Teammates now!

I am back with a fresh post for Gameweek 26.  Please note that there were a couple of changes since my Monday posting, including Fox switching the delayed Spurs & Villa matches, and ESPN2 adding the Sunderland-Stoke Saturday morning match.

I’m feeling pretty pleased with my 4-star choice from Gameweek 25, as Sunderland and Chelsea really had a spectacular match.  But this Sunday’s obvious 4-star match may be one of the most-watched ever, with Torres & Luiz scheduled to face Liverpool from the Bridge.  What a great way to start Super Sunday, and you can even see the 4th meeting this season of West Ham and Birmingham to start your morning.

****:  Must-see.  Cancel all other activities.  Do not even DVR as even in America you might hear the score!
***
:  Strong match; worth watching live; DVR a must if you can’t see live
**:   Flip through quickly to see the goals, red cards, injuries, and perhaps watch the last 5 minutes + injury time if close
*:    Only if you’re a die-hard

Matches shown in chronological order:

Saturday, February 5 (all times EST)

** Stoke v Sunderland, 7:45 am, ESPN2/ESPND & ESPN3.com [Probert]

** Man City v West Brom, 10 am, FS+ & foxsoccer.tv [Atkinson]
City just not good enough this year to contend, but they’ll be thrilled to hold on to a Champions League spot.

*** Newcastle v Arsenal, 10 am, FSC/FD [Dowd]
Newcastle went down and won at the Emirates, nil-1.  They’ve lost their top striker, so you’d fancy the Gunners to get the revenge win.

** Everton v Blackpool, 10 am, foxsoccer.tv & 4 pm (delayed), FS+ [Friend]

*** Aston Villa v Fulham, 10 am, foxsoccer.tv & 5 pm (delayed), FSC/FD[Mason]
I took a star away from Everton-‘Pool and gave it to Villa-Fulham.  Fox clearly agrees with me as they switched this match to “the Channel” from the less-viewed FS+.  Fulham look like they’re finally making the Cottage a tough place to visit again, like in years past.  Can they do as well on the road?  I hope we can see Dempsey v Bradley in this one!

*** Tottenham v Bolton, 10 am, foxsoccer.tv & 6 pm (delayed), FS+ [Spurs’ favorite: Clattenburg]

* Wigan v Blackburn, 10 am, foxsoccer.tv only [Dean]

*** Wolverhampton v Man Utd, 12:30 pm, FSC/FD [Oliver]

Sunday, February 6

** West Ham v Birmingham, 8:30 am, FS+ & foxsoccer.tv [Foy]
Well, some of us knew David Bentley could play, and he showed it with a terrific effort Wednesday night home to City.  Terrible penalty conceded by Vieira; not the makings of a championship side.  The Hammers finally looked terrific, scoring 3 goals, including one from Keane on his debut.  This is an important match for both sides.

**** Chelsea v Liverpool, 11 am, FSC/FD [Marriner]
Pretty big match for Mr. Marriner; Carragher apparently has some unfinished business with Sr. Torres.  Suarez did not score emphatically but the ball ended up in the back of the net on his first breakaway for Kenny.    This one should be fun!