EPL WEEK 2 -PREVIEW

The second round of matches in the English premiership kick-off today with a lot of expectations from fans of various teams. Thank God the riots are over.All 10 EPL games are going to kick-off barring any unforeseen circumstance(s). We have to wait a little bit longer for the comeback of Hatem Ben Arfa who is still sadly nursing a fresh ankle injury..We wish him a speedy recovery. The weekend starts with

SUNDERLAND -NEWCASTLE (STADIUM OF LIGHT)

this match is up there with the match of the round alongside the Arsenal -Liverpool  and the Manchester United - Tot'nam Hotspur ties. It is the match that will kick start the weekend. It kicks off at mid-day with a lot of anticipation from both sides. It is the Tyne-Wear derby and both managers will want to take it seriously especially Bruce, who suffered a 5-1 mauling last season at St Jamess' Park. Alan Pardew can call on the services of summer signing Sylvain Marveaux who has been passed fit after coming through a practice match unscathed.

Steve Bruce will be pleased if he can get O'shea into the squad as he is presently not fully fit.. It will be a last minute decision on whether or not to field him in the crunch game. Asamoah Gyan is in contention for a place in the squad after shaking off a knock he got last week at Anfield. Both managers have near full strength squads to pick from and will face this important game squarely. For them, not only three points is at stake but the bragging rights of Tyneside until at least the return leg at Newcastle later in the season.

ARSENAL -LIVERPOOL (EMIRATES STADIUM)

Arsenal have been hit by injuries, suspensions and departures since their last game against Newcastle. Captain, Cesc Fabregas left for Barcelona and Emmanuel Eboue ended his 6 year stay with the gunners by signing for Galatasaray. Rosicky(precautionary), Gibbs, Djourou, Wishere, Duaby all have injuries, although some are minor, but they would not feature against King Kenny's Liverpool. Gervinho and Alex song start their bans today. Asia's Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryo Miyachi might be given a place in the starting line-up, Samir Nasri who is closing in on a deal with Manchester City,will also start the game. Carl Jenkinson  the versatile defender purchased from Charlton in the summer, is expected to fill in at left back. It is also an important day in the life of Robin Van Persie, otherwise known as RVP, who was appointed Arsenal's new skipper in place of the departed Fabregas.He skippers the team for the first time later today and he will want to start off on a winning note. Arsene has also secured the signing of talented Costa Rican striker, Joel Campbell.

For Liverpool, England right back, Glenn Johnson is not available once again, so flamagan or martin kelly will once again deputize at right back. Steven Gerrard is not available until September. Otherwise Kenny has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Both teams will be looking for a good performance and three points to kick start their season after picking up one point each in their previous games. Arsenal will want to prove that they can cope without Cesc and the imminent departure of Nasri, but they have a very depleted squad with more than 6 first team players unavailable for selection. It promises to be an interesting game.

ASTON VILLA-BLACKBURN (VILLA PARK)

After picking up a point at the Cottage last wekend, Villa will hope to start off their campaign at home with a win over Lancashire visitors, Blckburn Rovers. Summer signings, Shay Given (who has shaken off a groin strain) and Charles N'zogbia will be making their home debuts. McLeish will keep faith in his 3 pronged attack of gabby agbonlahor (who has gone into oblivion of late), emile heskey and darren bent with charles just behind them .

Steve Kean is licking his lips at the prospect of fielding his center back pairing of samba and nelsen after both recovered from injuries a few days ago.. It was a bad day in the office for Kean last weekend when the boys lost at home to Micky's Wolves. They hope to rebound from that to try and claim Villa's scalp right in their own home.

EVERTON -QPR (GOODISON PARK)
The toffees had their game v Spurs called off last weekend because of the London riots. It might be a bonus for them to start their season in front of their fans who are not the happiest at the moment. This is as a result of Everton's inactivity in the market and Chairman, Bill Kenwright has been highly criticized. All in all, the core of the team still remain. .......asides the unfortunate injury of England u-21 international, seamus coleman, everton have a full squad to pick from with the added bonus of returning injury prone frenchman, luis saha. David Moyes will want to prove that he can still achieve great things even with the small squad he has at his disposal.

Queen's Park Rangers have had mixed fortunes in the past few days. They lost their first game at home to Bolton by 4 unreplied goals in a performance that wasn't that bad. On a happier and motivating note, mega rich Malaysian Business Tycoon , Tony Fernandes completed his takeover of QPR two days ago, buying off 66% of shares from Formula one top dog, Bernie Ecclestone. The new QPR holdings chairman has also promised to assist manager, Neil Warnock with funds to acquire players. QPR will want to give a good accunt of themselves when they face the evertonians and Neil will be hoping that his new strike partnership of DJ Campbell and J. Bothroyd will deliver the goods.

SWANSEA -WIGAN (LIBERTY STADIUM)

Roberto Martinez returns to his former home  to play the swans in what pormises to be a thrilling encounter. Roberto left under acrimonious circumstances and the fans are still not happy with him. Well, he is not coming to plead with them though, rather to inflict more pain on them as the boys from DW come to town.

Swansea manager  Brendan Rodgers was very happy with his team's performance at the Etihad Stadium five days ago despite being torn apart by 4 goals to nothing. He will be hoping for a rapid response when they face the latics later today. Hugo Rodallega should be fit enough to start the match as Martinez intends to build a successful strike partnership of Moses and Hugo.

CHELSEA- WES BROMWICH ALBION ( STANFORD BRIDGE)

Even though it is still early days, Chelsea will be looking to improve on their position of 11th in the EPL standings when they host the baggies in a Saturday evening kick-off. AVB is without Peter Cech who suffered a long term injury in training. But he has been busy in the transfer market with the acquisition of Belgian teenager, Romelu Lukaku who arrived from Anderlecht.....if newspaper reports are to be believed, they are also close to wrapping up a deal for Valencia playmaker, Juan Mata. Even if he is signed today, he most certainly will not feature against Roy Hodgson's men.

Wes Brom were boosted two days ago with the news that star striker, Peter Odemwingie has signed a three year contract. His partnership with irish predator, Shane Long will be deadly if they find their rhythm early.
The game will surely be exciting.

NORWICH - STOKE (CARROW ROAD)

Paul Lmabert will be hoping to grab his first ever premiership win as a manger when he welcomes Tony's potters to Carrow Road for their first home game of the EPL season. Lmabert will be without centre back, Zat Whitbread for the match, so that means there is a possibility that new signing, Daniel Ayala might feature. Ritchie de Laet will be looking to banish the memory of last weekend when his lapse in concentration allowed Di Santo of wigan to steal the ball away from him and eventually win a p.k. Wesley Hoolahan who has scored Norwich's only EPL goal on their return, will be hoping to continue from where he stopped last weekend.

For stoke, they will be looking to transfer their good form in the Europa League to the domestic scene especially after a dull stalemate v Chelsea last Sunday. They will look to welcome Jonathan Woodgate who was rested for the mid week gamer. matt Etherington is still out with a dislocated arm.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS - FULHAM (MOLINEUX)

Mick McCarthy was extremely happy with his side's 2-1 win over Blackburn on the opening day and will hope his side builds up on the result against Fulham at home on Sunday. He may stick with the side that defeated the blue and whites and hope for a good outcome.

Martin Jol is undefeated as Fulham manager. the season started in July for the west Londoners and they have a slight edge over most premiership teams because of the number of competitive games they have under their belt, Jol bid 7.5 million pounds for Twente's Brian Ruiz during the week, but it was deemed too low by the Dutch club. He has no shortage of attacking options though. The likes of in -form Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora and A.j are in the squad, while new signing John Arne Riise will fill in at left back as Carlos Salcido has sealed a loan move to Tigres of Mexico. Jol will be looking to pick up at least a point to consolidate his unbeaten run.

BOLTON WANDERERS - MANCHESTER CITY (REEBOK STADIUM)

The trotters are fresh from a comprehensive 4-0 whitewash of QPR in their first game of the season, building on a great pre-season where the likes of Ivan Klasnic shone brilliantly, will be looking to continue in their rich vein of form against the billionaires of Manchester City. Owen Coyle lost lee and Mears to long term injuries, but has acted fast, bringing in experienced Turk, Tuncay from Wolfsburg on a season long loan. He is expected to start with the same side that put four past paddy kenny on Sunday when they entertain Mancini's superstars.

Coincidentally, the citizens also blasted four past hapless Swansea on Monday and will look to continue in that regard against Bolton. Carlos Tevez, who wants out of Manchester City, is in contention for a place in the starting line-up. Record signing, Sergio 'kun' Aguero is also in the frame after lighting up the league with a 31 minute, 2 goal salvo five days ago. City are also almost done with the transfer of Arsenal's samir Nasri, but with the deal still on and him expecting to start against Liverpool today, his inclusion in Mancini's immediate plans is totally out of the equation.
It will be a feisty match up between 1st and 2nd in the EPL table.

MANCHESTER UNITED -TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (OLD TRAFFORD)

Last season, the red devils had an almost perfect record at home in the league, winning 18 and drawing one. that equalled Mourinho's record in the 04-05 season. In fact, it was their home form that led them to their 19th English League title, putting them ahead of arch enemies, Liverpool. Fergie was glad because when he came to the club 25 years ago, he made it categorically clear that his intention was to knock Liverpool of their perch, although they still lead Man Utd in terms of European Trophies won (5 to 3).  Fergie's boys began their season with a 2-1 win over wes brom at the Hawthorns and will look to add spurs to the list of defeated teams this season when the north Londoners come visiting on Monday. Man Utd will be without central defensive paring, vidic and rio....jones and evans will deputize for them, while we welcome evra from his lay off last weekend.

Tottenham is buzzing at the moment. Fresh from a victorious journey to Scotland in midweek where they trounced Hearts 5-0 in a Europa League match, they will hope to overturn their dismal record at the Theatre of  dreams where they last won in 1989 (BBC MATCH OF THE DAY pundit, Gary Lineker scored the only goal 22 years ago). They have the players to hurt any team-VDV, Defoe, Bale, Lennon and co have what it takes to do damage when they are in full flow.....not forgetting Luka Modric, who is still on Chelsea's radar.
Fergie will be lying if he says it will be an easy match, because Spurs have rejuvenated under Harry Redknapp and have set sights on qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Another cracker.

Ohis Eboreime
follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990

EL GRANDE CLASICO PART 2------------- REVIEW

After the 1st Leg of the Spanish Super Cup which also doubled as the part 1 of the Clasico for the 2011-2012 season, the stage was set for a thrilling 2nd leg affair at the Camp Nou. Barcelona's pre-match preparations was boosted by the news that Cesc Fabregas has finally joined the ranks after a protracted transfer saga that finally came to a happy end for the Spanish club and the former Arsenal captain.

Barcelona had a different line-up from the one which started the 1st leg at the Bernabeu. Xavi, Pedro and Pique came into the side in place of Adriano, Thiago A, and Alexis who would have started but for a slight injury he picked up in the warm up. New signing, Fabregas was on the bench. Mourinho decided to bring in Coentrao fro Marcelo at left back. That was the only alteration to the team that drew 2-2 three days prior.

Just as 3 days ago, the match began with RealM putting pressure on the Blaugrana defence with Pique uncharacteristically playing the ball to the opponents.. Ronaldo had 3 shots in the opening minutes of the encounter, but none went past Valdes....game still remained 0-0.  But games don't remain scoreless for long especially when you have the 'colossal' Lionel Messi in your team and predictably, it was his brilliance that carved the first real opening of the gripping match.....he found the ball in the midfield, shrugged off Khedira, moved the ball forward and then passed an incredible through ball to Iniesta with Carvalho and Pepe looking in awe......Iniesta duly chipped the ball over the onrushing Iker Casillas and into the net to give Barca a 1-0 lead on the night, and 3-2 on agg.

Madrid got the equalizer against the run of play when a corner was half cleared and Ronaldo diverted a hopeful cross into the Barcelona net to draw his team level on the night and on agg. There was some controversy as to who scored the goal, but in the end, it was credited to Ronaldo.

Barcelona were unruffled and continued to play the waiting game despite RealM's resistance. Their patience however paid off on the stroke of half time after a corner wasn't cleared to safety and pique's stylish backheeled pass found MESSI who did the rest by sending Casillas the wrong way to restore Barca's advantage both on the night and overall 2-1,4-3 #Barcelona. Half time scores.

As the 2nd goal half began, Mourinho tinkered and made a change, sending Marcelo, who was surprisingly dropped for coentrao, in to replace defensive midfielder, Sami khedira. coentrao took sami's position with marcelo playing left wing back. Madrid pressed and pressed, but the equalizing goal still eluded them. There were some rash challenges, but none like the ones that caused a lot of worry last season. Mourinho introduced Kaka and Higuain to help the attack and it paid off 8 minutes from the end, when a kaka corner was not cleared properly again and to the disbelief of the catalans, Benzema made no mistake from 3 yards to poke the ball past Valdes...2-2,4-4 on agg.. Cesc Fabregas who had just come on, had a hand in the winner three minutes from the end, when his combination with adriano, culminated with the brazilian sending a beautifully lofted low shot which unfortunately for 'the whites', fell into the path of the impeccable messi, who made no mistake scoring the winner and his 13th clasico goal,leaving him just 3 behind the Legendary Raul and 5 behind the great DI STEFANO as the highest goal scorers in el clasico duels. Iker must be tired of seeing the pint-sized argentine wizard, but it is rather unlucky that he will continue bear the brunt for years to come. Game over 3-2 on the night 5-4 on agg.

The game was all but over now for Mourinho's men as they had fallen again at the hands of Barcelona. What happened next shook the entire football world.........a criminal tackle by Marcelo on Fabregas was immediately punished by referee, David Fernandez, who showed the young brazilian a straight red. There and then , both teams went berserk, confronting each other as if they were in some kind of zoo or forest. Villa, who up till that moment was never really a controversial lad, apparently abused Ozil's religion (Islam). the german star was displeased and attempted severally to challenge the all time highest goal scorer in Spanish Football history (National team), but was restrained by players and staff of both teams...the ref was not particularly happy with their behaviour and he sent them off too... by sending off three players, a new record was set...It was the very first time in the 109 year history of el clasico matches that 3 players were sent off in one game. The fracas did not end there...Mourinho couldn't be left out of the whole mess could he???? During the fall-out, he    decided it was time to play some childish games and then pulled the ear of the assistant manager of Barca, Francesc Vilanova-------popularly known as Tito or Tito Vilanova. Tito was furious and acted in self defence, pushing the Madrid manager too. This was the height of dishonour for the beautiful game and shamefully, Mourinho was part of it. Kaka once again showed his elegance and humility by distancing himself from the whole embarrassment.

Despite the whole debacle, Barcelona went on to celebrate their hard earned victory over Madrid.....but yet another clasico ended in bad blood.

Ohireime Eboreime
follow me on twitter @ohiskaka1990