The top four play each other this weekend, as we surpass the halfway point in the EPL season. A little re-shuffling in the top two from this time last year, thanks to some uninspired play from Chelsea and some great team performances from Manchester United. While Fergie relishes getting the most out of his aging players, as well as looking to the already-proven potential of some of the young ones, Jose Mourinho is stuck in a Stamford Bridge drama that looks to end in his departure in the near future.
Saturday, January 20
Liverpool v. Chelsea
7:30 am ET Setanta Sports
There was a time when I thought Chelsea were invincible in the league, albeit a bit uninteresting to watch. They are far from it now, as disappointment over key signings and general dysfunction seem to emanate from west London. For Liverpool, their record at home in the league has done much to position them in third place. However, their run of form was dealt a blow by successive defeats at Anfield to a young Arsenal squad in the League Cup and FA Cup competitions.
I'm not expecting much from the match in terms of open play, although each team has players that are capable of game-turning moments. Didier Drogba and Steven Gerrard come to mind. The most compelling thing about this match is that we see both clubs playing with questionably weak defenses.
The absence of John Terry and the corresponding performance of the Blues has legitimized his high wages, while exposing the limitations of the Chelsea spine without their skipper. It seems like ages since the Blues have sought out defensive options (like Tal Ben Haim, who will not be coming to Stamford Bridge), and the loss of William Gallas has seemed to hurt the club more than expected.
Liverpool was truly terrible in their losses to Arsenal, with Henry's cheeky move on Carragher effectively knocking the Reds out of the FA Cup competition. Their rescheduled League Cup match was just plain awful, with Arsenal bench warmer Julio Baptista torching them for four goals.
With both teams looking to appease fans (especially for Rafa Benitez), this is an opportunity to set a positive tone for the last half of the campaign, If Liverpool are anything like they've been against the others of the big four, it could be a long battle for fourth for the Reds. For Chelsea, they can look to the 1997-1998 season, where Arsenal overcame a 12 point deficit to win the double, and hope for Manchester United to fall.
Table places after Sunday:
Chelsea - best/worst: 2nd
Liverpool - best position: 3rd; worst position: 4th
Prediction: Liverpool 0 - 1 Chelsea
Sunday, January 21
Arsenal v. Manchester United
11:00 am ET Fox Soccer Channel
This is the match this weekend that I'm hoping will make up for any constipated offensive efforts from Liverpool and Chelsea. If past meetings dictate, this should be a cracking game.
Manchester United are firing on all cylinders, despite Wayne Rooney's lack of goal-scoring. Wazza's role has broadened, and with Cristiano Ronaldo streaking down the wing, service for Louis Saha, Henrik Larsson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is plenty. Paul Scholes has returned to his old self after last season's eye injury, and Ryan Giggs has done admirably well in the midfield.
It's hard to bet against Alex Ferguson's side this season, but if there is a team that can challenge them, it has to be Wenger's Arsenal squad. The first fixture of this year, at Old Trafford, did not lack excitement. Thierry Henry is back to form, and Emmanuel Adebayor is also back from injury.
Gilberto's red card at last week's match against Blackburn means the Brazilian co-captain and midfield lynchpin will be absent, so look for Mathieu Flamini to start in midfield. Kolo Toure should have his hands full with whoever Ferguson starts up front, and it will be up to a collective effort from the back four to concentrate on cleaning up some attack that Gilberto gets back to defend often. Emmanuel Eboue should provide decent attacking options from the back.
Table places after Sunday:
Manchester United - best/worst position: 1st
Arsenal - best position: 3rd; worst position: 5th
Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 3 Manchester United
Set those DVR/Tivos and enjoy
-bl
Liverpool v. Chelsea
7:30 am ET Setanta Sports
There was a time when I thought Chelsea were invincible in the league, albeit a bit uninteresting to watch. They are far from it now, as disappointment over key signings and general dysfunction seem to emanate from west London. For Liverpool, their record at home in the league has done much to position them in third place. However, their run of form was dealt a blow by successive defeats at Anfield to a young Arsenal squad in the League Cup and FA Cup competitions.
I'm not expecting much from the match in terms of open play, although each team has players that are capable of game-turning moments. Didier Drogba and Steven Gerrard come to mind. The most compelling thing about this match is that we see both clubs playing with questionably weak defenses.
The absence of John Terry and the corresponding performance of the Blues has legitimized his high wages, while exposing the limitations of the Chelsea spine without their skipper. It seems like ages since the Blues have sought out defensive options (like Tal Ben Haim, who will not be coming to Stamford Bridge), and the loss of William Gallas has seemed to hurt the club more than expected.
Liverpool was truly terrible in their losses to Arsenal, with Henry's cheeky move on Carragher effectively knocking the Reds out of the FA Cup competition. Their rescheduled League Cup match was just plain awful, with Arsenal bench warmer Julio Baptista torching them for four goals.
With both teams looking to appease fans (especially for Rafa Benitez), this is an opportunity to set a positive tone for the last half of the campaign, If Liverpool are anything like they've been against the others of the big four, it could be a long battle for fourth for the Reds. For Chelsea, they can look to the 1997-1998 season, where Arsenal overcame a 12 point deficit to win the double, and hope for Manchester United to fall.
Table places after Sunday:
Chelsea - best/worst: 2nd
Liverpool - best position: 3rd; worst position: 4th
Prediction: Liverpool 0 - 1 Chelsea
Sunday, January 21
Arsenal v. Manchester United
11:00 am ET Fox Soccer Channel
This is the match this weekend that I'm hoping will make up for any constipated offensive efforts from Liverpool and Chelsea. If past meetings dictate, this should be a cracking game.
Manchester United are firing on all cylinders, despite Wayne Rooney's lack of goal-scoring. Wazza's role has broadened, and with Cristiano Ronaldo streaking down the wing, service for Louis Saha, Henrik Larsson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is plenty. Paul Scholes has returned to his old self after last season's eye injury, and Ryan Giggs has done admirably well in the midfield.
It's hard to bet against Alex Ferguson's side this season, but if there is a team that can challenge them, it has to be Wenger's Arsenal squad. The first fixture of this year, at Old Trafford, did not lack excitement. Thierry Henry is back to form, and Emmanuel Adebayor is also back from injury.
Gilberto's red card at last week's match against Blackburn means the Brazilian co-captain and midfield lynchpin will be absent, so look for Mathieu Flamini to start in midfield. Kolo Toure should have his hands full with whoever Ferguson starts up front, and it will be up to a collective effort from the back four to concentrate on cleaning up some attack that Gilberto gets back to defend often. Emmanuel Eboue should provide decent attacking options from the back.
Table places after Sunday:
Manchester United - best/worst position: 1st
Arsenal - best position: 3rd; worst position: 5th
Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 3 Manchester United
Set those DVR/Tivos and enjoy
-bl
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