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Chelsea's examination finally arrives at Eastlands

Chelsea suffered their first competitive defeat of the season © Getty Images

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The Carling Cup may not hold the same esteem as it did in decades past, but few would have envisaged a scenario that sees Manchester City and Chelsea square off this weekend - both coming off losses. For the first time this season there is a small chink in Chelsea's armour, and Manchester United will want to capitalise on any further slip-ups at Bolton.

Elsewhere, Arsenal and Liverpool both have home games that they will be expected to win, Tottenham face a tricky trip to the league's bottom club, and there is a league bow for Gerard Houllier at Molineux.

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

Manchester City v Chelsea
Form: Until Wednesday, Chelsea seemed invincible this season, but defeat to Newcastle - even with 10 men and a weakened line-up - still raises the first question marks of the season for the Blues. Carlo Ancelotti's compatriot Roberto Mancini is in a more serious position, having won two of five league games, and he has already thrown away one chance of silverware by losing to West Brom in the Carling Cup.
Key battle: Manchester City have serious injury concerns in their defence, and their full back situation is of huge concern. Mancini has confirmed Micah Richards is out due to a hamstring problem so Pablo Zabaleta will have to fill in at right back. Dedryck Boyata may have to cover the left back void, meaning the likes of Florent Malouda can really look to expose the flanks.
Player to watch: Carlos Tevez. He tormented Chelsea last season and has the ability to lead a one-man assault on the champions.
Talking point: How will Chelsea bounce back from their first setback of the season? And how is it possible for the most expensive squad in the Premier League to be without a recognised left back for their biggest game of the season to date?
Prediction: 1-1
Bet of the day: No goals in the first half: 7/4 with Stan James

Bolton v Manchester United - Live on ESPN
Form: Having started the league campaign superbly, Bolton have not won in their past four games following the Carling Cup defeat at Burnley. United are yet to lose this season but they have not won on their travels in the league thus far.
Key battle: Paul Robinson is a no-nonsense defender who does not have time for shadowing a player with a box of tricks. His recent tackle on Abou Diaby, which left the Arsenal man injured, should act as a warning to the in-form Nani this weekend.
Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov is arguably the most in-form player in the country, and memories of his magic hat-trick against Liverpool are still fresh in the memory as United visit the Reebok.
Talking point: Is the recent criticism of Wayne Rooney deserved? The England man is a shadow of the player he was for most of last season, but is Sir Alex Ferguson right in claiming that his striker is the target of a media siege?
Prediction: 1-3
Bet of the day: Over four goals in the match: 9/2 with Stan James

Jack Wilshere was imperious against Tottenham © Getty Images

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Arsenal v West Brom
Form: Arsenal continue with their brand of free-flowing football, but they also showed hints of last season when throwing away two points on their travels at Sunderland last week. West Brom are undefeated in their last three in all competitions, and victory over Manchester City in midweek will give them confidence as they visit Emirates Stadium.
Key battle: Peter Odemwingie has given the Baggies real pace and a cutting edge to their attack, and he will need to work his socks off to provide an outlet from inevitable pressure in north London.
Player to watch: Jack Wilshere. So classy when operating in the centre at White Hart Lane, the England prospect has plenty of responsibility for ensuring Arsenal do not feel Cesc Fabregas' absence.
Talking point: How are Arsenal shaping up ahead of their forthcoming clash with Chelsea? Have they improved their title credentials from last season?
Prediction: 3-0
Bet of the day: Thomas Vermaelen to score anytime: 5/1 with Stan James

West Ham v Tottenham
Form: Tottenham remain an unpredictable outfit this season, losing to Wigan, drawing with West Brom, and then rescuing a losing situation late on against Wolves. Avram Grant's Hammers picked up their first league point of the season at Stoke, which inspired them to victory over Sunderland in the Carling Cup, so they arrive at Saturday's derby in good spirits.
Key battle: Scott Parker has driven West Ham forward single-handedly at times this season, but will his energy overwhelm Tom Huddlestone's passing ability?
Player to watch: Frederic Piquionne. Capable of the sublime as well as the ridiculous, the French striker missed an open goal against Chelsea, cracked the bar from 25 yards at Stoke, and then produced a superb finish against Sunderland.
Talking point: Are West Ham's supporters a burden to the league's bottom club? The Hammers have done their best work away from Upton Park this season, which needs to change quickly if they are to avoid relegation.
Prediction: 2-1
Bet of the day: West Ham to win 2-1: 11/1 with Stan James

Liverpool v Sunderland
Form: Liverpool are coming off their worst defeat since 1959 following the Carling Cup loss to Northampton, and their first XI are barely performing any better, winning one of five this season. Sunderland grabbed a late equaliser at home to Arsenal, which was one of three draws for the Black Cats this season.
Key battle: Ahmed Al Muhammadi did not give Arsenal a moment's peace at the Stadium of Light, and Liverpool have been horrendous at defending crosses this season. Paul Konchesky will need to improve on a poor showing at Old Trafford.
Player to watch: Raul Meireles. Showed promise against Manchester United, and Liverpool really need their new man to get the attack firing this season.
Talking point: How bad is the situation at Liverpool? Defeats to Manchester City and Manchester United are explainable, but failure to beat Sunderland at home will truly set alarm bells ringing for Roy Hodgson.
Prediction: 1-1
Bet of the day: Darren Bent to score the equaliser in a 1-1 draw: 58/1 with Stan James

Fulham v Everton
Form: If the league table was based on the lowest number of league defeats, Fulham would be in the top four this season, having won one and drawn four of their opening five games. Everton continue to reach new lows, following their home defeat to Newcastle with a penalty exit to Brentford in the Carling Cup.
Key battle: David Moyes does not know whether to keep confidence high or get tough with his Everton players, while Mark Hughes has a growing injury list robbing him of his attacking talent. The managers will need to get their team selections spot on at Craven Cottage.
Player to watch: Mikel Arteta. Everybody knows of the Spaniard's ability on a football, but he is struggling to produce his best form this season.
Talking point: Is Marouane Fellaini a danger to his opponents? The midfielder's elbows regularly find their way into the faces of his marker, but is he an innocent offender?
Prediction: 0-0
Bet of the day: No goals in the match: 8/1 with Stan James

Gerard Houllier finally took charge at Aston Villa in midweek

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Wolves v Aston Villa
Form: Wolves have not won in the league since the opening day of the season, while Aston Villa remain inconsistent. However, Gerard Houllier's presence sparked a rousing 3-1 victory over Blackburn in midweek.
Key battle: Emile Heskey's introduction on 58 minutes against Blackburn inspired a much improved performance from Villa, and the former England man played the best football of his career under Houllier, so Jody Craddock will have his work cut out on Sunday.
Player to watch: Ashley Young. The winger bagged a brace in midweek, adding to the goal he scored against Bolton, and he has the ability to win football matches almost single-handedly.
Talking point: Wolves have been hugely competitive in every match this season, but they have only picked up five points from five games. Are Mick McCarthy's men flattering to deceive?
Prediction: 1-2
Bet of the day: Emile Heskey to score first: 15/2 with Stan James

Newcastle v Stoke
Form: Chris Hughton could hardly have dreamt of a better seven days after Newcastle took all three points at Everton, before knocking Chelsea out of the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge. Tony Pulis will have been disappointed to only draw at home to West Ham, but the Potters responded well in midweek by beating Fulham.
Key battle: Andy Carroll may still have nightmares of his last outing at St James' Park after Blackpool's Matthew Gilks foiled him time and again. The towering forward will hope for better fortunes against Thomas Sorensen.
Player to watch: Hatem Ben Arfa lit up Goodison Park with one of the goals of the season. Alan Shearer may claim that nobody knew much of the Frenchman but Ben Arfa has long been touted as one of the world's brightest prospects, and he has the ability to become a real fans' favourite with the Toon Army.
Talking point: Does Shola Ameobi deserve a starting role following his match-winning display at Stamford Bridge?
Prediction: 2-2
Bet of the day: Match to finish 2-2: 16/1 with Stan James

Blackpool v Blackburn
Form: Blackpool's only two league losses of the season have come against Arsenal and Chelsea, and they will want to establish Bloomfield Road as a fortress in only their second home fixture of the league programme. Blackburn have not won since the opening day of the season.
Key battle: Charlie Adam has showed touches of class for Blackpool, and he was inspirational in the 2-0 win at Newcastle. Vince Grella is likely to be charged with the job of shackling the former Rangers man.
Player to watch: Luke Varney. Possesses the pace and direct running to unsettle the Rovers defence.
Talking point: Do Blackpool boast the necessary consistency on their home turf to mount a serious survival bid this season?
Prediction: 1-2
Bet of the day: Blackburn to lead at half time: 2/1 with Stan James

Birmingham v Wigan
Form: Alex McLeish will have been furious with the 3-1 defeat at West Brom, but his team responded with a fine first-half display against MK Dons in the Carling Cup. Wigan also enjoyed success away from the league format, but they face a tough task to penetrate Blues' exceptional home record at St Andrew's, where they have not lost for a year.
Key battle: Mohamed Diame did not have a great time in Wigan's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, so he will need to improve in order to keep Alexander Hleb quiet should McLeish start the former Barcelona man.
Player to watch: Jean Beausejour was exceptional in midweek, creating the first two goals, and the Chile international is an exciting talent down the right flank.
Talking point: Does Alex McLeish get the recognition he deserves for making Birmingham unbeatable at home? Is he a potential long-term replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United?
Prediction: 2-0
Bet of the day: Cameron Jerome to score first in a 2-0 win: 27/1 with Stan James

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