here’s a look at the key matches.

Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers

In a rare show of managerial unity, Bolton manager Gary Megson stuck up for Sir Alex Ferguson this week, as the debate surrounding the United manager’s comments about Alan Wiley threatens to rumble on. He claimed that Ferguson has been ‘hung out to dry’ over his controversial attack, and suggested that it was time to move on. 

If he was hoping his comments may persuade Ferguson to give his Bolton team an easy ride at Old Trafford, then he is likely to be sorely mistaken however. United will be looking to get back to winning ways after their 2-2 draw with Sunderland, although will be without Wayne Rooney (injury) and potentially Dimitar Berbatov (birth of his child). A rare league start for Michael Owen perhaps?

Portsmouth vs Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Redknapp (along with Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Nico Kranjcar) returns to Fratton Park and is guaranteed an extremely hostile reception. He has defended his decision to move to Spurs following his successful spell on the south coast, but football fans tend to have short memories when it comes to these kind of things.

Redknapp’s return is probably an unwanted distraction for a Portsmouth side who remain in dire straits, despite recording their first win (and points) of the season a fortnight ago. Paul Hart revealed this week that he was in the dark about Avram Grant’s appointment as director of football, and Grant himself has yet to receive his work permit. A home win could be just what they need to really kick start their season.

Sunderland vs Liverpool

Steve Bruce seems to have been caught in a media storm following his decision to award the man of the match award to David Beckham for his substitute appearance against Belarus. Something giving him less of a headache however is his Sunderland side, who are playing well and will be looking for all three points against a Liverpool side who are yet to hit top gear.

Rafael Benitez will feel more aggrieved than most managers after the international break, with both Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard rated doubtful for the trip to the Stadium of Light through injury. Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano are also returning from long overseas trips, which may force Benitez into shuffling his pack. This will not be an easy game for the Anfield side.

Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley

Not many fans outside of East Lancashire appreciate the bitter rivalry that exists between their clubs, highlighted by this gesture from Burnley fans ahead of their first league meeting since 2001. Blackburn won 5-0 on that occasion, although it is likely to be a slightly more evenly contested game this time around.

Burnley’s home form has been formidable so far this season, although their away form leaves a lot to be desired. They currently sit five points ahead of Rovers in the league, and will be hoping they discover their touch away from home and extend that gap. Sam Allardyce’s side will be hard to break down as ever though, and have a point to prove after the 2-6 defeat they suffered at the hands of Arsenal a fortnight ago.

So a full weekend of fixtures to look forward with some intriguing games in store. Elsewhere, Chelsea will be looking to maintain their position at the summit although face a tricky away tie against Aston Villa, whilst Arsenal and Manchester City will also be hoping to keep pace with the leading pack. Enjoy the weekend’s action and, as ever, let us know your thoughts.