Only 4 games into the new season and the first major crunch point is just around the corner. Reigning champions Chelsea face off against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, while Manchester United entertain Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Chelsea v Liverpool ? 1330 British Standard Time
Jose and Rafa will have to put their hand-shaking feud behind them when they kick off Sunday, at 1330. Rafael Benitez will be looking to get a good result against a star studded Chelsea team, after losing to them twice in the league last season.

Jose Mourinho is also out for revenge having suffered defeat in the Community Shield and FA Cup finals, losing 2-1 on both occasions. Joe Cole is still out for the blues after he renewed his knee injury in the Champions League game versus Werder Bremen. On the other hand Arjen Robben returns to the squad following his calf injury.

Liverpool?s John Arne Riise being out injured is the only definite thing about the line-up. Benitez has different options all over the pitch especially his front men with such strikers as Kuyt, Crouch, Bellamy or Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.

Expect a feisty game, Chelsea?s exceptional home form under Mourinho should give them the edge, but with Liverpool you never know.


Manchester United v Arsenal ? 1600 British Standard Time
Sure to be an absolute cracker of a game with Arsenal looking to undo their worst start to a season and United looking to built on their best.

Ars?ne Wenger will have his Gunners fired up as they hope to make this game a turning point on their poor start. However, they will probably have to do so without influential captain Thierry Henry who is trying to recover from a foot injury. To make matters worse for the Gunners, Robin van Persie is another major doubt with a hip problem.

Things look brighter for The Reds as the controversial Cristiano Ronaldo returns to squad after missing the midweek clash with Celtic following suspension. Nemanja Vidic and Alan Smith are both available after recovering from injuries. Wayne Rooney also makes a return to the premiership following his three match ban. Although all this comes after United were struck with injuries to Park Ji-Sung ? estimated three months, and on form Ryan Giggs ? estimated three weeks.

Previous matches between these two historic clubs have always been exciting encounters and I predict this one to be no different. I think the run of form and the home advantage will take United to victory, although expect goals, especially from on fire striker Lois Saha.

Bring on Sunday!

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 16th, 2006 at 10:00 am and is filed under Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. Both comments and pings are currently closed.