• Premier League Preview

Rivalry sidelined as Anfield pays tribute

September 21, 2012

This season ESPN Goals is completely free. It's the first place to see every goal from every Premier League game, all season long

A full weekend of Premier League action with six games on Saturday and four on Sunday constitutes an action-packed agenda, as the Premier League continues following a midweek programme of European activity.

Chelsea will aim to continue their 100% home record and maintain their early lead at the top of the table, while on Sunday there will be an emotionally-charged atmosphere at Anfield as Liverpool take on Manchester United in the club's first home game since the publication of the Hillsborough report.

For talking points and predictions for every fixture this weekend, check out ESPN's take on the forthcoming action.

Saturday

Chelsea v Stoke

Key battle: He marked his first start for the club with a brace of goals against Juventus on Wednesday, the second of which was a stunner, and Oscar will be champing at the bit for his first Premier League start. Expect him to give Charlie Adam a very uncomfortable afternoon in the middle.
Player to watch: Eden Hazard was pushed out wide against Juve but was still a key figure, and the Belgian's seemingly effortless incorporation into English football makes him a player who is always worth observing closely.
Talking point: Fernando Torres has found the back of the net twice in Chelsea's four league games so far, but his blanks against Juve and QPR have seen murmurs surfacing already about the Spaniard's confidence. Expect him to quash them at Stamford Bridge this Saturday.
Bet of the day: Torres to score first and Chelsea to win is a tempting 7/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

---

Southampton v Aston Villa

Key battle: Southampton's confidence. The Saints have endured a torrid introduction to life in the Premier League this season, with four straight defeats, the most recent a hammering at the hands of Arsenal. If Nigel Adkins' players can overcome that, a first win should be achievable.
Player to watch: Christian Benteke made an immediate impact on his Villa debut, coming on as a substitute with 20 minutes to go against Swansea and scoring. The Belgian will be looking to continue that kind of form.
Talking point: Southampton's search for a first point. The Saints have given both Manchester City and Manchester United a tough test but ultimately come out empty handed. More than a first point, Saints fans will want a victory at home.
Bet of the day: Level at half time but Southampton to go on and claim that first victory of the campaign is 9/2 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

---

Swansea v Everton

Key battle: This promises to be an excellent encounter between two sides who are in form and enjoying good starts to their respective seasons. There will be close encounters all over the pitch, but the match-up between Michu and Phil Jagielka should be an enjoyable one to watch unfold at the Liberty Stadium.
Player to watch: Michu is flavour of the month but Marouane Fellaini has been immense for Everton and could hold the key to David Moyes' side being able to take a result away from their trip to Wales.
Talking point: Swansea are undefeated at home so far this season and Everton will arrive determined to make up for only taking a point from what should have been a return of three against Newcastle. Expect a backlash from the Toffees.
Bet of the day: Swansea to lead at half time but Everton to strike back and take the win is 25/1 with bet365
Prediction:1-2

---

West Bromwich Albion v Reading

Key battle: With Peter Odemwingie starting a three-match suspension after his red card against Fulham, Romelu Lukaku looks set for his first Premier League start for the Baggies. How Kaspars Gorkss handles the threat of the powerful forward will be a key factor in how this game turns out.
Player to watch: Lukaku will feel he has a point to prove after joining West Brom on loan from Chelsea in a bid to enjoy playing more regularly.
Talking point: West Brom's 100% home record is there to be broken and Reading are in search of a first win of the season...
Bet of the day: Lukaku to score first and West Brom to win is a decent-looking 6/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-1

---

West Ham v Sunderland

Key battle: Lee Cattermole against Mohamed Diame in midfield should be a meaty encounter, as both try to impose their own rhythm on the game.
Player to watch: Ricardo Vaz Te has the ability to dazzle and frustrate in equal measures. If he hits his stride he can make a telling difference for the home side.
Talking point: West Ham's home form has been impressive so far. From two games they have taken six points and scored four goals, and they come up against a Sunderland side who have drawn their three opening games.
Bet of the day: Carlton Cole to get his first goal of the season and open the socring, with the full time result a draw is 25/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

---

Wigan v Fulham

Key battle: Emmerson Boyce's ability to contain the threat of Dimitar Berbatov will be a central theme in this game, so expect the pair to be scrapping away for space all afternoon.
Player to watch: Hugo Rodallega is yet to open his goalscoring account this season after completing a summer switch from Wigan. Will he be able to do so upon his return to his former club?
Talking point: Wigan are yet to win at home, Fulham still without a victory away. Wil either be able to change that fact on Saturday afternoon?
Bet of the day: Berbatov to get the scoring underway but Wigan to strike back and win is 40/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

---

Sunday

Liverpool v Manchester United

Key battle: Steven Gerrard against Michael Carrick in midfield, Luis Suarez against Rio Ferdinand or Robin van Persie against Martin Skrtel. Take your pick. There will be important tussles taking place in various areas on Sunday in what promises to be a lively encounter.
Player to watch: With Liverpool yet to win in the Premier League this season and plenty of pretext to this fixture, all eyes will be on Luis Suarez as the Anfield crowd hope for an inspirational display on what will be an emotional occasion.
Talking point: Aside from United's push to keep tabs on early league leader Chelsea and Liverpool's own difficult start to the season, this is the club's first home game since the publication of the Hillsborough report. Both managers and officials from each club have been hard at work to ensure that a fitting mark of respect is paid, and a number of special tributes have been planned.
Bet of the day: Liverpool to edge a close encounter 1-0 is 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-0

---

Newcastle United v Norwich

Key battle: Hatem Ben Arfa against Jonny Howson should be an intriguing fight for control as the pair strive to make a mark, with Norwich's midfield impressive across the board.
Player to watch: Papiss Cisse set the Premier League alight with his goals last season after a January move to Newcastle, but he is yet to get off the mark this campaign. Could this be the game in which the big man ignites?
Talking point: Newcastle escaped Goodison Park with a point on Monday and then drew 0-0 at Maritimo on Thursday in the Europa League. Are Alan Pardew's men there for the taking as Norwich seek a first league win of the season?
Bet of the day: Newcastle to win by two clear goals is 4/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-1

---

Manchester City v Arsenal

Key battle: Abou Diaby has been the resurgent star of Arsenal's midfield in the early weeks of the season, with the highlight an all-action performance at Anfield. His gifts are in both the physical and technical spheres - and the same is true of Javi Garcia. Whoever wins that tussle will have a big say on the outcome of the clash.
Player to watch: Vito Mannone is likely to be between the sticks for Arsenal again, with Wojciech Szczesny out for a few weeks with an ankle complaint. The Italian has performed commendably in recent weeks, but is not renowned for his solidity in goal. He will be right in the thick of it at the Etihad.
Talking point: Arsenal's defence has been highly praised this season, but they were lucky to scrape a win against Montpellier during midweek. Assistant Steve Bould's work with the backline is thought to have made a real difference, and this will be the sternest test to date.
Bet of the day: Lukas Podolski to score first, 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

---

Tottenham v Queens Park Rangers

Key battle: Jermain Defoe tormented Reading's defence in Spurs' last league game and the striker will aim to do the same at White Hart Lane against QPR. Anton Ferdinand can expect to have his hands full.
Player to watch: Moussa Dembele has been impressive since arriving from Fulham and the midfielder has certainly added to the creativity in Spurs' ranks. The Belgian will be a driving force as Spurs look to collect their second win of the season, and their first at home this campaign.
Talking point: With the pressure that had somehow managed to build after just three league games in charge now seemingly relieved a little thanks to that first win, Andre Villas-Boas will continue working towards a more stable set-up. A midweek goalless draw at home in the Europa League against Lazio could easily have been a victory, and the Portuguese will definitely be feeling more upbeat than he did this time last week.
Bet of the day: Defoe to score first and Spurs to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win is 18/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-0

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.