English Premier League Preview: Matchday 2 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

The second full weekend of matches in the new English Premier League season is already quickly approaching.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal were all held to disappointing draws by Sunderland, Stoke City and Newcastle United. Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City got a not so warm welcome to the EPL, while Norwich City held their own against Wigan, showing their intent to fight for the 17th spot this season to stay up.

Manchester United have suffered an injury crisis for the time being as both of their star center-half's went down in the second half of their season opener against West Bromwich Albion. Sir Alex is expected to name his two young stars in the squad and their time to prove their worth may be coming sooner than believed.

Arsenal have a lot of questions to answer and they now have at least part of the cash required to give their fans and followers something. The sale of Cesc Fabregas has been a heated topic, but honestly, now that he has left it should allow many to just breath a sigh of relief and move on.

With so much drama already unfolding in the league I cannot wait to see what all happens this coming weekend.

So here we go with this weeks English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday Two of 2011-12.

The Lead Up:

Almost always a crowd pleaser, this years Tynewear Derby series kicks off at the Stadium of Light. There are probably more new faces this season to the Derby than in many years past, and it could prove to either intensify the opening round of the rivalry or dampen it.

Sunderland got off to a great start thanks to new boy Sebastian Larsson pulling one back against Liverpool with a superb volley to earn the Black Cats a point in front of the Kop for the second straight season. John O'Shea should also be returned from injury to make his debut at home.

Newcastle held off Arsenal and drew the Gunners for a second consecutive game between the two following last seasons 4-4 display of just why this league is so great.

Match Prediction:

A hard fought battle, but the Black Cats are the stronger side at the moment and I see them taking a 2-1 victory at home.

Predicted Lineups:

Sunderland Starting XI: Simon Mignolet; Phillip Bardsly, Wes Brown, Anton Ferdinand, Kieran Richardson; Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole, John O'Shea, Ahmed Elmohamady; Asamoah Gyan, Stephane Sessegnon.

Newcastle Starting XI: Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Ryan Taylor; Jonás Gutiérrez, Joey Barton, Yohan Cabaye, Ismael Cheik Tioté, Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba.

Players to Watch: Sebastian Larsson made a splash in his debut and he is the Black Cat to watch.

The Lead Up:

Liverpool have to be disappointed by not taking a win in their home opener. Luis Suarez could have sealed an early lead thanks to a Kieran Richardson mistake. However, the Uruguayan was a bit over-anxious and skied his penalty effort.

He made amends only seven minutes later thanks to a beautiful setup from Charlie Adam, but it would prove all they could muster despite some great chances that fell to Andy Carroll, but were found wanting.

Arsenal will also feel that slump after failing to take even a goal back to the Emirates after a goalless draw against Newcastle.

Match Prediction: Liverpool have a chance to take away all three at the Emirates, 2-1 Reds.

Predicted Lineups:

Arsenal Starting XI: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscinely, Bacary Sagna; Emmanuel Frimpong, Tomas Rosicky, Aaron Ramsey; Theo Walcott, Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin

Liverpool Starting XI: Pepe Reina; Glen Johnson, Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel, Jose Enrique; Dirk Kuyt, Charlie Adam, Lucas Leiva, Stewart Downing; Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez.

Players to Watch: Robin Van Persie became the next Gunners captain this week, and I expect him to up his game. Luis Suarez proved why the Reds fans are becoming so endearing to him, and he will rise to the occasion once again.



The Lead Up:

Ryan Nelson and Chris Samba are both set to return to action for Blackburn as they go to battle against Aston Villa after suffering a loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a rematch of their final game last season.

Blackburn showed signs of life, but not enough to overcome a determined Wolves side. Nevertheless, their new players that got on the pitch seemed to have had positive debuts with Mauro Formica scoring the clubs only goal in his first match.

Aston Villa slumped to an opening day draw against Fulham thanks to several missed chances for the Cottagers. The lack of quality in attack since the departures of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing is apparent, and they will have to do better to avoid another scoreless game this week.

Match Prediction: Aston Villa finally get some creativity going, but the return of Samba and Nelson gives Rovers a boost. 2-2 Draw at Villa Park.

Predicted Lineups:

Aston Villa Starting XI: Shay Given; Luke Young, James Collins, Richard Dunne, Stephen Warnock; Fabien Delph, Stiliyan Petrov, Charles N'Zogbia; Emile Heskey, Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Blackburn Rovers Starting XI: Paul Robinson; Michel Salgado, Ryan Nelson, Chris Samba, Martin Olsson; Morten Gamst Pederson, David Dunn, Brett Emerton, David Hoilett; Jason Roberts, Mauro Formica.

Players to Watch: Mauro Formica looked good on his debut with Rovers, and should continue his form. Darren Bent and Charles N'Zogbia both must impress to justify their existence.

The Lead Up:

Everton did not play this past weekend as their match was postponed due to rioters in North London. They will benefit from an extra week of conditioning and preparation as they take on a Queens Park Rangers side that was pummeled in their English Premier League debut.

Bolton Wanderers took it to the Hoops with a 4-0 decimation that will leave many feeling that QPR are not as good as many may have thought.

David Moyes is sure to give them as tough of a test or more so when Neil Warnock takes his squad north to Goodison Park.

Match Prediction: Everton open their season at Goodison with a 3-0 romp over the London boys.

Predicted Lineups:

Everton Starting XI: Tim Howard; Tony Hibbert, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines; Marouane Fellaini, Jack Rodwell; Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill, Leon Osman; Jermaine Beckford.

QPR Starting XI: Radek Cerny; Bradley Orr, Clint Hill, Fritz Hall, Daniel Gabbidon; Alejandro Damian Faurlin, Adel Taarabt, Shaun Derry, Tommy Smith; DJ Campbell, Jay Bothroyd.

Players to Watch: Adel Taarabt is still the most talented player for QPR, while Tim Cahill and Jermaine Beckford look to be the Toffees main goal threats.

The Lead Up:

Norwich City earned a draw in their opening match of their EPL return thanks to an equalizing goal from Wesley Hoolahan against Wigan. The Latics will be one of the teams that the Canaries will be hoping to knock down to the Championship this season. A point on opening day should be viewed as a success for them.

Stoke City frustrated Chelsea to the bitter end at the Britannia, and they will travel to Norwich hoping to take their first win of the campaign back home. Their stout defense should allow them to pick away at the newly-promoted side.

However, an opening day draw may have given Norwich enough confidence to take the game to Stoke more than expected, and it is true that you can never underestimate a newly-promoted side.

Match Prediction: Norwich fight hard, but cannot get the breakthrough they need in the end, and Stoke edge out a 2-1 victory away.

Predicted Lineups:

Norwich Starting XI: John Ruddy: Zak Whitbread, David Fox, Marc Tierney, Ritchie De Laet; Russell Martin, Andrew Crofts, Wesley Hoolahan, Andrew Surman, Steve Morison; Grant Holt.

Stoke Starting XI: Thomas Sorensen; Ryan Shawcross, Jonathan Woodgate, Robert Huth, Marc Wilson; Jermaine Pennant, Rory Delap, Glenn Whelan, Matthew Etherington; Jonathan Walters, Kenwyne Jones.

Players to Watch: Jermaine Pennant and Rory Delap's service will be key to the match, and Grant Holt will be itching to open his account at home.

The Lead Up:

Swansea took a beating from Manchester City in their first ever Premier League match when they limped away the 4-0 losers at Etihad Stadium. They were brought into the league the hard way just as Queens Park Rangers did against Bolton. Luckily for Swansea, it could have been worse.

Wigan were dealt out a blow on their opening day too when they failed to impress against returning original EPL club Norwich City, and only earned a draw in the end thanks to Ben Watson.

Both teams are set to be in the relegation fight, and both will be hoping to rebound with a positive result.

Match Prediction: Swansea make a stand at home at inch out a draw 1-1 against an uninspired Wigan attack.

Predicted Lineups:

Swansea City Starting XI: Michel Vorm; Neil Taylor, Steven Caulker, Garry Monk, Angel Rangel; Ashley Richards, Leon Britton, Wayne Routledge, Joe Allen; Danny Graham, Scott Sinclair.

Wigan Athletic Starting XI: Ali Al Habsi; Maynor Figueroa, Antolín Alcaraz, Gary Caldwell, Emmerson Boyce; James McCarthy, Ben Watson, Mohamed Diame, Jordi Gomez; Victor Moses, Hugo Rodallega.

Players to Watch: Hugo Rodallega is the brightest attacking option for the Latics if he gets the nod, while Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair will hope to make a better impression on their home fans.

The Lead Up:

Stephen Ward and Steven Fletcher helped to ensure that Wolverhampton got their revenge on Blackburn Rovers at the start of this season as they reversed last seasons final day loss with a 2-1 victory at Ewood Park.

Fulham missed three prime chances to take the match against Aston Villa, but for the most part, the fans were watching riverboats about as much as they were the game.

Martin Jol will hope to see his team rebound with a positive display at Molineux as the Cottagers have already shown promise under their new Dutch Manager.

Match Prediction: Fulham find their feet and take a tough attack to Wolves, earning a 3-2 victory.

Predicted Lineups:

Wolverhampton Starting XI: Wayne Hennessey; Stephen Ward, Christophe Berra, Roger Johnson, Richard Stearman; Matt Jarvis, Jamie O'Hara, Karl Henry, Stephen Hunt; Kevin Doyle, Steven Fletcher.

Fulham Starting XI: Mark Schwarzer; Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland, Philippe Senderos, John Arne Riise; Damien Duff, Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu, Clint Dempsey; Bobby Zamora, Andrew Johnson.

Players to Watch: Clint Dempsey was the Cottagers life blood last season, while Steven Fletcher is already finding his goal-scoring feet.

The Lead Up:

New Chelsea Manager Andre Villas-Boas got a taste of a true away crowd when he took his team to the Britannia to face Stoke City. The Blues failed to score and win their opening match for the first time in five seasons, and their 0-0 result was a far cry from last years 6-0 romp over West Bromwich on opening day 2010-11.

Now comes their chance, though, as the Baggies come to town this week and the Blues should be out for blood. However, Roy Hodgson will think otherwise as his tightened-up ship became a middle table club last year, and will be looking for another good game after narrowly missing a draw against Manchester United last weekend.

Match Prediction: West Brom fail to hold off Chelsea, and the Blues get their first victory of the campaign 3-1.

Predicted Lineups:

Chelsea Starting XI: Petr Cech; Jose Bosingwa, John Terry, David Luiz, Ashley Cole; Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Ramires, Salomon Kalou; Fernando Torres.

West Brom Starting XI: Ben Foster; Jonas Olsson, Nicky Shorey, Gabriel Tamas, Steven Reid; Youssuf Mulumbu, Paul Scharner,James Morrison, Chris Brunt, Somen Tchoyi; Peter Odemwingie.

Players to Watch: Look for Torres to open his account for the Blues, while Peter Odemwingie nets the lone goal for the Baggies.

The Lead Up:

The joint table toppers on goal differential will get to settle their differences rather quickly as Manchester City take a road trip to Reebok Stadium to face off against Bolton Wanderers. The Trotters and the Citizens both completed 4-0 batterings of newly-promoted clubs.

Owen Coyle will hope to get a fair result as the title chasing big money Manchester club comes to town, while Roberto Mancini will be looking for Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero to light up the opposition.

After Aguero scored a brace in his debut cameo, it will be interesting to see him play a full 90 minutes as he should get the go ahead to start his first full-length match.

Match Prediction: Bolton's defense holds for a while but cannot keep back the constant attack. City run out 3-1 winners

Predicted Lineups:

Bolton Starting XI: Jussi Jaaskelainen; Zat Knight, Gary Cahill, Paul Robinson, Gretar Rafn Steinsson; Nigel Reo-Coker, Martin Petrov, Fabrice Muamba, Chris Eagles; Kevin Davies, Ivan Klasnic.

Manchester City Starting XI: Joe Hart; Vincent Kompany, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Gaël Clichy; David Silva, Yaya Toure, Nigel De Jong, Adam Johnson; Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko.

Players to Watch: Sergio Aquero and Edin Dzeko are both in fine firing form to start the season.

The Lead Up:

United continued to keep ahead of the opposition with an Opening Day victory at the Hawthorns over West Bromwich Albion. However, their defense took another blow as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic join both Patrice Evra and Rafael da Silva on the sidelines.

With the entire first string United defense ruled out, look for Chris Smalling to deputize on the right with Phil Jones and Jonathan Evans in the middle while Fabio takes up the left side. It will be a great test of the United youth at the back, and will prove how well they are progressing.

Tottenham did not play last week because of social unrest in London, and they will hope for a positive start to their campaign. A trip to Old Trafford is no way to start a season, but they will be happy to face a make-shift defense.

Spurs lack of additional signings could hurt them as there has been no injection of new life into the team except for an aging keeper in Brad Friedel.

Match Prediction: United make due with the youngsters at the back, and continue their winning ways 3-2 at home.

Predicted Lineups:

Manchester United Starting XI: David De Gea; Chris Smalling, Jonathan Evans, Phil Jones, Fabio; Ashley Young, Tom Cleverly, Anderson, Nani; Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney. 

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI: Brad Friedel; Alan Hutton, Michael Dawson, Ledley king, Benoit Assou-Ekotto; Aaron Lennon, Luka Modric, Rafael Van Der Vaart, Gareth Bale; Roman Pavlyuchenko, Peter Crouch.

Players to Watch: Nani and Ashley Young have been the main focal points so far this season, and Luka Modric will be the creative force along with Rafael Van Der Vaart for Spurs.

The second week of the 2011-12 Barclay's Premier League season looks to be another great one as there are more great matchups this week.

Matches of the Week:

Arsenal vs. Liverpool / Manchester United vs. Tottenham

It will be a hard fought test for all four of these clubs in their games this week, and I look to see Liverpool and Manchester United get the better of their opponents to keep moving up the table.

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