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League giants fight their critics at Old Trafford

Nemanja Vidic has had some tough battles with Fernando Torres during his time in England © Getty Images

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Two giants of the English game come together this weekend, but their current form has hardly been overwhelming as Manchested United prepare to meet great rivals Liverpool. Restricted by debts and feeling the pressure due to shaky starts to the season, Old Trafford plays host to a game of genuine significance for the two most successful institutions in English football.

Anything less than a victory for United would surely see Chelsea extend their lead at the top against Blackpool, although Arsenal have a trickier clash at Sunderland. Tottenham have their first taste of a Champions League hangover to deal with, while Jeckyll-and-Hyde Wigan have the chance to heap pressure on Manchester City.

For predictions, key battles and talking points from all 10 matches, read on below...

Manchester United v Liverpool
Form: Manchester United's defence has hardly been imposing this season, conceding five goals in two away games to see the Red Devils drop four points in as many matches. Liverpool have only won one league game under Roy Hodgson to date, but they are coming off a confidence-boosting win in Europe.
Key battle: Fernando Torres was labelled 'diabolical' following his performance at Birmingham last week, but he always represents something of a horror figure for Nemanja Vidic. Torres scored home and away against United last season, and Vidic has been sent off in three of the last four encounters against the Reds.
Player to watch: Nani. The Portugal international is in excellent form, and Liverpool's defending of crosses, which cost them at Old Trafford last season, has been suspect again during this campaign.
Talking point: Was Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to play his second string against Rangers a well-calculated risk? Anything less than a victory will fail to justify the 0-0 draw with Rangers.
Prediction: 2-0
Bet of the day: Dimitar Berbatov to score first and United to win 2-0: 25/1 with Stan James

Sunderland v Arsenal - Live on ESPN
Form: Sunderland have a victory over Manchester City and a respectable draw at Wigan - earned with 10 men - to their name in their last two matches, while Arsenal are playing irresistible football and remain unbeaten this season.
Key battle: Asamoah Gyan scored on debut at the DW Stadium, and Arsenal have something of a weak link in Laurent Koscielny. The Ghanaian has the energy to really test his marker on Saturday.
Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas is producing arguably the best football of his career from the hub of the Arsenal midfield, and his presence is worth the admission fee alone.
Talking point: Is Jack Wilshere better than Fabregas at the same age? The Spaniard claims he is, and it would appear England have a rare diamond on their hands.
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: Sunderland to win 2-1: 16/1 with Stan James

Nicolas Anelka and Michael Essien are both in goalscoring form for the champions © Getty Images

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Chelsea v Blackpool
Form: Chelsea's four goals in Europe on Wednesday has become almost the staple diet for Carlo Ancelotti's men this season, who are the only team in the country left with a 100 percent record. Blackpool arrive with surprising confidence though - having beaten Newcastle in the north east - and they visit Stamford Bridge occupying a Champions League spot.
Key battle: Nicolas Anelka bagged a brace in midweek but he comes up against a goalkeeper in inspired form in Matthew Gilks. Newcastle peppered the Blackpool goal with no success last week, and it is likely Gilks will be called into action even more in west London.
Player to watch: Michael Essien. Already tipped to claim the PFA Player of the Year award this season, the all-action midfielder was integral to Chelsea's victory at West Ham.
Talking point: Are Chelsea really as good as their early season results suggest? Four big wins against lowly opposition could become five this weekend, but will they find it as easy when the big sides come to town?
Prediction: 3-0
Bet of the day: Salomon Kalou to score last: 7/2 with Stan James

Tottenham v Wolves
Form: Typically, Spurs have been hugely unpredictable this season, showing the kind of inconsistency that was encapsulated in 90 minutes at Werder Bremen. Largely unplayable for 45 minutes, they then conceded sloppy goals in the same manner that has cost them against Wigan and West Brom this season. Wolves lost to Fulham last week, but they beat Spurs at White Hart Lane on their previous visit.
Key battle: Gareth Bale is arguably playing as well as any left-sided player in the world right now, and Kevin Foley will have a tough job on his hands to shackle the lightening fast Welshman this weekend.
Player to watch: Rafael van der Vaart. If fit after his midweek injury, the Dutchman will look to continue an impressive start to his Tottenham career. Harry Redknapp's men lost a lot of their attacking impetus when Van der Vaart departed in Germany.
Talking point: Are Mick McCarthy's side the dirtiest in the Premier League? Fulham's fans appear to think so, but McCarthy is adamant referees are developing an agenda against his Wolves team.
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: Wolves to score first: 5/2 with Stan James

Wigan v Manchester City
Form: It speaks volumes for the disappointing nature of Manchester City's early results this season that they sit just one point above the much maligned Wigan side who conceded 10 goals in their first two matches. A victory at Spurs is warning enough that Roberto Martinez's men are a danger to City on Sunday.
Key battle: David Silva produced his best performance in a City jersey against Salzburg on Thursday, and it could well be that Roberto Mancini recalls the Spaniard to his regular starting XI this weekend. Emmerson Boyce could be the man charged with keeping Silva quiet.
Player to watch: Joe Hart. Dodgy for England in Switzerland and then guilty of a major error in the draw at home to Blackburn, the City 'keeper has some doubters to silence at the DW Stadium.
Talking point: What are City's realistic ambitions this season? Already seven points behind Chelsea, title hopes are fading fast and currently Mancini's men aren't even displaying top-four form.
Prediction: 0-1
Bet of the day: David Silva to score first: 13/2 with Stan James

Everton v Newcastle
Form: Everton's late show against Manchester United hides the fact that they remain second from bottom on two points this season, while Newcastle are dealing with their first serious signs for concern following the home defeat to Blackpool.
Key battle: Andy Carroll will be the key man for Newcastle throughout the season, and Sylvain Distin had a personal nightmare against Dimitar Berbatov last week. The winner of their battle at Goodison Park will play a significant factor in the final result.
Player to watch: Leighton Baines. Poor defensively in recent matches, the left-back showed the better part of his game when supplying the crosses for Everton's comeback against United.
Talking point: Has Alan Shearer released his heartbreak about missing out on the Newcastle job due to a desire to regain the hotseat from Chris Hughton?
Prediction: 3-2
Bet of the day: Over four goals in the match: 5/1 with Stan James

Blackburn v Fulham
Form: Having played Arsenal and Manchester City in their opening four games, Blackburn's points tally of four from a possible 12 is actually better than it looks. Fulham remain unbeaten this season, although they must make do without Bobby Zamora.
Key battle: Much will rely on Moussa Dembele in the absence of Zamora. Fulham's striker scored twice in the win over Wolves, but he is likely to have the daunting presence of Christopher Samba on his back at Ewood Park.
Player to watch: Phil Jones. Broke onto the Premier League scene as a centre back, but he is currently carving out a reputation as a towering midfield presence. Fabio Capello will surely be keeping an eye.
Talking point: Sam Allardyce has reacted to Arsene Wenger's calls for a clampdown on bad tackles, not for the first time. Do Rovers play within the rules of the game?
Prediction: 1-1
Bet of the day: Nikola Kalinic to score first: 6/1 with Stan James

Stoke v West Ham
Form: With 12 minutes remaining on Monday, this fixture looked set to be the battle of two pointless sides in the Premier League. However, Kenwyne Jones and Robert Huth secured Stoke's first win of the season against Aston Villa, and they are likely to be buoyant against bottom club West Ham.
Key battle: Once again West Ham's aerial problems were highlighted by Chelsea through two Michael Essien goals, and Kenwyne Jones is among the best in the league when it comes to attacking crosses. His battle with Matthew Upson and Tal Ben-Haim could be fascinating.
Player to watch: Jermaine Pennant came on after 65 minutes at the Britannia Stadium on Monday and instantly widened the pitch. His potential link-up with Jones could spell goals.
Talking point: How will West Ham respond in the absence of Avram Grant, who misses the game due to his religious beliefs?
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: Kenwyne Jones to score first and Stoke to win 2-1: 29/1 with Stan James

Aston Villa v Bolton
Form: Bolton suffered their first defeat of the season at Arsenal and will be without Gary Cahill at Villa Park. Aston Villa continue to show inconsistency without a manager, mixing two wins with two losses.
Key battle: Stewart Downing looked a threat throughout the first half against Stoke, eventually scoring with an excellent header, so Gretar Steinsson will not be able to bomb forward as much as he likes to.
Player to watch: Johan Elmander continues to trouble the scorers this season, and it would seem Owen Coyle is finally getting the best out of Bolton's big-money signing.
Talking point: With Gerard Houllier absent once again, can Villa cope without their new manager despite Stiliyan Petrov's claims of confusion in the ranks?
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: Bolton to win: 4/1 with Stan James

West Brom v Birmingham
Form: Following a 0-0 draw with Liverpool that Birmingham really should have won, Blues remain undefeated this season. West Brom have looked solid in their last three, beating Sunderland, losing narrowly at Liverpool and drawing 1-1 with Spurs.
Key battle: Chris Brunt is usually integral to the Baggies' better moments, and he will want to cut in from the flank if he continues on the right wing against Blues. The right-footed Liam Ridgewell could be well suited to deal with the former Sheffield Wednesday man though.
Player to watch: Craig Gardner was a constant threat to Liverpool and, after scoring twice against Blackburn, he looks in the mood to add goals to his game this season.
Talking point: Alex Hleb is expected to debut for Blues, but will he fit into Alex McLeish's style of play?
Prediction: 2-2
Bet of the day: Alex Hleb to score anytime: 7/2 with Stan James

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